User reviews

Watching The Chipmunk Adventure brought back a lot of fun memories for me. I am shocked about how many of the songs I can still sing along with. This movie has surprisingly good animation with catchy songs and a completely ridiculous, yet entertaining story. I may have rolled my eyes a number of times this viewing, but I can't help but like this movie.

When David Seville, the guardian/parental figure of the chipmunks, takes a business trip to various places around the world, this leaves the chipmunks Alvin, Simon, and Theodore in the care of Mrs. Miller who's the guardian of the chipmunks female counterparts the chippettes, Brittany, Jeanette, and Eleanor. After a heated exchange involving bragging rights involving a video game based on Around the World in 80 days between Alvin and Brittany, the two groups attract the attention of brother and sister diamond smugglers Klaus and Claudia who decide to use their boasts as a way to transport their illicit cargo. This sets off the two sets of Chipmunks on a race around the world that neither of them are prepared for.

Alvin and the Chipmunks has endured itself and shown remarkable staying power considering its origins. From their prototype appearance in the novelty song Witch Doctor, to becoming the more well known incarnations throughout the 60s, the Chipmunks against all odds have become pop culture icons who've shown remarkable resilience in the face of fickle audiences and changing tastes. While the franchise will often go dormant for one reason or another, it always comes back in one form or another. The Chipmunk Adventure was produced during the height of the second wave of the Chipmunks popularity following their success in the 1981 prime time Christmas Special which in turn lead to the creation of the new TV series that became a staple of NBC's Saturday mornings from 1983-1990. Production on the Chipmunk adventure was tumultuous beginning development in 1985, self financed by the Chipmunks' rights holders the Bagdasarians, and a reliance on foreign animation studios and schedule lags that resulted in many sequences being cut from the final product. Despite all this, the movie turned out quite well, but certain cultural attitudes have made the movie age somewhat less gracefully than one would hope.

In terms of story it's essentially a travelogue for both the Chipmunks and the Chipettes with the two trios embarking on what they think is a race with a massive cash prize when in reality they're delivering smuggled jewels via hot air balloon. Needless to say plot is not this movie's strong suit as the diamond smuggling plot is often forgotten about for long stretches as we follow the Chipmunks or Chipettes encountering various scrapes or misadventures in the cities they visit for as part of their "race" which don't factor all that much into the main plot and make the film feel very episodic. One of the criticisms levied at the movie is that it feels like episodes of the TV series stapled together in theatrical form and I really can't disagree. WIth some very minor edits the movie could easily be chopped up into 3 episodes and shown as part of the TV show and aside from the smoother line work and polish on the animation you'd be hard pressed to say it wasn't intended to be shown this way. With that said the movie knows where it's strengths lie and that's in showing off the environments and the music.

The movie is absolutely gorgeous to look at. The film had the good fortune of being released shortly after the box office bomb of Disney's The Black Cauldron which resulted in massive layoffs in the company's animation division. The Bagdasarians saw this as an opportunity and hired many ex-disney animators to work on the project and it definitely shows on screen. The Chipmunks and Chipettes have never looked better than they do in the movie. From graceful movements during action sequences and dance numbers to gorgeous backgrounds detailing the various cities the group visit the colors and animation really pop and easily approach the level of products the Disney company and Don Bluth were making at the time. There is some noticeable truncating in certain spots which I suspect is due to production problems that lead to at least one major sequence set in Russia deleted from the final film, but these aren't too distracting and are luckily fairly well hidden.

Being a Chipmunk movie, it shouldn't be surprising the film is a musical and the songs (at least if you enjoy the chipmunk style) are really fun and enjoyable. Easily the best song/sequence in the film is a scene where the two groups briefly come together in Athens, Greece and sing probably the most iconic song from the film, The Girls of Rock N' Roll (which actually came from the movie Malibu Bikini Shop, but that's neither here nor there). The sequence is near pitch perfect (save for one awkward pose and animation in a group shot) and the music and animation feel pitch perfect with an energized score, and strong projected vocals complementing the imagery on camera.

There's a lot good in the movie, but there's also some rather dated elements that make themselves very hard to ignore. The movie is a travelogue very much inspired by around the world in 80 days, and like many it carries the cultural and racial sensibilities of the era. Some scenes aren't too bad such as a sequence in Mexico (even if it is a little Disneyland in its portrayal) but others such as a sequence in Papua New Guinea involving savages hollering tribes people, or a sequence in the Middle East where the chipettes are kidnapped by a pre-pubescent Sheik in a cringey parody/homage to the 1921 melodrama The Sheik are incredibly uncomfortable to sit through.

