THE MOVIE PAGES presents ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNK: THE SQUEAKQUEL ALVINsqueakquel.htm

What Do The Critics Say?

"There's a lot of parents that will roll their eyes at this movie. However, it is very cute if you can get in the spirit of the movie, and kids are going to love it."
Kevin Carr 7M MOVIES
"Harmless, diverting and forgivably silly fun that will delight kids while keeping adults awake and, for the most part, amused."
Avi Offer NYC MOVIE GURU
"Kids will love this movie and as history teaches they love the chipmunks. It's fast-paced, has plenty of music, a really funny fart joke and a happy-ending life lesson."
Gary Wolcott TRICITY HERALD
"Being aimed at children isn't a valid excuse for a movie to be simple-minded and illogical. You know that, right?"
Eric D. Snider FILM.COM
"An oddly entertaining, if mindless, way to spend an hour and a half on a Saturday morning with a seven-year-old."
Jane Stevenson JAM! MOVIES
"A frenetic but undeniably funny follow-up that offers twice the number of singing-and-dancing rodents in another seamless blend of CGI and live-action elements."
Joe Leydon VARIETY

"The world’s most irritatingly high-pitched rodents are back and noisier than ever, in this lobotomised rip-off of the High School Musical franchise.
Christopher Tookey UK DAILY MAIL
"Even if there's little here for older viewers to enjoy, youngsters will love the slapstick action and catchy soundtrack."
Sue Robinson RADIO TIMES
"Every time an adult ended up in traction or broke wind, the three-year-olds in the audience were freshly ecstatic."
Liam Lacey GLOBE AND MAIL
"One that will keep little moviegoers happy without driving their parents too squirrelly."
Linda Barnard TORONTO STAR
"Its young target audience will find this latest Chipmunks iteration entertaining."
Pam Grady BOXOFFICE MAGAZINE
"It's not all quite as absurdly endearing as the first film was, but it's still pretty darn cute, and almost entirely inoffensive, certainly as kids' movies go."
MaryAnn Johanson FLICK FILOSOPHER

The Inside Story In 1958, Ross Bagdasarian, Sr was a down on his luck musician/songwriter with a family to feed. He was signed with Liberty Records, a struggling label desperate for a hit. In the spirit of a true artist, Bagdasarian Sr was a risk taker. He cleaned out the family’s savings account and bought a state of the art tape recorder, then he sat down and tried to figure out what he would do with it. Looking around his desk, he saw a copy of a book called "Duel with the Witch Doctor". That was his inspiration for the number one hit song "Witch Doctor", an instant smash that everyone knows by its nonsensical refrain: "Oo ee oo ah ah ting tang wal-la wal-la bing bang." Bagdasarian employed a simple technique for the voice of the Witch Doctor. He slowed the tape recording speed down and recorded the lyrics in a slow, low voice, then played it back at regular speed. This technique would come to define the unique voices of Alvin, Simon and Theodore. As "Witch Doctor" surpassed the million selling copy demarcation, Liberty Records found themselves flush with cash. But the money wasn’t enough to save the abel indefinitely and Liberty soon needed another hit: so they called on Bagdasarian. Tapping back into his surroundings for inspiration, Bagdasarian found himself listening to the insistent refrain of his four year old son begging to know when it would be Christmas. In the heat of summer 1958, he penned the perennial Christmas favorite, "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)". But, The Chipmunks didn’t exist yet. Bagdasarian loved the voice he created for the Witch Doctor, but he wanted to take it somewhere new, imbue it with personality, he just didn’t know in what way. One day, as he drove through Yosemite National Park, a little chipmunk ran in front of his car, stopped in the road, rose up on its haunches and seemed to challenge Bagdasarian to pass. The rest is history. The chipmunk became Alvin. Bagdasarian created two sidekicks for the mischievous chipmunk: Simon, the intellectual and practical one; and Theodore, the giggling one that loved to eat. Together they were Alvin and The Chipmunks, deriving their names from three Liberty executives: Al Bennett, Si Waronker and Theodore Keep. A few years earlier, Bagdasarian had began recording under the stage name , David Seville. So this new musical act was born, David Seville and The Chipmunks. Although it was a bit of a struggle to get "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)" radio air play in the beginning, Bagdasarian found a small station in Minneapolis willing to play it before the Christmas season officially began. The switchboards lit up, and word of mouth got the song rotation on more and more stations until it became the fastest selling number one hit single up to that time, over four and a half million copies in seven weeks (that milestone was eventually surpassed by The Beatles with "I Want to Hold Your Hand" in 1964), and would go on to win three Grammy® Awards and be nominated for a fourth. The Chipmunks made their network television debut as puppets performing with 'Dave Seville' (Bagdasarian), on "The Ed Sullivan Show.” Again, they were an immediate success. People were clamoring for more of the ‘Munks, and a look was designed that was very different than what we have come to associate with The Chipmunks. In the beginning, The Chipmunks looked, well, very much like chipmunks: not quite photo-realistic, but based more on the animal than on a plushy derivative. A cottage industry ensued with all kinds of 'Munk' toys and memorabilia, and of course, records. The Chipmunks were huge. People couldn’t get enough of them.

