:Alvin and the Chipmunks (film)#Soundtrack

Talking chipmunk brothers Alvin, Simon, and Theodore reside in a fir tree, which is cut down and driven to Los Angeles after record label JETT Records purchases it as a Christmas tree. Meanwhile, struggling songwriter Dave Seville has his latest demo rejected by their chief executive Ian Hawke, who suggests that Dave should quit writing songs. Dave steals a muffin basket from one of Ian's subordinates and heads home; the Chipmunks, finding themselves in the same building, leave the tree and hop into the basket.

Finding the Chipmunks in his home, a shocked Dave initially forces them to leave. When he hears them sing "Only You (And You Alone)" and "Funkytown", Dave makes a deal with the Chipmunks to sing his songs in exchange for food and shelter. That night, Dave writes a song for them. The next day, Dave plays his piano and the Chipmunks practice Dave's song, "Christmas Don't Be Late". However, when Dave tries to present the Chipmunks to Ian, the Chipmunks fail to sing because of stage fright. The day worsens as Dave is fired from his marketing job due to the Chipmunks having unknowingly ruined his presentation boards. While hosting dinner with former girlfriend Claire, Dave struggles to hide the Chipmunks after Alvin attempts to create a romantic atmosphere, causing an uncomfortable Claire to leave. To make amends, the Chipmunks sing Dave's song in Ian's lavish mansion, prompting Ian to sign a record deal and restore the songwriting career of Dave, now the Chipmunks' manager.

The Chipmunks quickly become an international sensation, further solidified after a successful performance of "Witch Doctor". Dave, concerned for their wellbeing, insists the Chipmunks are too young to handle fame, but Ian convinces them Dave reduces their success. After a misunderstanding and reading an old letter Dave wrote about their return to the forest, the Chipmunks decide to live with Ian, who exploits their naivety by overworking them constantly. When Ian's plan to take the Chipmunks on a twelve-month international tour is revealed on the news, Dave decides to infiltrate their concert at the Orpheum Theatre to get them back. When Dave manages to sneak in with Claire's help, the Chipmunks hear Dave calling and realize that Ian has tricked them; they decide to sabotage the show by causing chaos onstage. Dave is stopped by security as Ian locks the Chipmunks in a cage, preparing for their concert in Paris. Ian escapes in his limousine with Dave pursuing after him. Despite losing Ian, Dave finds the Chipmunks in his car. As Dave and the Chipmunks reconcile, Ian discovers their escape, which ultimately results in the collapse of his career and financial ruin.

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• Justin Long as Alvin (speaking voice)
• Ross Bagdasarian Jr. as Alvin (singing voice)
• Matthew Gray Gubler as Simon (speaking voice)
• Steve Vining as Simon (singing voice){{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/alvin-and-the-chipmunks/credits/|publisher=Metacritic|access-date=16 October 2024|title=Alvin and the Chipmunks credits}}
• Jesse McCartney as Theodore (speaking voice)
• Janice Karman as Theodore (singing voice)
• Jason Lee as David "Dave" Seville, a father figure to Alvin, Simon and Theodore.
• David Cross as Ian Hawke, the CEO of JETT Records{{Cite AV media |url=https://mubi.com/en/in/films/alvin-and-the-chipmunks |title=Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007) {{!}} MUBI |language=en |access-date=2024-08-08 |via=mubi.com}}{{Cite web |last=Service |first=-Synopsis courtesy of Tribune Media |date=2007-12-14 |title=Alvin and the Chipmunks |url=https://www.roccitymag.com/rochester/alvin-and-the-chipmunks/Film?oid=2237046 |access-date=2024-08-08 |website=CITY Magazine |language=en}}
• Cameron Richardson as Claire Wilson, Dave's love interest.{{cite web |date=2007-11-08 |title=Forget the Chipmunks, Give me More Cameron Richardson |url=http://www.beyondhollywood.com/gallery/forget-the-chipmunks-give-me-more-cameron-richardson/ |work=BeyondHollywood.com |accessdate=2009-10-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071109122156/http://www.beyondhollywood.com/gallery/forget-the-chipmunks-give-me-more-cameron-richardson/ |archive-date=2007-11-09 |url-status=dead }}
• Jane Lynch as Gail, an advertising executive and Dave's ex-boss
• Frank Maharajh as Barry
• Veronica Alicino as Amy
• Kevin Symons as Ted

File:Ross Bagdasarian 1972.jpg in 1972]]