The Chipmunk Adventure is a well made movie that delivers exactly what it sets out to do. It has the Chipmunks (and the Chipettes) going on adventures and singing a collection of new and classic songs. It's a very loosely structured movie as its built upon episodic encounters more than it is a through plot, but the movie keeps momentum up so that it never feels like it drags. Some song sequences are better than others and the animation can be a little spotty on some of the human models, but more often than not it brings the needed visceral energy to the screen to make music and animation sync up in unique and beautiful ways. Some of the travelogue scenes have a slightly more cringey feel to them in hindsight, but for better or worse The Chipmunk Adventure encapsulates the best and worst of the 80s Chipmunk revival and there's thankfully more of the former than the latter.

Like many other reviewers of this film, I am an 80s child. At 21 now, I am still captivated by this extraordinary film. You see animated movies nowadays, and with some exceptions, are usually lacking substance, and clean fun. The Chipmunk Adventure is just plain fun. I, personally, found the chipmunk show boring when I was younger, and I don't remember how I ended up watching this movie. But I am really glad that I did. Not only is it great to keep and watch to remind you of childhood days past, but it is also a great film to keep in your family, and run through generations. I am keeping mine for me, and when my son gets old enough, we can enjoy it together. An adult who has not seen the movie before might find it boring, but if he/she does, then they are too warped by todays conception of what a 'good' animated flick is. There are no REAL celebrity voices, no fancy computer animated effects, just good animation, kick-ass songs, and a really solid, enjoyable storyline. The characters are impossible to forget, and the famous 'Boys/Girls of Rock 'n' Roll' seen has stuck with me for years. I love this movie, and I honestly can't think of why anyone would walk away from this movie disappointed. I give it a perfect score, because it is perfect for what it is.

I've loved this movie for a LONG time. I hadn't seen it in a while, so I again checked it out and actually found it even more enjoyable now. I loved the Chipmunks cartoon when I was young, so naturally I adored 'The Chipmunk Adventure.'

I honestly can't think of a better plot to this movie. It's not wildly creative, but I've always wanted to travel all over the world, and so I just have so much fun watching it as my longing to travel grows even more. The part with Elenore singing to the little penguin always makes me cry...

'The Chipmunk Adventure' will remain a favorite of mine forever, I'm sure. I guess it's because I saw it when I was so young. I don't think it would make quite an impact on someone older seeing it for the first time. (Unless, of course, they have a young heart)

One of my absolute favorite childhood films. The Chipmunk adventure packs incredible fun geared for young and old alike. The animation is lively and colorful and the film itself boasts some of the best songs ever put in an animated feature. Who could forget the dynamic "Boys/Girls of Rock n' Roll", the exciting "Diamond Dolls", and the heartrending "My Mother"?

This should be considered a nostalgic classic animated gem from the eighties. It's too bad they don't make them like this anymore. Most animated films today resort to violence, crude humor, or sentimental mush... except of course the folks from Pixar.

BOTTOM LINE: An amazing and unforgettable adventure for all ages.

To this day, there isn't a movie I've seen more times than The Chipmunk Adventure, nor has any movie brought me more happiness. This is by no means the greatest film or even the greatest animated film, but to an 8 year old girl in 1988 it was the coolest, funniest, most exciting film ever! I'm still equally as impressed today with the musical numbers, each one a standout song with wonderfully dramatic lyrics in the epic tradition of 80's pop (think Pat Benetar on helium, only catchier).

Controversy has stirred over the blatantly suggestive tone of the Chipette's song "Gettin' Lucky With You", which to me seemed much more innocent at the time. However, looking at it as a rational adult, I can totally understand the concern; you've got three young girls in skimpy harem outfits passionately proclaiming "getting lucky is what it's all about". The Chipettes' were definitely sexualized tenfold for this movie.

But this controversial issue doesn't even come close to overshadowing the Chipmunks' otherwise fabulous feature length animated adventure, I encourage parents and childless adults alike to check out this movie. Especially if you were a child of the eighties/early nineties like me. :-)

THE CHIPMUNK ADVENTURE

There are some movies that I could watch all my life and never grow tired of them, and this nostalgic favorite is one of them. THE CHIPMUNK ADVENTURE was a 1987 attempt to bring the old favorites back to the forefront of animation, this time on the big screen. In an age when Disney dominated the film industry in terms of animation quality and box office, THE CHIPMUNK ADVENTURE stands as one of the best animated films that Disney didn't produce in the 80's.

