Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip Parent Guide
The attitudes of the rebellious child and chipmunks are not good examples for little ones. The most redeeming moments come when the importance of fathers and the need to belong are discussed.
Parent Movie Review
Dave Seville (Jason Lee) wants to start a new chapter in his life. Worried about how much time his sons have spent on tour, the concerned Dad has decided to switch his career from writing music to producing it so the boys may lead a more normal childhood. This all sounds pretty sensible until you remember his kids are chipmunks!
Unfortunately Alvin, Simon and Theodore (voices of Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler and Jesse McCartney) haven’t really changed their tune. The three are still up to their usual mischief making and are disappointed that they won’t be singing anymore. They are also feeling just a twinge of jealousy about the Chippettes’ (voiced by Christina Applegate, Kaley Cuoco and Anna Faris) continuing popularity and opportunities. But these worries are eclipsed when the trio finds an engagement ring amongst Dave’s belongings.
Suddenly his desire to take a different life direction takes on a frightening meaning for the boys. It isn’t their welfare Dave is worried about—it is his new girlfriend’s (Kimberly Williams-Paisley). And she comes with a son named Miles (Josh Green) who likes to torment the chipmunks. The idea of combining their families is repulsive to both parties of dependents. So, for the first time, the little mammals and the human agree to work together to try and sabotage Dave’s proposal of marriage. But to do so, the foursome will have to travel to Miami where their respective parents have gone on a business trip.
Like most of Alvin’s plans, this one does not come off without a hitch. Instead numerous silly antics follow. Borrowing credit cards and stowing away on an airplane ends up altering an angry air marshal (Tony Hale), who then chases the characters throughout the rest of the movie. When the boy and chipmunks lose the right to fly, they are forced to find other transportation to get them to their destination. This gives the musical runaways a reason to busk in a Texas bar, a bus station and with a New Orleans street band. It also gives the screenplay an excuse to include a few big production numbers. All these stops make their journey rather meandering and tedious – as is the plot of this film.
Aimed at the youngest of audiences, parents should be aware that much of the movie’s humor comes from bullying behavior, potty jokes and slapstick action. While none of the characters are ever hurt from the pratfalls, and the mean-spirited antagonist is too stupid to be scary, the attitudes of the rebellious Miles and the disobedient furry critters do not offer good examples for little ones. The script’s most redeeming moments come when the characters discuss the important role of fathers and the need each of us has to belong.
This road trip also packs along a few mild profanities, terms of deity and rude slang. Some of dancers who groove to the beat of the boy’s songs wear skimpy costumes. And a character is depicted as being so drunk he can’t remember what he did during an evening of partying. However, if you can put up with ample doses of kids-know-best intentions, high-pitched helium-sounding pop tunes and corny sentimentality, then you might be okay letting your offspring ride along with the crazy chipmunks on their fourth big screen adventure.
Directed by Walt Becker. Starring Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler, Jesse McCartney, Jason Lee.. Running time: 92 minutes. Theatrical release December 18, 2015. Updated July 17, 2017
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip
Rating & Content Info
Why is Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip rated PG? Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip is rated PG by the MPAA for some mild rude humor.
Violence: Slapstick antics prevail in this movie where people and chipmunks co-exist. Some of the characters find themselves in perilous situations, such as when they are trying to avoid capture by an air marshal. Characters borrow credit cards, and break the law when they stow away on an airplane. Bullying, teasing and uttered threats occur. A brawl breaks out at a bar. Characters fight with one another. A man’s face is stabbed with toothpicks. Property is damaged. Few consequences are shown for these actions.
Sexual Content: Crude bodily functions are portrayed in a comic way. Potty humor and flatulence jokes are used. A man is hit in the groin. A slang term is used for male body parts. Characters embrace and kiss.
Language: Some mild profanities and terms of deity are heard. Name-calling occurs.
Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters drink in a bar and during a street parade. One man becomes so inebriated that he does not remember what he did during a night of partying.
Page last updated July 17, 2017
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip Parents' Guide
How do the chipmunks behave when they are not supervised? Why do they always end up getting into trouble? What might a real father or mother do to help their children be safe and stay out of trouble while they are away?
How has the loss of his father affected Miles? What conclusions has he come to about the importance of parents? Why is he afraid to trust in the friendship the chipmunks offer him? What things could you do to help someone like Miles?
This movie was formerly known as Alvin and the Chipmunks 4.
Home Video
The most recent home video release of Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip movie is March 15, 2016. Here are some details…
Home Video Notes: Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip
Release Date: 15 March 2016
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip releases to home video (Blu-ray+DVD+Digital HD) with the following bonus extras:
- Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Story So Far
- Cue the Chipmunks: The Great Big Chipmunks Music Finale
- Our Furry Planet
- Alvinisms
- WETA and the Chipmunks: Animators’ Reference Reel
- Ultimate Playlist
- Munk Rock
- RedFoo “Squeaky Wiggle” Dance Instructional
- After the Party: A Munkumentary
Related home video titles:
This movie is the fourth in a franchise, proceded by Alvin and the Chipmunks, Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel and Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked.