2009 Spillover: Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel
Directed by Betty Thomas
Released December 23, 2009

The title is pretty creative; there isn’t much debating that. Unfortunately, this film doesn’t have much more to offer than a fun name. Most of its cuteness was exerted in the first film, and this is very much more of the same. This film does adhere to one of the cardinal rules of sequels, however, which can be a good or bad thing depending upon the situation. If something works, get more of it. In this case, three singing chipmunks worked well for the $200 million grossing first film. What’s the next logical step? Singing female chipmunks, of course.

Adding a whole new slew of chipmunks to the party is probably the smartest thing this franchise could have done, because it enhances the adorability factor all around and gives the chipmunks something to do other than to cause trouble for their good buddy Dave. What’s even more entertaining and endearing is that the female chipmunks are huge admirers of Alvin, Simon, and Theodore. They do yearn to achieve the same celebrity status as them, but more importantly, they just want to meet the legends and get their autographs. That’s all fine, but there’s nothing in this story for adults – it’s still just for kids.

What’s interesting about this film, and the franchise as a whole, since the third squeak probably isn’t far off, is that it seems to be a haven for TV actors looking for a side job or a post-show gig, depending on their current status. The first film starred Jason Lee, who was then the star of “My Name is Earl,” a show which has since been cancelled, and David Cross, fresh off of the end of “Arrested Development.” In this second installment, not one but two stars of currently airing TV shows join the cast. Kathryn Joosten, also known as Mrs. McCluskey on “Desperate Housewives,” appears briefly as Dave’s wheelchair-bound aunt, though a clumsy mishap quickly dispels her from the plot. The story then turns over to an unexpected actor to portray the temporary guardian for the chipmunks: Zachary Levi. The star of NBC’s “Chuck” plays a loser, which is a shame because he’s proven he’s capable of getting his life together and being cool on the show. It’s as if he’s taken a step backwards in his career, and it’s a puzzle to determine what he’s doing here. The same is true for any adults who end up seeing this film.

C

Wednesday Oscar Watch with Abe

Welcome to the final edition of Wednesday Oscar Watch with Abe. Every Wednesday, I’ve been taking a look at the awards chances for all of the films released the previous week, and this week I’m including the two films opening today. Chime in with your thoughts on the Oscar chances for these films in the comments section

The White Ribbon
This German film from director Michael Haneke is a very strong contender in the Best Foreign Film category. It has already received a Golden Globe nomination, and is probably the frontrunner in this category for an Oscar nod since some worry about the chances of “A Prophet” because it’s very violent, and the similar “Gomorra” got snubbed last year. This film probably won’t contend in other categories, like Best Cinematography, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Director, because it’s foreign and there are plenty of others films with better shots, but consider this the likely winner for Best Foreign Film, and a sure bet to be nominated.

Sherlock Holmes
Guy Ritchie isn’t going to be picking up an Oscar nomination anytime soon, and none of his stars are this year either. Robert Downey Jr. was a nominee last year, Jude Law was last nominated in 2003, and Rachel McAdams will be some day, but none of them have a chance this time around. The movie may score in the Best Art Direction and Best Original Score categories, and perhaps in the Best Costumes or Best Cinematography races as well, but it’s doubtful. It will probably have to settle for its Golden Globe nod for Downey Jr. and its impressive box office take.

It’s Complicated
This comedy earned three Golden Globe nominations, for Best Picture, Best Actress, and Best Screenplay. Meryl Streep is nominated against herself in “Julie & Julia” at the Golden Globes, something which isn’t possible at the Oscars, and she’ll definitely make it in for her portrayal of Julia Child over this role. The film could snag a Best Picture nomination if voters want to honor more mainstream entertainment, and Meyers could be well on her way to a second career Oscar nomination (the first was back in 1980 for penning “Private Benjamin”) if her screenplay is chosen as one of the five Best Original Screenplay nominees, both of which could but probably won’t happen. Alec Baldwin has been tossed around as a contender for Best Supporting Actor, but he has much more serious performances to contend against, and I don’t think his purely funny role can knock any of them out.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
This movie is an odd case, one which has been bolstered by its significance as Heath Ledger’s final film and therefore received far more attention than it otherwise might have. Ledger didn’t film enough of his part to merit consideration, and wouldn’t really be in the running anyway since it’s nowhere near the caliber of his Oscar-winning performance in “The Dark Knight.” Christopher Plummer deservedly has buzz for his other film, “The Last Station.” The best shot this film has is in the Best Makeup category, since that’s one area in which the film excels, and that will probably be its only mention, though it could sneak into the Best Art Direction or Best Costumes category, if voters are feeling adventurous.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel
This film won’t really come into play at the Oscars, considering the high number of films in competition for the Best Animated Feature category and the fact that the first film didn’t get nominated.

Thanks for reading Wednesday Oscar Watch with Abe! Comb through previous editions here. If you’re looking to stay up-to-date on the Oscars, take a look at the Monday Oscar Odds, Friday For Your Consideration, and prepare for Oscar predictions in each category coming in mid-January. And don’t miss the AFT Awards, my choices for the best in cinema this year, beginning this Friday, January 1st.

Fun But Come On: Alvin and the Chipmunks

Alvin and the Chipmunks
Directed by Tim Hill
Released December 14, 2007

This might stick out like a sore thumb in comparison to my other theatrical movie choices at this time of year. All I can say is it was not my idea, but I did try to like it. To its credit, I laughed a bit, smiled some more, and only started dancing in my seat occasionally. The opening scene is amazing and sets a fun tone for the film. The chipmunks are, I suppose, adorable and that is all good and well. Jason Lee as the token non-chipmunk gives pretty much the driest performance of the year, and his "Alvinnnnnnnnnn!" royally sucks. Not having watched the TV series, I do not know the call's history, and the film does nothing to inform me. Sometimes he is just shouting when Alvin is a few feet away. David Cross is trying so hard to be the most villainous of all villains which is a bit much for a kid's movie. There is just no getting around the fact that this movie is devastatingly formulaic. Sure it is a kid's movie, but look at "Ratatouille" or "Bee Movie" recently. A good amount of adult-esque humor is inserted for all the parents and people like me who are dragged against their will, but sometimes the jokes seem a bit overtly sexual or just plain inappropriate for a PG film (at least it is not G, I suppose). The movie also suffers from a major unexplained element, something which many found problematic in "Bee Movie" but I think it is much more troubling here: how do the chipmunks talk? Does that mean all animals talk? With the exception of a quick joke at the end, it is just left unanswered. Again, this is a kid's movie, but it could have been a whole lot better.

C-

Oscar chances: I have now seen 5 out of 12 of the eligible films for the Best Animated Feature category. This is much better than both "The Simpsons Movie" and "Beowulf", but both of those offer something that put them well ahead of this film (a popular TV series and some compelling animation technique, respectively). "Bee Movie" and "Ratatouille" are very likely, and then "Shrek the Third" with its previous two films having been nominated. And that is not even taking into consideration "Persepolis". There are usually only three slots. "Alvin" is out.