In 1958, Ross Bagdasarian (using the pseudonym David Seville) experimented with speed-altered vocals to create "Witch Doctor", a novelty song about asking for love advice from a witch doctor.{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=C1wFCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA132 |title=The Oxford Handbook of Music and Virtuality|date=2016 |page=132 |isbn=9780199321285 |publisher=Oxford University Press }} Its success, which included topping the Billboard charts, inspired Bagdasarian to apply the recording technique to create The Chipmunks: Alvin, Simon, and Theodore.{{Cite news|title=Animation Anecdotes #104|url=https://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/animation-anecdotes-104/|last=Korkis|first=Jim|date=2013-04-05|access-date=2021-12-19|work=Cartoon Research}} Their debut song "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)" sold over 4 million copies and won multiple Grammy Awards.{{cite web|last=O'Neil|first=Tom|url=http://goldderby.latimes.com/awards_goldderby/2009/05/today-in-1958-first-grammy-awards-handed-out-.html|title=Today in 1959: First Grammy Awards handed out|work=Los Angeles Times|date=4 May 2009|access-date=29 Nov 2009}}{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2023/12/23/chipmunk-song-christmas-david-seville/|access-date=28 October 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post|title=How 'The Chipmunk Song' became an unlikely Christmas megahit}} This popularity led to the first animated show, The Alvin Show, airing in 1961. After Bagdasarian's death, his son Ross Bagdasarian Jr. revived the Chipmunks with a successful Christmas special in 1981.{{cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/alvin-and-the-chipmunks-history-2015-12#rostom-sipan-ross-bagdasarian-was-an-actor-and-musician-known-for-his-appearance-in-alfred-hitchcocks-rear-window-he-was-making-novelty-records-in-the-late-50s-when-he-bought-a-tape-recorder-that-allowed-him-to-vary-tape-speed-and-released-the-song-witch-doctor-in-1958-it-reached-no-1-1|publisher=Business Insider|title=Alvin and the Chipmunks History|access-date=13 November 2024}}

Ross Bagdasarian Jr. dreamed of making a live-action film since 1997 "and the dream has had many nightmare moments".{{cite web|url=https://www.channel24.co.za/Movies/Features/A-Chipmunk-Interview-part-1-20081201|title=A Chipmunk Interview – part 1|date=December 27, 2007|work=Channel 24|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103210050/https://www.channel24.co.za/Movies/Features/A-Chipmunk-Interview-part-1-20081201|archive-date=3 January 2020|access-date=December 22, 2019}} In June 1997, Robert Zemeckis was assigned to direct a live action adaptation with Steven Spielberg producing with Universal Pictures,{{Cite web |date=1997-06-19 |title=Santa Maria Times from Santa Maria, California |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/447049143/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en-US}} but the project was put on hold after the estate of Ross Bagdasarian Sr. filed a lawsuit against Universal in September 2000, claiming the studio had failed to properly license products featuring Alvin and his singing companions.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2000-09-12 |title=Family of Chipmunks' Originator Files Suit Against Universal Studios |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-sep-12-fi-19557-story.html |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}} In September 2004, Fox 2000 Pictures, 20th Century Fox Animation and Bagdasarian Productions announced they would collaborate to create a live-action computer-generated film starring Alvin and the Chipmunks.{{cite web|last=Brodesser|first=Claude|date=September 14, 2004|url=https://variety.com/2004/film/markets-festivals/alvin-to-squeak-again-1117910455/|title='Alvin' to squeak again|work=Variety|access-date=December 21, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103210833/https://variety.com/2004/film/markets-festivals/alvin-to-squeak-again-1117910455/|url-status=live}} In April 2005, Jon Vitti, a writer for The Simpsons, was revealed to be writing the screenplay.{{cite web|last=Brodesser|first=Claude|date=April 17, 2005|url=https://variety.com/2005/film/news/fox-animation-ups-cohen-1117921226/|title=Fox Animation ups Cohen|work=Variety|access-date=December 21, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103210757/https://variety.com/2005/film/news/fox-animation-ups-cohen-1117921226/|url-status=live}} In January 2007, it was announced Tim Hill, former writer of Rocko's Modern Life and SpongeBob SquarePants, was in talks with Fox to direct the film, having previously directed Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties.{{cite web|last=LaPorte|first=Nicole|date=January 24, 2007|url=https://variety.com/2007/scene/markets-festivals/hill-to-direct-chipmunks-1117958050/|title=Hill to direct 'Chipmunks'|work=Variety|access-date=December 21, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103210101/https://variety.com/2007/scene/markets-festivals/hill-to-direct-chipmunks-1117958050/|url-status=live}}