After the 1960 release of the single "Alvin for President", Bagdasarian received a letter of support from then senator John F Kennedy, a Presidential candidate. Kennedy wrote back to Bagdasarian saying that he was glad to know he had at least one worthy opponent. There seemed to be no limit to their popularity. In three short years, The Chipmunks had sold sixteen million records, won several Grammys among numerous nominations, and were riding the crest of an unprecedented merchandising campaign. It was time to bring them to life in a dynamic, visual medium. "The Alvin Show" debuted on television in the autumn of 1961 and with it, a new look for Alvin, Simon and Theodore. And for that matter, Bagdasarian, since the character of Dave Seville was now born into the world of animation. In a fifty two year period Alvin and the Chipmunks career has been filled with highlights. Here's just a few: 1960 "Alvin’s Harmonica" wins a Grammy®; 1961 "Let’s Sing with The Chipmunks" wins Grammy®; 1965 "The Chipmunks Sing The Beatles"wins a Grammy®; 2000 "Alvin and The Chipmunks Meet Frankenstein" wins Golden Reel Award; 2008 Wins Best Soundtrack Album at the 2008 American Music Awards, Wins Favorite Movie at 2008 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards (beating out the likes of "Transformers" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End") and finally, the big milestone is reached when, in 2008, The Chipmunks celebrate their 50th Anniversary. Now the Chipmunks are back with a brand new film, sure to thrill kids of all ages and adults alike. So what do the voice cast have to say about the three 'superstars'? Justin Long ("Planet 51"): "What makes Alvin stand out? I think Alvin is a born leader, with a lot of charisma and charm. In his mind, he’s bigger than life." Mattthew Gray Gubler (TV'S "Criminal Minds"): "I’m honored to play the part of Simon because I’m probably the biggest fan The Chipmunks have ever had. I love their music, their life philosophy: everything. I was such a fan that I was worried that no one would believe me when I told them I was cast in the first movie. Before school, I used to watch the 1980s cartoon." Jesse McCartney ("Horton Hears a Who!"): "I remember spending every Saturday morning on the couch with a big bowl of breakfast, and in my PJs, watching 'The Chipmunks', not knowing that one day I’d actually be playing Theodore." Justin Long ("Drag Me to Hell"): "If Jethro Tull is like the flute kind of rock infusion, then 'The Chipmunks' must be a kind of piccolo shrill rock infusion." Matthew Gray Gubler ('(500) Days of Summer"): "The Chipmunks resonate with everybody, including my grandfather, father, brother; it’s a multi-generational thing. It’s amazing to see the reach they have." Jesse McCartney (TV'S "Summerland"): "Obviously, I’m biased, because I play Theodore, but I would have named the group 'Theo’s Trio', and not Alvin and The Chipmunks. Theodore has a lot of lovable qualities. In the 'Squeakquel', Theodore’s biggest challenge is overcoming certain hurdles during his first year in school. Such as: bullies. Oh, and his fear of eagles. But more than anything, Theodore needs the reassurance that he’s part of something, and that he has a family." 2009 had a new addition. Girl Power! Anna Faris ("Brokeback Mountain"): "Jeanette is different from her siblings in, among other ways, she wears glasses. And her ponytail also reflects her unique, offbeat style. She’s a bit of a dreamer, and not as ambitious as her sisters. Maybe, she’s a bit nerdier than Brittany and Eleanor. She’s incredibly sweet, and has a heart of gold. In some ways, I’m like Jeanette because I, too, can be a little spacey: a little dreamy. And I used to wear glasses."