The story is simple and elementary, having Alvin, Simon & Theodore compete in an around-the-world race with the Chipettes (Janette, Eleanor, & Brittany). However, as the chipmunks encounter exotic dangers, they are unaware that they are the pawns in a major diamond heist.

THE CHIPMUNK ADVENTURE never was and never will be a film that soars thanks to an engrossing plot. And to people who didn't love it as a child, the film will probably never be more then an enjoyable, yet forgettable, animated movie. But for me, it will always be a little known masterpiece. Something about the film just clicks for me in a way few films do.

Every song is fun, upbeat, and harmless. Highlights include the Chipettes in a slightly risqué Arabian dance to calm snakes. There's also a very sweet song in which the Chipmunks sing about traveling the world and we get to see them at major landmarks throughout the globe. One thing about the Chipmunk characters is that, despite the potentially annoying vocals, the songwriters always managed to write songs that were catchy without ever being grating. This film is no exception... it actually boasts one of the best Animated movie soundtracks of the 80's if you ask me.

Every joke is cute, sincere and amusing. The bits between the bad guys and a pampered puppy are very amusing. And the shock of seeing the Chipettes nearly forced into marriage by a child emperor is as well. The comedy manages to constantly play to the kids so that they don't miss anything, but everything remains charming for the adults with enough nostalgia to keep them entertained.

It's really just a fun trip that is completely humble in it's ambitions. THE CHIPMUNK ADVENTURE never aims to be anything more then it is, harmless fun. I'll be the first to admit this is a biased review because I have such a nostalgic fondness for THE CHIPMUNK ADVENTURE that I would never be able to give it a bad review... but nonetheless, it fills me with such a childish contentment while watching it. Everyone has their random favorite from childhood that no one knows, and for me it's this movie. And any film that I can watch over and over whether I am 5, 12, 23 or older is a great film in my eyes.

... A- ...

Yeah it may not be for adults, and some adults may find it stupid, but if you don't think about it it's really not that bad.

The story has Alvin and his gang, going across the world, in search of jewels for a bad person, and the misadventures that they come in contact with.

So the animation is good, and the story is cute, and the songs are forgettable but it's a good movie.

I give it a 6 out of 10 or *** out of 4 stars.

Although it is more of a kids movie, it still holds its own, especially when compared to the more recent assembly line animated films being made. The music is fantastic!! I don't care how old you are, you will still find yourself rockin to "Girls of Rock and Roll" and Diamond Dolls." Definatly a must for animation lovers.

Another underrated film, which has joined the likes of Transformers the movie in the category of underappreciated classics.

Like Transformers the movie, A Chipmunk Adventure has a cartoon series backing it up, so fans go into the theater already knowing most of the characters. However, the film stands on it's own and does not rely on any of the cartoon episodes at all. The story centers around a race around the world between the Chipmunks and the Chipettes. Simple enough. I am glad to see an animated film that isn't another prince and princess, fall in love rehash.

Throughout the show are many memorable moments as well as a variety of songs that anyone could sing along to. I remember as a child loving the "Boys/Girls of Rock n' Roll" song, singing it over and over. I am sure many kids of today would do the same if they have the chance to see this film. There is no sex, minimal violence, and lots of fun.

"The Chipmunk Adventure" is one of the greatest animated movies of the 1980's. Alvin and the Chipmunks have always been of some interest to me, since they were what really got me into rock and roll. Neither one of the Chipmunks has any bad traits. Alvin's really the star and has all the cool looks. Theodore is the lovable sensitive one. Then there's Simon (my personal favorite), the smart one who is often a party pooper. I also like the Chipettes a lot. There's Brittany, who, like Alvin, is one who is always trying to be so popular. Then there's Eleanor, who, like Theodore, is sweet, sensitive, and loves food. Janette is the only Chipette who is not much like her counterpart; she's very naive and really clumsy.

In the Chipmunks' very first full-length movie, David Seville is going on a business trip to Europe, and he's leaving the boys with Miss Miller while he's gone. While playing an arcade game, Alvin loses against Brittany and then says that if he had the money, he'd race Brittany around the world for real. Unbeknownest to the kids, a man named Klaus Furschtien and his sister, Claudia, who have been trying to come up with a sneaky way to deliver diamonds around the world in exchange for cash, overheard this conversation and said that they'd let them race around the world for $100,000. Alvin and Brittany accept it and go on the race.