Chevy Chase, Tim Allen, John Travolta, and Bill Murray were originally considered for the role of David Seville.{{cite web |last1=Evans |first1=Bradford |title=The Lost Roles of Chevy Chase |url=https://www.vulture.com/2011/09/the-lost-roles-of-chevy-chase.html |magazine=New York |date=22 September 2011 |access-date=December 6, 2020 |archive-date=June 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608015626/https://www.vulture.com/2011/09/the-lost-roles-of-chevy-chase.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Evans |first1=Bradford |title=The Lost Roles of Tim Allen |url=https://www.vulture.com/2011/10/the-lost-roles-of-tim-allen.html |magazine=New York |date=26 October 2011 |access-date=December 10, 2020 |archive-date=November 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118025942/https://www.vulture.com/amp/2011/10/the-lost-roles-of-tim-allen.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Evans |first1=Bradford |title=The Lost Roles of Bill Murray, Part Two |url=https://www.vulture.com/2012/02/the-lost-roles-of-bill-murray-part-two.html |magazine=New York |date=16 February 2012 |access-date=December 10, 2020 |archive-date=February 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222155216/https://www.vulture.com/amp/2012/02/the-lost-roles-of-bill-murray-part-two.html |url-status=live }} In March 2007, Jason Lee joined the project to play David Seville,{{cite web |last=Bruno |first=Mike |title=Jason Lee to star in Chipmunks movie |work=Entertainment Weekly |date=March 13, 2007 |access-date=2024-12-24 |url=https://ew.com/article/2007/03/13/jason-lee-star-chipmunks-movie/}} and Cameron Richardson joining that month to play Claire.{{cite web|last=Dodd|first=Stacy|date=March 21, 2007|url=https://variety.com/2007/scene/markets-festivals/cameron-richardson-2-1117961581/|title=Cameron Richardson|work=Variety|access-date=December 21, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103210039/https://variety.com/2007/scene/markets-festivals/cameron-richardson-2-1117961581/|url-status=live}} Patton Oswalt and Brian Posehn were approached to play Ian Hawke but all declined.{{Cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2011/12/the-lost-roles-of-patton-oswalt.html|title=The Lost Roles of Patton Oswalt|date=December 8, 2011|access-date=July 21, 2021|archive-date=July 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718204047/https://www.vulture.com/amp/2011/12/the-lost-roles-of-patton-oswalt.html|url-status=live}} Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler and Jesse McCartney voiced the Chipmunks, replacing Bagdasarian Jr. and his wife Janice Karman, who had voiced the chipmunks since they revived the franchise.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1047080/alvin-chipmunks-stay-in-the-family|title=Alvin, Chipmunks Stay In The Family|date=December 11, 2007|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 27, 2019}} For recording, the chipmunk voice actors spoke their lines slowly to be sped up to normal speed in post-production; McCartney described it as a "tedious process", where "it could take 40 takes for one line." He owned the album Chipmunk Punk (1980) and studied 1980s Alvin cartoons for his role in the film.{{cite web|last=Eisinger|first=Amy|date=March 20, 2008|url=https://www.seventeen.com/celebrity/q-and-a/a1779/jesse-mccartney-qa-chipmunks/|title=Jesse McCartney|work=Seventeen|access-date=December 26, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103210059/https://www.seventeen.com/celebrity/q-and-a/a1779/jesse-mccartney-qa-chipmunks/|url-status=live}}

File:SunsetGowerStudios Dec2006.jpg (pictured).]]

Principal photography began on March 28, 2007,{{cite web|last=Grove|first=Chris|date=March 8, 2007|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/features/earl-meets-the-chipmunks/|title=Earl Meets the Chipmunks|work=Animation Magazine|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103212241/https://www.animationmagazine.net/features/earl-meets-the-chipmunks/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Sperling|first=Nicole|date=March 8, 2007|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/alvin-lee-pops-chipmunks-131572|title=Alvin!!!!! Lee pops for 'Chipmunks'|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103210038/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/alvin-lee-pops-chipmunks-131572|url-status=live}} with filming taking place primarily in areas of Los Angeles.{{cite web|url=https://www.kibskbov.com/2021/03/mono-in-the-movies-alvin-the-chipmunks/#:~:text=Movies%20in%20the%20Movies%20is,Updated%20information%20is%20welcomed.|title=MONO IN THE MOVIES – ALVIN & THE CHIPMUNKS|date=March 24, 2021 |access-date=24 October 2024}} Seville's house was built on Sunset Gower Studios in Hollywood, and contains references to Bagdasarian Sr.'s life. The set pieces included an upright piano he used to write his songs and a flower visual he painted; the house's address number includes 1958, the year he created the chipmunk characters; and the house design is based on a cottage built in 1919, the year Bagdasarian Sr. was born.{{cite web|last=Rosen|first=Lisa|date=November 4, 2007|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-nov-04-ca-alvin4-story.html|title=Out of thin air|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=December 27, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103210039/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-nov-04-ca-alvin4-story.html|url-status=live}}

In shots where human characters interacted with the chipmunks, the actors rehearsed with small stuffed animals indicating where the chipmunks would be; the animals were then removed when it was time to shoot, and the actors used their memory of where the animals were. In the mid-credits scene where Ian tries to get squirrels to sing, the actor and the animals were filmed separately. Using nuts, a trainer would bait squirrels in order to get them to turn their heads in different directions.{{cite web|url=https://humanehollywood.org/production/alvin-and-the-chipmunks/|publisher=Humane Hollywood|title=Alvin and the Chipmunks - Humane Hollywood|access-date=13 November 2024}}

File:Tamias minimus.jpg were studied and integrated into Ross Bagdasarian Sr.'s characters.]]

