Alvin and the Chipmunks Meet the Wolfman (G, 2000)

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS MEET THE WOLFMAN revolves around 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. Meanwhile, a horror movie-obsessed Alvin becomes convinced that the chipmunk's new neighbor is a werewolf.

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. Its greatest virtue, however, is that there's more emphasis on characters than one would expect in a story involving singing chipmunks and werewolves.

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.