This adventurous movie has a lot of great songs. "Off to See the World" made for an appropriate theme song for the movie. Then there is "Getting Lucky", one of my favorite songs in the movie. "My Mother" is most likely the sappiest song in the movie, but it always makes me cry. "Wooly Bully" is the only cover song used in the movie (the rest were completely original). Then, of course, there's "The Boys and Girls of Rock and Roll", which, in my opinion, has to be one of the greatest musical numbers in movie history.

I used to watch this movie very often, until my recorded tape of it died. I still watch the movie, though. This is actually a fun movie for people who are about to go on a vacation to a foreign country for the first time. It'll give you an idea of what kind of stuff you'd expect out of world travel. Definitely one of my childhood movies, and one that I'd recommend to 80's fans and Alvin & the Chipmunks fans.

AWWWW, I just love this movie to bits. Me and my cousins enjoy this movie a lot and I am just such a HUGE FAN!!! I hope they bring the TV series out on DVD soon. Come to mention it, I have not see the TV show in a LONG time. Such geart times! Where I come from Australia The Chipmunk Adventure is only known by people in their late teens and adult years which is kinda sad because the young kids don't know what there missing.

The songs in this film are ace the ones I love the most Boys/girls of rock n'roll, Diamond Dolls and the song that ls sure to make you want to cry My Mother.

This film is sure to excite both young and old GET THE CHIPMUNK ADVENTURE TODAY!!! 10 out of 10, such an excellent movie.

I loved this movie when I was a kid. I saw it theatrically. Randy Edelman did a good composition of the soundtrack. David Seville is the Chipmunks' father and recording manager. The Chipmunks consist of Alvin, who is best known for playing the harmonica, Simon, who is a bright and studious chipmunk & Theodore, who is the youngest and is always hungry. There is a lady known as Miss Miller, who looks after the chipmunks and has 3 daughters known as Brittany, Jeanette & Eleanor, who all have the same character as the Chipmunks. My favourite songs from this soundtrack include "Diamond Dolls", The Girls of Rock & Roll", & the touching "My Mother". Alvin really wanted to see Europe when Dave had to go there for business. The Chipmunks meet the Chipettes playing the Around the World in 30 days video game which led them to race each other doing the real thing.

I have been an avid chipmunk fan since the late 70's - early 80's. When this movie came out, it was a must to see it. And after seeing it, I went right over and bought it! The movie is great, I love the animated action it brings, and the music is great (yes, I bought the soundtrack on CD...) A recommended video for everyone to watch and enjoy!

This movie is a classic. Kids now will love it, and people like me, who were kids when it first came out, still watch it for its nostalgic value as well as for its humor and great story. It introduces kids to different cultures and inspires them to adventure. It's not JUST a cartoon, it's a masterpiece. I love it.

If your a child of the 80's and have not seen this movie you have failed to be a true child of the 80's. How can you not love those great chipmunks (don't forget about the chippettes), lines, and songs. Years later i can still sing every word to every song. The story line is great and much better then the films for kids today. It's just pure fun and worth the rent, even if your all grown up.

At 18, I love this movie, I grew up with this and the show Alvin and the Chipmunks and love them both to death. I have always loved those lovable chipmunks, but this movie has them at their cutest and most endearing.

The story is simple, but it was better like that. The film's simplicity really added to its charm, and the story worked really well with some great ideas. As for the script, one of the film's most delightful assets. The film is really well written, all the jokes work and there are many touching and adventurous moments too.

The animation is also very well done, it isn't direct to video quality thankfully, it is bright, colourful and lively. All the characters move with consummate ease and the backgrounds are audacious. The music is absolutely delightful, I was shocked at how good it was. The incidental music was absolutely beautiful and rousing particularly the main theme, but the songs "Diamond Dolls", "My Mother", "Girls of Rock 'n' Roll", "Wooly Bully", "I like you very much" and "Off to See the World" are amazing, especially "My Mother" which was really poignant.

The characters are really likable and engaging. Alvin, Theodore and Simon have wonderful personalities, while Elenore, Brittany and Jeanette are equally as likable. David is caring and a perfect father figure, the baby penguin is adorable(sorry I have a thing for penguins) while Miss Miller is a fun supporting character. I was most surprised by the villains Klaus and Claudia, they weren't pantomime, they were very convincing, threatening and fun with a good motive, and their witty banter was most inspiring and amusing. And to top it all, the voice acting was top-notch.

Overall, a delightful adventure that I have cherished since childhood. If you haven't seen it already, and decide to give it a chance, I think you will love it. 10/10 Bethany Cox

This is a charming movie starring everyone's favorite cartoon chipmunks. In this feature we follow the band of rodents on an unforgettable balloon race around the world. Although there are lows, including an orphan penguin, all in all it's a great family film.