 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Chipmunk Adventure
- Review Date: February 28, 2008
- G
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 1987
Common Sense Media says
Mild and fun rodent romp 'round the world.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is a mildly entertaining adventure set against a backdrop of international wonders, with little suspense to worry younger viewers. Greed and competition get the action rolling, but teamwork and friendship rise to the top by the end. There are negative stereotypes of Arab thugs, a sheik is infantile and spoiled, and some Africans they meet are cannibals.
What's the story?
In a case of video game competitiveness gone haywire, helium-voiced Alvin (voiced by Ross Bagdasarian Jr.) and his two sidekicks race around the world in a bid to beat their female counterparts in THE CHIPMUNK ADVENTURE. The dastardly Claudia (Susan Tyrell) and her oily brother Klaus (Anthony de Longis) embroil the unsuspecting woodland creatures in a diamond smuggling operation, putting them into the sights of the mysterious Jamal (Ken Sansom). Taking breaks from eluding hatchet-faced thugs to break into rock 'n' roll song, the Chipmunks and Chipettes must find a way to work together as they travel through spectacular international sites like Machu Pichu, Rio de Janiero, London, and Egypt.
Is it any good?
The filmmakers did a service by introducing the Chipettes, tough and brave girl chipmunks who provide some balance for Alvin, Theodore (director Janice Karman), and Simon (Ross Bagdasarian Jr again). The story moves along at a decent pace and a few of the smaller characters, like daffy babysitter Miss Miller (Dody Goodman), are well rounded. Animated scenes of locations like London, Holland, and Mexico City are a nice touch, and the rock concert amidst Greek statuary is memorable. The soundtrack includes some lovely original melodies and old favorites like "Wooly Bully."
But if you're not a fan of the Chipmunks the plot alone will not be enough to hook you. The dialog is dumbed down to make character motivation superfluous, as when Klaus observes "We're quite wealthy and very bored." The plot may be a bit confusing for kids younger than 5, and too predictable for those older than 10.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about the call that Alvin and the Chipmunks place to the babysitter to convince her they are going to see Dave. Do you think that could ever work? Of all the destinations the chipmunk friends visit, which would you most like to see?
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- Teens & kids
Kid, 9 years old
March 18, 2011
AGE
i watched this twice.
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Parent of 8 and 10 year old
March 25, 2010
AGE
Awesome movie, great and funny story, more kid friendly than the 2007 and 2009 Chipmunks
I really like this movie. saw it back in the '80s when it was new and the kids really like it. Cute little Chipmunks with a good story. it might be a little scary and they do smoke a lot. it is a good movie if the children like Alvin and the Chipmunks.
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Teen, 14 years old
February 8, 2010
AGE
Classic Chipmunks
The Chipmunk Adventure is, in my opinion, better than the recent CGI Chipmunk movies. There's no dumb pop culture references, no bizarre helium-filled song covers-- just good, old-fashioned chipmunks.
Areas of concern for parents include: lots of smoking, mild peril, and mild suggestive lyrics/movements. Most of this stuff will fly right over kids' heads, though. The chipmunks also deceive their babysitter by recording a fake phone message.
As far as story quality goes, it's basically the Chipmunks and Chipettes flying around the world in hot air balloons. The settings are hardly remarkable, but there are some negative stereotypes. Compared to the recent movies, however, the Chipmunks and Chipettes are much sweeter and less cheeky.
One of my favorite movies!
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| Topics: | adventures, music and sing-along |
| Studio: | Paramount Pictures |
| Director: | Janice Karman |
| Cast: | Anthony De Longis, Ross Bagdasarian Jr., Susan Tyrell |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 76 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | January 1, 1987 |
| DVD release date: | May 23, 2006 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
| MPAA explanation: | General Audiences |
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