Christina Applegate ("Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy"): "Brittany is sassy and she can definitely back it up. She’s got some pipes on her, and some moves. Some amazing moves that I’m still trying to figure out on my own! It feels great to be immortalized by voicing a Chipette; it was something always on my to-do list." Amy Poehler ("Baby Mama"): "Eleanor is feisty and energetic. And she’s short, which always makes for an interesting personality. She’s an optimist. She knows how to have fun, and her enthusiasm is contagious." Anna Faris ("Waiting"): "I can’t say the word 'Squeakquel' without laughing. And I’ve probably said it, I don’t know, maybe five or six hundred times now. 'Oh, yeah, mom, I’m doing the Squeakquel.' I just start cracking up." Christina Applegate ("Wonderland"): "I loved the first movie and wanted to be a part of this one." Amy Poehler ("Blades of Glory"): "The Chipettes are great fun, and it’s also a lot of fun to tell people you’re working on a 'Squeakquel'. I think the word 'Squeakquel' guarantees fun. 'Sequel' could be a follow-up to a horror movie or emotional drama. With a 'Squeakquel' you know what you’re getting into and that it’s going to be a lot of laughs. and how do Alvin, Simon and Theodore meet the fabulous girls? By temporarily put aside pop superstardom, to attend a school, injured Dave has enrolled them in. Jason Lee (TV'S "My Name is Earl"): "In the 'Squeakquel', Dave and the boys have a great reunion. You come to understand that as much as Dave resisted the boys in the first movie, he’s come around and realized how much they mean to him. They’re his kids, so to speak. In the new film, we take their family bond to the next level, which is: We’re together unconditionally, forever. But Dave is still up to his neckbrace in all the trouble they cause." Janice Karman (TV'S "A Chipmunk Reunion"): "Putting The Chipmunks in school for the 'squeakquel', is something everyone can relate to. We’ve all been in school; we’ve all had the kinds of insecurities the boys experience in the film. So, again, it’s a universal story." Ross Bagdasarian Jnr ("The Chipmunk Adventure"): "In addition to the great music, we’re always looking for some strong emotion in a Chipmunks story. How do you get along in a new school? Is the 'Munks' bond as brothers affected by Alvin’s insatiable desire for popularity? Setting the story in school creates opportunities that test the brothers bond." Thanks to Alvin’s on-stage shenanigans, Dave is laid-up in a Paris hospital. While he’s recuperating, his cousin Toby is entrusted with 'The Chipmunks' care. Zachary Levi ("Big Momma's House 2"): "Becoming a part of a new Alvin and the Chipmunks movie was a real trip for me because I’m a huge fan of The Chipmunks; everybody is, at some point in his or her life! As a youngster, I watched the Saturday morning "Alvin and The Chipmunks" cartoon show, and "The Chipmunk Adventure" movie, which Janice directed. I also had a great time watching the recent movie. I’m a big fan of movies that entertain both parents and children." Ross Bagdasarian Jr entered the family business of vineyards and wineries, but as a tribute to his father was intrigued with the notion of resurrecting The Chipmunks. No one shared his enthusiasm until he met Janice Karman. The two married on the 27th September 1980 and have two children, Vanessa and Michael Bagdasarian. Ross’s father passed away suddenly at the age of fifty two on January 16th 1972 from a heart attack. Ross didn’t want to see 'The Chipmunks' die prematurely with his father so he took over the family business in 1977 and along with Karman, brought a new commitment to the characters. Synopsis

In the 'squeakquel', to the global phenomenon of 2007,"Alvin And The Chipmunks" which grossed over $350 million worldwide pop sensations Alvin, Simon and Theodore end up in the care of Dave Seville’s twenty-something nephew Toby After Dave has an accident and is hospitalized. Unable to return home wity his 'boys', Dave arranges for them to put aside music superstardom and return to school. It soon becomes apparent that the school Dave has enrolled them at, needs their help. It's simple: all they have to do is save the school’s music program by winning the $25,000 prize in a battle of the bands. But have the Chipmunks met their match? Three singing chipmunks known as "The Chipettes": Brittany, Eleanor and Jeanette are vying for the same spot. Then the chipmunks old manager Ian turns up. Romantic and musical sparks are ignited when the Chipmunks and Chipettes square off.

The Verdict "As you'd expect there's a lot of hilarity in this squeakwel to the 2007 smash hit "Alvin And The Chipmunks". That is: if you're a big fan of those furry little critters. But if you're not, here's a question you might ponder over for a moment. What's worse than three squeaky chipmunks? Times up! The answer is: six squeaky annoying chipmunks. That's right. This squeakwel features six chipmunks, thanks to the addition of girl power in the form of 'The Chippettes'; Eleanor, Jeanette and Brittany. So if you couldn't handle three little critters, you've got no hope of handling six. Problem is, if you now have ankle-biters, or if you're now a grandparent, you're stuffed. Because the kids/grandkids will be busting a gut to see these pintsized entertainers. If you didn't have a case of tinitus (that annoying ringing in your ears) before the film starts, you sure as hell will have by films end. Of course if you grew up with 'The Chipmunks' and you are a fan of Alvin, Simon and Theodore, you'll love every minute of their latest film. When you think of 'The Chipmunks' what springs to mind? Mayhem, mirth, hijinx and singing. Guess what? They're all here in 'The Squeakwel'. And don't forget to call into your local music store on the way home where you'll find the soundtrack CD on shelves. It's good fun. 3 1/2 STARS." Who's Voice Is That?

Justin Long
Matthew Gray Gubler
Jesse McCartney
Zachary Levi
Amy Poehler
Anna Faris
Christina Applegate
Jason Lee
David Cross
Wendie Malick
Anjelah Johnson
Kathryn Joosten
Kevin G Schmidt
Chris Warren Jr
Bridgit Mendler
Aimee Carrero
Alexandra Shipp

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Alvin
Simon
Theodore
Toby
Eleanor
Jeanette
Brittany
Dave
Ian
Dr Rubin
Julie
Aunt Jackie
Ryan
Xander
Becca
Emily
Valentina

The Crew

Director
Writers
Producers
Original Music
Cinematography
Film Editor
Casting
Production Designer
Art Direction
Set Decoration
Costume Design

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Betty Thomas
Jon Vitti/Jonathan Aibel/Glenn Berger
Ross Bagdasarian Jr & Janice Karman
David Newman
Anthony B Richmond
Matthew Friedman
Juel Bestrop & Seth Yanklewitz
Marcia Hinds
Bo Johnson & Sei Nakashima
Karen Agresti
Alexandra Welker