Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Silly threequel is full of pop-culture references and jokes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chip-Wrecked
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 38 parent reviews
Parents say the film is a mix of fun family entertainment and troubling content, with many praising its enjoyable music and overall light-heartedness, while others criticize its perpetuation of gender stereotypes and inappropriate scenes. While some viewers found it suitable for kids, several noted unsettling moments and themes that may not align with ideal family values, suggesting that parents should be aware of its content before viewing with younger children.
- fun family entertainment
- gender stereotypes
- inappropriate content
- viewer discretion advised
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 59 kid reviews
Kids say the film presents a mix of opinions; some viewers find it entertaining and consider it good family fun, while many criticize it for being boring or having inappropriate content for younger audiences. There are highlights of good music and emotional moments, particularly in the relationships of the characters, but the overall reception leans towards disappointment compared to earlier installments in the series.
- entertaining family fun
- inappropriate content
- emotional moments
- mixed reception
- good music
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In this third installment of the Alvin and Chipmunks franchise, Dave (Jason Lee) takes the Chipmunks -- Alvin (voiced by Justin Long), Simon (Matthew Gray Gubler), and Theodore (Jesse McCartney) -- and the Chipettes -- Brittany (Christina Applegate), Jeanette (Anna Faris), and Eleanor (Amy Poehler) -- on a Carnival cruise for their family vacation. After a series of cruiseline shenanigans, the Chipmunks and Chipettes wind up overboard and on a deserted island where they meet Zoe (Jenny Slade), who has been a castaway for years and talks to an assortment of sports balls for company. Dave follows the Chipmunks with former boss Ian (David Cross) to attempt a rescue mission.
Is It Any Good?
Kids aren't overly picky when it comes to movies, so they'll be pleased with chirpy-sounding Chipmunks who sing and dance to covers of hit pop songs. Kids will also live vicariously through the six 'munks as they wreak havoc on the cruise ship and somehow manage to survive under precarious circumstances on a deserted island. Alvin is a prankster with heart; Simon changes (like Buzz Lightyear's Spanish-speaking interlude in Toy Story 3) into a bolder, French version of himself; and Theodore overcomes his fear of a jungle monster.
But parents may find themselves fighting a snooze as all of the "chipwrecked" hijinks unfold on screen. There's little to keep a grown-up's attention here, although audiences familiar with Cast Away will laugh the first time Zoe references her "ball" friends (unfortunately, the joke quickly grows tiresome). And there are a few iffy sequences, like when the Chipettes challenge a trio of Jersey Shore-esque clubgoers to a dance-off -- it's a lot of attitude and finger wagging and "oh no she didn'ts." In the end, you might wish you didn't have to sit through another Chipmunks tale ever again.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the relationship between Dave and the Chipmunks is depicted. How does Alvin learn about the consequences of his behavior?
Are the Chipettes too suggestive in their dances and song choices? Would it be different if the characters were human instead of chipmunks?
What does Simon learn about his personality after "waking up" from being the more adventurous, flirtatious "French" Simon?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 16, 2011
- On DVD or streaming : March 27, 2012
- Cast : Anna Faris , Jason Lee , Justin Long
- Director : Mike Mitchell
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 87 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : February 4, 2026
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