The Chipmunks were animated by visual effects company Rhythm & Hues Studios,{{cite book|chapter-url= https://dl.acm.org/doi/pdf/10.1145/1400468.1400537|access-date=13 November 2024|publisher=ACM Digital Library|chapter=Rhythm & Hues 2007 Feature Film Work|doi=10.1145/1400468.1400537 |title=ACM SIGGRAPH 2008 computer animation festival |date=2008 |last1=Byrd |first1=Scot |pages=94–95 |isbn=978-1-60558-345-7 }} who previously animated creatures for projects such as Babe (1995), Mouse Hunt (1997), Scooby-Doo (2002), The Cat in the Hat (2003), and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005), the lattermost of which garnered Rhythm & Hues an Academy Award. As with past projects, Rhythm & Hues used its own software for animating Alvin and the Chipmunks. Programs Voodoo and Icy were used for placing the CGI into live-action shots, with Autodesk programs like Flame and Maya used as well.{{cite web |last= Ball| first=Ryan| date=December 21, 2007 |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/vfx/autodesk-behind-holiday-blockbusters/|title=Autodesk Behind Holiday Blockbusters |work= Animation Magazine| access-date=December 24, 2019| archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200103212105/https://www.animationmagazine.net/vfx/autodesk-behind-holiday-blockbusters/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://assets.adg.org/media/members/2020-04-07_15-00-18/Libutti_Angelo_CV_July_21._2019_.pdf|title=ANGELO LUBUTTI|access-date=13 November 2024}}

According to Bagdasarian Jr., getting the look of the chipmunks suited for a live-action setting while maintaining the essence of the cartoon designs was challenging, and it took until September 2006 for the artists to get it right.{{cite web|last=Garfinkel|first=Jacki|date=September 11, 2006|url=https://www.mediavillage.com/article/alvin-simon-and-theodore-are-coming-back/|title=Alvin, Simon and Theodore are Coming Back|website=Media Village|access-date=December 21, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103210043/https://www.mediavillage.com/article/alvin-simon-and-theodore-are-coming-back/|url-status=live}} Hill instructed the artists to make the chipmunks look realistic, but not entirely like chipmunks. In addition to observing real chipmunks offered by Universal Studios Inc., Rhythm & Hues studied all versions of the chipmunk characters from past Alvin media for conceiving, fur-texturing, and animating designs for the film. Human dancers were referenced for animating the dance movements of the chipmunks, and YouTube videos of famous guitarists playing the guitar influenced how Alvin's guitar-playing was animated. High-dynamic-range images of sets were also used for lighting the chipmunks to fit the live-action shots. The most difficult part of integrating the chipmunks in the shots was match moving for instances when they climb on Seville's head. For scenes where the chipmunks interacted with props, some were live-action props while others, such as a paper airplane, were produced and animated.{{cite web |last=Wolff|first=Ellen |date=December 14, 2007 |url= https://www.awn.com/vfxworld/alvin-and-chipmunks-critter-christmas|title='Alvin and the Chipmunks': A Critter Christmas|website=Animation World Network| access-date= December 24, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103221316/https://www.awn.com/vfxworld/alvin-and-chipmunks-critter-christmas|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Alvin and the Chipmunks (soundtrack){{!}}Alvin and the Chipmunks (soundtrack)}}

The soundtrack was released in November 2007, featuring songs such as "Witch Doctor" and "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)" (as made famous by David Seville and the Chipmunks), cover versions of songs such as "Bad Day" (as made famous by Daniel Powter) and "Funkytown" (as made famous by Lipps Inc.), and original songs such as "Coast 2 Coast", "Get You Goin'" and "Get Munk'd".{{Cite magazine |author=Billboard Staff |date=2007-12-11 |title=Alvin, Chipmunks Stay In The Family |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/alvin-chipmunks-stay-in-the-family-1047080/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102202729/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/alvin-chipmunks-stay-in-the-family-1047080/ |archive-date=2023-11-02 |access-date=2024-06-11 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=The Chipmunks |author-link=Alvin and the Chipmunks |date=2007-11-20 |title=Alvin and the Chipmunks (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/alvin-and-the-chipmunks-original-motion/1440927044 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226002937/https://music.apple.com/us/album/alvin-and-the-chipmunks-original-motion/1440927044 |archive-date=2021-12-26 |access-date=2024-06-11 |publisher=Apple Music}} Four songs from the album charted on the Billboard Hot 100.{{cite magazine|last=Hasty|first=Katie|date=April 9, 2008|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045912/strait-speeds-past-rem-to-debut-at-no-1|title=Strait Speeds Past R.E.M. To Debut At No. 1|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 27, 2019}} The album has been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America for shipments of over one million copies, thereby becoming the Chipmunks' third Platinum album, sixth RIAA-certified album and the first since Chipmunks in Low Places (which also went Platinum).{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045891/chart-shakers|title=Chart Shakers|magazine=Billboard|date=April 10, 2008|access-date=December 27, 2019}} The film score was composed and conducted by Christopher Lennertz;"A Note From The Composer," liner notes, score album, La-La Land Records LLLCD 1077 La-La Land Records released an album of it in September 2008.{{Cite web |title=Alvin & The Chipmunks (Original Score from the Motion Picture) |url=https://www.amazon.com/Alvin-Chipmunks-Original-Motion-Picture/dp/B088G36XRV |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250113180441/https://www.amazon.com/Alvin-Chipmunks-Original-Motion-Picture/dp/B088G36XRV |archive-date=2025-01-13 |website=Amazon Music}}

File:Open videothek - panoramio.jpg in Berlin with an Alvin film poster (bottom left)]]

