The decision to set the third “Alvin and the Chipmunks” movie on a remote island seems like a potential gift for cynical parents — if nothing else because of the increased presence of predators.
But alas, these rodents — spoiler alert! — survive for a fourth incarnation, which no doubt will involve the introduction of a smaller, cuter cousin. (Based on the template set by the Muppets, we don’t expect them to reach outer space until at least the fifth sequel.)
It’s uninspired and instantly forgettable, but it completely succeeds by its own standards: an 87-minute, rainy-day distraction that will probably make a zillion dollars.
The Chipmunks and their female counterparts the Chipettes return, and so does Dave (Jason Lee). A cruise goes awry, and all of the above end up shipwrecked on The Island of Dr. Cliché, complete with a delusional castaway and an active volcano. We’re not sure which “Gilligan’s Island” episode this movie borrows from the most. Still, the movie does have a certain calculated genius. There is something for absolutely everyone.
Kids: Plenty of slapstick. When one of the Chipmunks gets hit in the testicles, he actually yells, “My acorns!”
Teens: Justification for bratty behavior.
Parents: Seemingly random and mostly dated pop-culture nods. During an early hang-gliding scene, Alvin says, “I can see Russia from here!”
The second dimension: For reasons that confound us, it’s not in 3-D.
Critics: An opportunity to write smug, vaguely self-congratulatory quips about the declining state of culture. while ignoring the fact that the 1980s cartoon incarnation of “Alvin” was even worse.
