Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007)

San Francisco Chronicle 6 of 10
The writing in this live-action comedy (with animated chipmunks) is much sharper than either of the "Garfield" movies, which "Alvin" resembles visually. And actors Jason Lee and David Cross put a lot more effort into their roles than the subject matter deserves...But there's still something mildly distressing about the production, which gets worse the more you think about it. Between the occasional amusing joke and catchy musical number, this "Alvin" update is a very soulless movie...The movie doesn't have much substance, but there are a few funny moments. The writers include "The Simpsons" veteran Jon Vitti and "The Ren & Stimpy Show" contributor Will McRobb, and they make Lee appropriately likable while Cross is a sarcastic and clever record executive villain. And not all of the sight gags involve bodily functions: There's a nice scene that makes fun of big stars who lip-synch...Be sure to stick around after the credits, where Cross contributes to the biggest laugh of the movie. Or better yet, take your kids to the superior "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium," and time your multiplex visit carefully so you can catch the last five minutes of "Alvin." - Peter Hartlaub
 
Chicago Sun-Times 6 of 10
Despite the fact that the film is set in the present, when the real (or "real") Chipmunks already have a back catalog bigger than Kimya Dawson's, the movie tells the story of how they become rock stars and almost get burned out on the rock circuit. Jason Lee stars as Dave Seville, who accidentally brings them home in a basket of muffins, discovers they can talk and is soon shouting "Alvin!" at the top of his lungs, as Chipmunk lore requires that he must..."Alvin and the Chipmunks" is about as good as a movie with these characters can probably be, and I am well aware that I am the wrong audience for this movie. I am even sure some readers will throw it up to me like I liked the "Garfield" movie better. Yes, but Garfield didn't sing, and he was dubbed by Bill Murray. My duty as a reporter is to inform you that the chipmunks are sorta cute, that Jason Lee and David Cross manfully play roles that require them, as actors, to relate with empty space that would later be filled with CGI, and that at some level, the movie may even be doing something satirical about rock stars and the hype machine...I was also grateful that Alvin wears a red sweater with a big "A" on it as an aid to identification, since otherwise all the chipmunks seem to be identical, like Mutant Turtles or Spice Girls. - Roger Ebert