Months before its release, film bloggers anticipated that Alvin and the Chipmunks would be a failure due to the involvement of the director of Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties (2006),{{cite web|last=Vespe|first=Eric|date=March 8, 2007|url=http://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/31805|title=Oh God, Jason Lee why? ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS movie from the mind-blowing talents behind the GARFIELD movie sequel?!?|website=Ain't It Cool News|access-date=December 27, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103210923/http://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/31805|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Sciretta|first=Peter|date=July 3, 2007|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/alvin-and-the-chipmunks-movie-poster/|title=Alvin and The Chipmunks Movie Poster|work=/Film|access-date=December 27, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103210135/https://www.slashfilm.com/alvin-and-the-chipmunks-movie-poster/|url-status=live}} the writers of Snow Day (2000), the Ice Age films, Robots (2005), Big Momma's House 2 (2006), and the poor quality of previous live-action adaptations of old cartoons.{{cite web|url=https://www.thefilmfile.com/reviews/a/07_alvinandthechipmunks.htm|title=Dustin Putman's Review - Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007) - [TheMovieBoy]|access-date=24 October 2024}} In an August 2007 survey of 750 American teens ran by eCRUSH and OTX, Alvin and the Chipmunks was one of the most anticipated films of the 2007 fall and winter seasons in the group.{{cite web|last=Schiller|first=Gail|date=August 27, 2007|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/study-tv-trailers-keep-teens-148820|title=Study: TV, trailers keep teens tuned to movies|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103210042/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/study-tv-trailers-keep-teens-148820|url-status=live}} The first poster for Alvin and the Chipmunks was revealed online on July 4, 2007.{{cite web|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/21742-here-are-alvin-and-the-chipmunks|title=Here are Alvin and the Chipmunks|website=ComingSoon.net|date=July 4, 2007|access-date=December 27, 2019|archive-date=January 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104050407/https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/21742-here-are-alvin-and-the-chipmunks|url-status=live}} Later that month, Fox launched the official website for Alvin and the Chipmunks with only a trailer and synopsis;{{cite web|last=Strowbridge|first=C.S.|date=July 29, 2007|url=https://www.the-numbers.com/news/175510830-Movie-Website-Updates-for-July-22-July-28-2007|title=Movie Website Updates for July 22 – July 28, 2007|work=The Numbers|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=March 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326140141/https://www.the-numbers.com/news/175510830-Movie-Website-Updates-for-July-22-July-28-2007|url-status=live}} several games were added later on.{{cite web|last=Strowbridge|first=C.S.|date=December 15, 2007|url=https://www.the-numbers.com/news/178740830-Movie-Website-Reviews-for-Weekend-of-December-15-2007|title=Movie Website Reviews for Weekend of December 15, 2007|website=The Numbers|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=March 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321194536/https://www.the-numbers.com/news/178740830-Movie-Website-Reviews-for-Weekend-of-December-15-2007|url-status=live}} A video game adaptation was developed by Sensory Sweep Studios for Brash Entertainment and released on December 4, 2007.{{Cite web|title=Scan of back cover|url=http://img.gamefaqs.net/box/6/3/4/90634_back.jpg|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151128201134/http://img.gamefaqs.net/box/6/3/4/90634_back.jpg|archive-date=November 28, 2015}}

Alvin and the Chipmunks was released in the United States and Canada on December 14, 2007. The film grossed $44.3 million in 3,475 theaters its opening weekend averaging to about $12,750 per venue, placing second at the box office behind I Am Legend.{{cite magazine|last=Sperling|first=Nicole|title=I Am Legend sets record|url=https://ew.com/article/2007/12/17/i-am-legend-sets-record/|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=November 18, 2022|date=December 17, 2007}}{{cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=weekend&id=alvinandthechipmunks.htm |title=Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007) - Weekend Box Office Results |access-date=December 16, 2007 |publisher=Box Office Mojo |archive-date=December 9, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081209084543/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=weekend&id=alvinandthechipmunks.htm |url-status=live }} Its second weekend was $28.2 million. On its third weekend, it surpassed I Am Legend for number 2 at the box office, but ranked behind National Treasure: Book of Secrets. The film closed on Thursday June 5, 2008, making $217.3 million in the US and $144 million overseas for a total of $361.3 million worldwide. The sustained box-office success surprised the studio; Elizabeth Gabler of Fox 2000 told the Los Angeles Times, "I look at the numbers every day, and we just laugh". Alvin was more profitable than either I Am Legend or National Treasure: Book of Secrets.{{Cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-jan-03-et-word3-story.html |title='Alvin's' broad appeal pays off |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306185100/http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jan/03/entertainment/et-word3 |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |work=Los Angeles Times |url-status=live |date=January 3, 2008}} According to MTV, it became the highest-grossing talking animal/cartoon adaptation until its sequel.{{cite web | work=MTV Movie Blog | title=Alvin & The Chipmunks To Meet Chipettes in Sequel? | url=http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2008/01/09/alvin-the-chipmunks-to-meet-chipettes-in-sequel/| access-date=January 18, 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080115074715/http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2008/01/09/alvin-the-chipmunks-to-meet-chipettes-in-sequel/| archive-date= January 15, 2008 | url-status= dead}} It is 20th Century Fox's second-highest-grossing film that was released in 2007, behind only Live Free or Die Hard.{{cite web|url= https://www.the-numbers.com/box-office-records/worldwide/all-movies/theatrical-distributors/20th-century-fox |title= All Time Worldwide Box Office for 20th Century Fox Movies|access-date=8 October 2024|publisher=The Numbers}}

