Common Sense Media Review
Mild and fun rodent romp 'round the world.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Chipmunk Adventure
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 story moves along at a decent pace, and, along with the lead chipmunks, a few of the smaller characters like daffy babysitter Miss Miller are well rounded. 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). 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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
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?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 22, 1987
- On DVD or streaming : May 23, 2006
- Cast : Anthony De Longis , Ross Bagdasarian Jr. , Susan Tyrell
- Director : Janice Karman
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 76 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : General Audiences
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate