Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip

My first film of 2021 - I know, I know... hold back your jealousy. I've watched the preceding three films and, genuinely, enjoyed the first two, the third isn't good but isn't bad either. <em>'Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip'</em> is easily the weakest entry, but I still find it impossible to dislike these films. They're stupid but they kinda work, at least in terms of what their intended purpose is. The casting is quite something. Jason Lee, somewhat surprisingly, returns, with new addition Bella Thorne - who appears in, like, four scenes. You also have Christina Applegate, Anna Faris and Kaley Cuoco in voice roles, alongside appearances from "Crazy Eyes", "Stifler's Mom", "savior Jared" and "Crabman". Iykyk. I didn't care for any of it, the story is clichéd, nonsensical and woefully written - and there's barely even a road trip. I do, though, like the chipmunk animation, I chuckled a few times due to how they are animated. Rubbish no doubt, yet I can't say I hate it to be honest.

I would have to say this is probably my least favorite out of the series. It is funny but I'd rather watch the chipmunks get into mischief then his girlfriends son being jelly.

As with the previous movies, a cute little movie about family, finding your family, and what it can mean to stick together as one. And while I prefer the third movie in about all aspects, it was still a cute movie. The boys have to get on a road trip with a potentially future human step-brother that is a big bully and are forced to work together. And while said human step-brother is really, really exhausting in the beginning and made me fear this whole movie would become really straining, his character development is quick enough to allow the movie to turn into a cute and silly version of a road trip movie. There's a new antagonist, some really crazy and fun party moments and even one or two jokes that had me laugh out loud for a moment. Otherwise the movie is very similar to the others: family misunderstandings, problems, people learning how to live with each other and support each other as they should. The story of the antagonist is a bit ridiculous, but it fits the movies tone in silliness. And in the end, the film closes with a really cute and heartwarming end and it's a pity it's most likely the last in this series of movies. The negative parts? You see how I only talk about "the boys" and "brothers"? Well, the Chipettes only have two very small parts in this one and are mostly not important. And that's not only sad because I consider them damn cute and need more of them, but also because it means the only interaction and development happens between the boys and their step-brother-to-be. This is a bit of a pity as I really enjoyed the Chipmunks/Chipettes interaction in the third movie. But well: if you enjoyed the family theme and atmosphere of the first three movies, this one does that fine, as well! Give me more Chipettes! <3