David Cross received backlash for his role in the film. In December 2007, comedian Patton Oswalt made a blog joke that he and Brian Posehn were offered the role of Ian but rejected it, adding, "We both threw the script across the room in disgust. David Cross caught it."{{cite web|author-link=Patton Oswalt|last=Oswalt|first=Patton|date=January 2, 2008|url=https://www.avclub.com/patton-oswalt-responds-1798213018|title=Patton Oswalt Responds|work=The A.V. Club|access-date=December 25, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103210219/https://film.avclub.com/patton-oswalt-responds-1798213018|url-status=live}} In response, Cross said he had rejected the role initially but reconsidered.{{cite news| last= Netburn| first= Deborah| url= https://articles.latimes.com/2008/jan/03/entertainment/et-webcross3 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091025090716/http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jan/03/entertainment/et-webcross3 | url-status= dead | archive-date= October 25, 2009 |title=Comedian defends his kid-flick role|newspaper=Los Angeles Times| date=January 3, 2008| access-date=January 16, 2020}}{{cite news| last= Sicha| first=Choire| url= https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-ca-conversation14-2009jun14,0,4296916,full.story | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090618141328/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-ca-conversation14-2009jun14,0,4296916,full.story | url-status= dead | archive-date= June 18, 2009 |title= It's full speed ahead for David Cross|newspaper=Los Angeles Times| date=June 14, 2009}}{{cite web|author-link=David Cross|last=Cross|first=David|date=December 31, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080103174313/http://www.bobanddavid.com/2007/12/allllllviiiiin.html|url=http://www.bobanddavid.com/2007/12/allllllviiiiin.html|archive-date=January 3, 2008|title=Allllllviiiiin!|website=The Bob and Davider|access-date=December 25, 2019}}

The film was released on DVD and Blu-ray on April 1, 2008.{{cite web |date=21 December 2008 |title=Everything You Need to Know About Alvin and the Chipmunks Movie (2007) |url=https://www.movieinsider.com/m2008/alvin-and-the-chipmunks |access-date=27 September 2024}} This release sold 7.5 million DVD units ($127.6 million) in total becoming the third-best-selling DVD of 2008 in the United States, behind only The Dark Knight and Iron Man.{{cite web|url=https://www.the-numbers.com/home-market/dvd-sales/2008 |title=Top-Selling DVD Titles in the United States 2008|publisher=The Numbers|access-date=27 September 2024}}

{{RT prose|28|4.1|107|Though cutely rendered, Alvin and the Chipmunks suffers from bland potty humor and a rehashed kids' movie formula.|access-date={{RT data|access date}}}}{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1184827-alvin_and_the_chipmunks/ |title=Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007) |website=Rotten Tomatoes |publisher=Fandango Media |access-date=November 1, 2020 |archive-date=November 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117045859/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1184827-alvin_and_the_chipmunks |url-status=live }}{{cite web | work=Rotten Tomatoes | title=Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007) | url=http://uk.rottentomatoes.com/m/1184827-alvin_and_the_chipmunks/ | access-date=18 January 2008 | archive-date=June 30, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100630150430/http://uk.rottentomatoes.com/m/1184827-alvin_and_the_chipmunks/ | url-status=dead }}{{cite web|last=Ryan|first=Tim|date=December 13, 2007|url=https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/article/Critical-Consensus-I-Am-Legend-All-Over-the-Map-Chipmunks-Hits-Sour-Note/|title=Critical Consensus: I Am Legend All Over the Map, Chipmunks Hits Sour Note|website=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=March 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324035054/https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/article/Critical-Consensus-I-Am-Legend-All-Over-the-Map-Chipmunks-Hits-Sour-Note/|url-status=live}} {{Metacritic film prose|39|23}}{{cite web |title=Alvin and the Chipmunks |url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/alvin-and-the-chipmunks/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100705145645/http://www.metacritic.com/film/titles/alvinandthechipmunks |archive-date=July 5, 2010 |access-date=November 1, 2020 |website=Metacritic}} Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave it grade A, on a scale of A+ to F.{{cite web |title= CinemaScore |url= https://www.cinemascore.com/publicsearch/index/title/ |website= CinemaScore |access-date= October 20, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180206073531/https://www.cinemascore.com/publicsearch/index/title/ |archive-date= February 6, 2018 |url-status= dead }}

File:DavidCross2007.jpg|access-date=December 23, 2019}}]]

