OK for kids 6+
Amusing, silly sequel has a bit more edge than original.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel is low-key, amusing entertainment for both parents and kids, with a mix of verbal and slapstick humor and only a few crude jokes. With the introduction of girl Chipmunk group The Chipettes comes some flirting and suggestive hip-wiggling (similar to that of sexy starlets like Beyoncé and Shakira), which -- along with the infrequent use of phrases like "junk in the trunk" -- makes this sequel a little edgier than the original. But overall the movie focuses on family, togetherness, and acceptance and deals positively with school and peer pressure. Though the issue of body image comes up (at times, Theodore's weight is called to attention, as is that of his female counterpart, Eleanor), ultimately the message is one of liking yourself for who you are.
- Families can talk about peer pressure. Why did Alvin join the football team, especially when he knew the game would conflict with the talent show? What did he hope to gain? Were the bullies really his friends?
- How does the movie approach the subject of body image? Would it be different if the characters dealing with the issue were human instead of chipmunks?
- Cousin Toby has spent a lot of time playing and mastering video games, but what good has it done him?
The good stuff
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Educational value: Probably the most important lesson here is to avoid peer pressure and believe in yourself and/or your family, but it's not the movie's main focus.
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Messages: Alvin learns to overcome his arrogance and need for acceptance -- i.e. joining the football team -- and fulfill his responsibilities to his family. Alvin's brothers refuse to perform without him because their act has always been about teamwork rather than any individual. Eleanor begins to feel bad about her body image but learns to accept herself the way she is. The evil talent agent and school bully are both humiliated as punishment for their behavior. The movie portrays video games as a means to avoid social interaction and family time.
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Role models: Alvin isn't an ideal role model, though he does learn his lesson and adjusts his arrogant behavior. None of the adult characters is really very admirable either, but Simon and Theodore continually show good, strong behavior -- they're the ones who emphasize family and call Alvin on his bad conduct. They also re-affirm confidence in personal body image, as well as cleanliness, politeness, and other positive attributes.
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: Theodore develops a fear of being scooped up by an eagle, and there's some scary eagle imagery, but he eventually overcomes his fear. The movie has a jock bully in the high school scenes (with a couple of toilet "swirly" scenes), and there's an evil talent agent who locks his chipmunk clients in cages (though the scenes are all ultimately meant to be funny). Theodore feels alone and sad when Alvin and Simon argue, but the movie usually ends these moments with a humorous note.
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Sexy stuff: The Chipettes perform their act with some suggestive hip-wiggling. The boy chipmunks and the girl chipmunks all develop crushes on one another, but nothing more than some googly eyes and a bit of mild flirting results (in one scene, Eleanor trips and falls into Theodore's arms). Among the human characters, Toby has a crush on a former schoolmate, but he's too shy to act on it. They hug at the end.
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Language: Use of cruel comments. Some uses of the word "butt," and some "fat" jokes -- like "junk in the trunk." One character calls another one a "big jerk."
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Consumerism: Featured brands/products include Apple computers and iPhones, FedEx, YouTube, and Animal Planet. Characters also spend some time playing Wii (though the movie's attitude toward playing video games is that it's a waste of time).
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Alvin and the Chipmunks The Squeakquel by chikflik
I took my 8 year-old daughter to see it (she loved the original), and she loved this one too. Her favorite part was when the Chipmunks and the Chipettes sing a duet. It is a simple story that is just enjoyable--no hard messages, no deep plots, just good fun for all ages. There were tons of kids in the audience, but there were also many adults without children. As sequels go, it's not at all bad. The chipmunks are adorable, and if you want to smile, this is for you.
1
Five Word Review by marinermoose79
Princess and the Frog 100%better
5
The Squeakquel is Squeaktastic by rfendler
Took my kids and some friends and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Non-stop laughter and fun. The story line was a little familiar, but that was cool. Adding the Chipettes was great and the music was great, even the boys got in to it. They would buy it when it comes out. A must see for the family.
4
Good movie, with a good message by lightrod
Kids liked it. It had some funny adult humor that made it okay for adults that had to take their kids.
1
Five Word Review by smith80
1stOneWasBetter Princess AndThe Frog 100%better
5
Alvin and The Chipmunks !!! by lcw0415
Loved this movie!! My kids and I laughed all through the movie which was soo cute. I recommend people from all ages to go see the movie.
5
Five Word Review by harrypotter567
Awesome Cool Funny Cute Sequal
4
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel by biblepacer
I took my 6 year old granddtr and 3 year old grandson to this movie. While the 6 year old did not understand some of the underlying rationale of the plot (she probably would if she saw it more than one time), she enjoyed the show and it kept her attention. The movie kept the 3 year old's attention as well however I think that was because of the action scenes and the cartoon characters. They had both seen the previous Chipmunks movie and were familiar with the characters.
I personally did not like the portrayal of the "adult" that only played video games all day and think that this is a poor example for children, even if it is fictional. The thought that this is acceptable behavior is somewhat disturbing.
5
Five Word Review by dgreene1110yahoo.com
FUNNY FANTASTIC GREAT WONDERFUL EXCITING
5
The Squeakquel by rocher64
Excellent, must see, the kids love it