Common Sense Note
This direct-to-video feature boasts a clever script and good-looking animation. Fun songs sung by charming characters make this a good choice for Halloween viewing. Grammar school-aged kids -- particularly those who like scary stories -- will find plenty to enjoy, as will older kids. But preteens and teens may feel they've outgrown it. Families who watch this video may want to discuss Theodore's challenges in school. How have you reacted when you were bullied in school? Did you want to turn around, like Theodore, and become a bully, too? What did Alvin and Simon do to help prevent that from happening to Theodore?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Paul Trandahl
A horror movie-obsessed Alvin becomes convinced that the chipmunk's new neighbor is a werewolf. Naturally, Alvin's two brothers, Simon and Theodore, refuse to take him seriously. Undeterred, Alvin talks Simon into helping him find evidence of their neighbor's werewolf tendencies.
Meanwhile, a nasty school bully is tormenting Theodore. The school principal casts him as Mr. Hyde in the school's production of "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," in an effort to boost his self-confidence. Theodore doesn't think he can do it, until he is bitten one night by a large dog -- a werewolf! This has the unfortunate side-effect of transforming him into a playful wolf puppy every night, but during daytime hours, the animal within actually turns him into a self-assured little chipmunk.
But then, as his animal side begins to take control, his brothers realize they must find a cure, before their brother is lost to them forever.
Alvin and the Chipmunks Meet the Wolfman is a polished direct-to-video production. The animation is quite good, and the characters are cute and appealing without ever being cloying. It's greatest virtue, however, is that there's more emphasis on characters than one would expect in a story involving singing chipmunks and werewolves.
Although Alvin is technically the star, the story revolves around his younger brother Theodore, and his struggles with his shaky self-image. Unpleasant encounters with a school bully undermine his self-confidence, but his role in a school play allows him to begin to believe in himself. In one scene, he even tries to understand the motivations of his tormentor. After being bitten by the werewolf, his confidence grows even more, until his new inner wolf causes him to become a bit of a bully himself (it is a horror story, after all).
The writers create a believable sibling relationship among the three brothers. While they quarrel, it's obvious that they really care about each other. Adults get a sympathetic treatment as well. Dave Seville, the chipmunk's "father," takes an active interest in their affairs, as does the school principal, who places Theodore in the school play specifically to boost his self-confidence.
Longtime fans enjoy seeing our heroes' girl pals, the "Chipettes," provide some witty repartee. Brittany informs the egotistical Alvin that she always considered Theodore to be "the sweet one," Simon to be "the smart one," and Alvin to be "the other one."
Viewers who enjoy this video may want to try Alvin and the Chipmunks Meet Frankenstein.
Rate It!
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ViolenceOur heroes have some scary nighttime encounters on dark city streets. A werewolf bites Theodore (offscreen). Mild slapstick violence of the tripping, or getting bonked on the head variety. Alvin and Simon have an offscreen scuffle, sporting scratches and bruises in the next scene. |
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Social BehaviorAlthough the chipmunks squabble, it's clear that the brothers really do care about each other. At one point, Theodore tries to understand the motivations of a bully who's tormenting him. At the same time, Alvin has an unhealthy obsession with horror and monsters. When Theodore develops wolf tendencies, the formerly sweet character becomes a nasty, egotistical brat. Alvin's carelessness with chemistry equipment causes an explosion. |
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