Ty Burr of the Boston Globe said, "the script leans heavily on the pranks and big-eyed cuteness of the li'l guys and leaves the live actors with unfunny dialogue and nothing to do."{{cite web|last=Burr|first=Ty|date=December 14, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080424054217/http://www.boston.com/movies/display?display=movie&id=10081|archive-date=April 24, 2008|url=https://www.boston.com/movies/display?display=movie&id=10081|title=Alvin and the Chipmunks|work=The Boston Globe|access-date=December 24, 2019}} According to The New York Times, "its animated protagonists are egregiously eclipsed by the live-action characters." ''

The Chicago Reader criticized the lack of depth in the characters of David Seville and Ian Hawke, describing them as "cardboard". The film's satire on commercialism faced criticism for being contradictory, as it prominently featured popular brands, including the chipmunks themselves.{{cite web|last=Hartlaub|first=Peter|date=December 14, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114084711/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2007%2F12%2F14%2FDDGCTR30V.DTL&type=movies|archive-date=November 14, 2011|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/12/14/DDGCTR30V.DTL&type=movies|title=Review: 'Alvin and the Chipmunks' get a 21st century update|work=San Francisco Chronicle|access-date=December 24, 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Fox|first=Ken|date=May 18, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080407050805/http://www.tvguide.com/movies/alvin-chipmunks/review/291755|archive-date=April 7, 2008|url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/alvin-chipmunks/review/291755|title=Alvin And The Chipmunks|work=TV Guide|access-date=December 24, 2019}}{{cite web|last=Robey|first=Tim|date=December 21, 2007|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/3670069/Film-reviews-St-Trinians-Alvin-and-the-Chipmunks-and-A-Comedy-of-Power.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/3670069/Film-reviews-St-Trinians-Alvin-and-the-Chipmunks-and-A-Comedy-of-Power.html |archive-date=January 12, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Film reviews: St Trinian's, Alvin and the Chipmunks and A Comedy of Power|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=December 24, 2019}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Anna|date=July 4, 2007|url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/alvin-chipmunks-review/|title=Alvin And The Chipmunks Review|work=Empire|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103211638/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/alvin-chipmunks-review/|url-status=live}} Burr explained the film's message "is torn between the glitz that sells and the homilies that endure."

"Some critics took issue with Lee's subdued performance, particularly his underwhelming delivery of the iconic "Alvin!" yell."{{cite web|last=Vice|first=Jeff|date=December 13, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117215911/https://www.deseretnews.com/article/700004757/Alvin-and-the-Chipmunks.html|archive-date=January 17, 2018|url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/700004757/Alvin-and-the-Chipmunks.html|title=Film review: Alvin and the Chipmunks|work=Deseret News|access-date=December 23, 2019}}{{cite news|last=Hunter|first=Stephen|date=December 14, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209101144/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/13/AR2007121300753.html|archive-date=December 9, 2017|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/13/AR2007121300753.html|title=Singing the Same Old Song|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=December 24, 2019}}{{cite web|last=Ordona|first=Michael|date=December 14, 2007|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-dec-14-et-chipmunks14-story.html|title='Chipmunks' hits kid-friendly note|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103210135/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-dec-14-et-chipmunks14-story.html|url-status=live}} Andrew Grant of Première found, "Jason Lee makes for a sympathetic Dave, yet there's an almost somnambulistic quality to his performance,"{{cite web |last=Grant |first=Andrew |date=December 13, 2007 |title=Alvin and the Chipmunks |url=http://www.premiere.com/moviereviews/4318/alvin-and-the-chipmunks.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915122449/http://www.premiere.com/moviereviews/4318/alvin-and-the-chipmunks.html |archive-date=September 15, 2008 |access-date=December 23, 2019 |work=Première}} and Vice wrote that Lee's "rather 'cartoony' acting style here leaves a lot to be desired." However, Lee's acting did have some supporters for working as a likable protagonist,{{cite web|last=Scheck|first=Frank|date=December 13, 2007|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/alvin-chipmunks-158437|title=Alvin and the Chipmunks|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103210837/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/alvin-chipmunks-158437|url-status=live}} such as Time Out, a source that thought his "wry approach lends an edge to some of the script's wittier moments."{{cite web|url=https://www.timeout.com/london/film/alvin-and-the-chipmunks|title=Alvin and the Chipmunks|work=Time Out London|date=December 17, 2007|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103210135/https://www.timeout.com/london/film/alvin-and-the-chipmunks|url-status=live}}

