Story
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip is an animated drama-comedy following the amusing journey of Alvin (Justin Long), Simon (Matthew Gray Gubler) and Theodore (Jesse McCartney). The three friends become very concerned when Dave (Jason Lee) suggests limiting their performances, in favour of taking his star client Ashley (Bella Thorne), as well as his new girlfriend Samantha (Kimberly Williams-Paisley), to Miami for an upcoming record launch. When the Chipmunks discover a ring in Dave’s bag, they become immediately concerned that he intends to propose to Samantha. This displeases the Chipmunks, as they do not want her unkind son Miles (Josh Green) to become their step-brother.
The sentiment is shared by Miles himself, so the group set off to Miami by plane in an effort to put a stop to the potential engagement. However, chaos ensues when Theodore allows several animals out of cages whilst on the flight, and the air marshal needs to organise an emergency landing. The group continue their escapades in an effort to reach Miami before it is too late, wreaking havoc along the way, but ultimately developing a fondness for each other that none of them had anticipated.
Themes
Violence
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip contains minimal violence. For example:
- Characters are sometimes mildly injured for comedic value, or appear to be hurt but are actually fine. For instance, toothpicks are thrown at a man’s face – they are stuck in his skin temporarily, but he is not hurt.
- An air marshal is hit in the groin by a slingshot. The Chipmunks and Miles are taken into custody for doing this after the plane lands.
- One scene sees a small fight escalate into a larger brawl, involving more people and some comedic fighting and hitting.
Sexual references
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip has very mild sexual references, including some references to ‘liking big butts’, and descriptions of being attractive or ‘hot’.
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip has mild use of alcohol. One scene takes place in a Western bar, where people are dancing and adults are seen to be drinking alcohol.
Nudity and sexual activity
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip has very mild sexual activity, including a scene where a couple embraces and shares a kiss.
Product placement
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip contains some product placement. For example:
- Apple products, such as Apple laptops and phones. Beats headphones are also seen in the film.
- Online social media websites such as Youtube and Twitter.
- Corporate brands such as McDonalds, American Idol, Krispy Kreme Donuts, Speedos, etc.
Coarse language
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip has very mild coarse language.
Ideas to discuss with your children
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip is a heart-warming story of family and friendship. The film depicts the transformation of the Chipmunks as they work together with Miles in order to achieve a common goal. Despite their initial dislike of one another, the group grows close and ultimately forms a close bond. The movie also highlights issues related to making mistakes, and the consequences that can ensue from making questionable decisions. The movie handles these issues in a positive way, and the main message is one of forgiveness and compassionate understanding.
Values in Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip that parents may wish to reinforce with their children include:
- The love of family is unconditional, and that it is alright to make mistakes or bad decisions.
- The importance of understanding that all behaviours have consequences, and that it is crucial to be forward-thinking before acting.
- Families come in different forms, and there are no set rules for what denotes a ‘family’.
- The strength and power of friendship in regards to overcoming obstacles.
This movie could also give parents the opportunity to discuss with their children attitudes and behaviours, and their real-life consequences, such as:
- The consequences of one’s actions, and the importance for owning up to one’s mistakes whilst dealing with the repercussions.
- The nature of what a family unit can be – the film presents families with adoptive parents, as well as single-parent families, and depicts these as all equally capable of being supportive and loving.