Some reviewers praised Cross' performance,{{cite web|last=Webster|first=Andy|date=December 14, 2007|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/14/movies/14chip.html|title=Alvin and the Chipmunks|work=The New York Times|access-date=December 23, 2019|archive-date=October 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021012534/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/14/movies/14chip.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Weitzman|first=Elizabeth|date=June 3, 2008|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/chipmunks-drive-rodent-rage-article-1.272123|title='Chipmunks' drive us to rodent rage|work=New York Daily News|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103210135/https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/chipmunks-drive-rodent-rage-article-1.272123|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Leydon|first=Joe|date=December 13, 2007|url=https://variety.com/2007/film/markets-festivals/alvin-and-the-chipmunks-2-1200553983/|title=Alvin and the Chipmunks|work=Variety|access-date=December 13, 2011|archive-date=June 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628092900/https://variety.com/2007/film/markets-festivals/alvin-and-the-chipmunks-2-1200553983/|url-status=live}} such as Bill Goodykoontz of The Arizona Republic who said, "Cross is hilarious in everything he does, but he's surprisingly effective in a kids comedy."{{cite web|last=Goodykoontz|first=Bill|date=December 13, 2007|url=http://archive.azcentral.com/ent/movies/articles/2007/12/13/20071213alvin1214.html|title=Alvin and the Chipmunks|work=The Arizona Republic|access-date=December 22, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103210137/http://archive.azcentral.com/ent/movies/articles/2007/12/13/20071213alvin1214.html|url-status=live}} New York Times described Cross as "delightfully despicable, movie-stealing". However, reviewer Tim Robey admitted to being annoyed by Cross in the film. Andrew Grant called Richardson "sufficiently adorable and winsome, though the film's purity makes it difficult to imagine any sort of romantic entanglement." Roger Ebert of RogerEbert.com wrote, "Jason Lee and David Cross manfully play roles that require them, as actors, to relate with empty space that would later be filled with CGI."{{cite web|author-link=Roger Ebert|last=Ebert|first=Roger|date=December 13, 2007|url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/alvin-and-the-chipmunks-2007|title=Alvin and the Chipmunks|website=RogerEbert.com|access-date=December 23, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103210137/https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/alvin-and-the-chipmunks-2007|url-status=live}}

When mentioning Seville's relationship with the Chipmunks and Ian's plans with them, The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote, "Ultimately, the values and the CGI are good, but the acting is broad and the chipmunks aren't really differentiated."{{cite web|last=Rickey|first=Carrie|date=December 14, 2007|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20071219073958/https://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/carrie_rickey/20071214_Please__Alvin__dont_be_so_darned_nice.html|archive-date=December 19, 2007|url=http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/carrie_rickey/20071214_Please__Alvin__dont_be_so_darned_nice.html|title=Please, Alvin, don't be so darned nice|work=The Philadelphia Inquirer|access-date=December 22, 2019}} Some critics praised the chipmunk protagonists;{{cite web|last=Gronvall |first=Andrea|date=December 20, 2007 |title=Alvin and the Chipmunks |work=Chicago Reader|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071218194056/http://onfilm.chicagoreader.com/movies/briefs/32583_ALVIN_AND_CHIPMUNKS.html|archive-date=December 18, 2007|url=http://onfilm.chicagoreader.com/movies/briefs/32583_ALVIN_AND_CHIPMUNKS.html|access-date=December 22, 2019}} with Vice writing they were "integrated pretty well into the live-action elements." The A.V. Club wrote, "the manic Chipmunks wear out their welcome pretty quickly."{{cite web|last=Phipps|first=Keith|date=December 12, 2007|url=https://www.avclub.com/alvin-and-the-chipmunks-1798203527|title=Alvin And The Chipmunks|work=The A.V. Club|access-date=December 22, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103210136/https://film.avclub.com/alvin-and-the-chipmunks-1798203527|url-status=live}} The Globe and Mail commented: "you've got regulation-height dancers and musicians backing a singing group the size of kids' mittens."{{cite news|last=Cole|first=Stephen|date=December 14, 2007|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/funny-till-the-munks-get-funky/article726649/|title=Funny, till the 'munks get funky|work=The Globe and Mail|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=January 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121180255/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/funny-till-the-munks-get-funky/article726649/|url-status=live}} Some reviewers, including Ebert, also panned the lack of distinction between the chipmunks. However, Variety thought there was a "persuasive interaction of human and digital co-stars."

{{Anchor|Awards|Accolades}}

Fox submitted Alvin and the Chipmunks to the Academy Awards for a Best Animated Feature before the film had a theatrical run required for the award; it was not nominated.{{Cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/film-oscars-dc-idUSN0828069820071112 |title="Ratatouille," "Bee Movie" make Oscar shortlist-Reuters |website=Reuters |access-date=2018-10-25 |archive-date=2018-10-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026064540/https://www.reuters.com/article/film-oscars-dc-idUSN0828069820071112 |url-status=live }} The Movieguide Awards named Alvin and the Chipmunks the third best family film of 2007;{{cite web|last=Garcia|first=Elena|date=February 14, 2008|url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/top-10-movies-of-2007-announced-at-christian-oscars.html|title=Top 10 Movies of 2007 Announced at 'Christian Oscars'|work=The Christian Post|access-date=December 25, 2019|archive-date=May 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501172243/https://www.christianpost.com/news/top-10-movies-of-2007-announced-at-christian-oscars.html|url-status=live}} PopMatters called it the second worst film of the year.{{cite web|url=https://www.popmatters.com/super-duper-bad-the-worst-films-of-2007-2496187805.html|title=Super Duper Bad: The Worst Films of 2007|work=PopMatters|date=January 10, 2008|access-date=December 25, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103211211/https://www.popmatters.com/super-duper-bad-the-worst-films-of-2007-2496187805.html|url-status=live}} It was also named one of 2007's worst pictures by science fiction writer John Varley.{{cite web|author-link=John Varley (author)|last=Varley|first=John|url=http://www.varley.net/Movies/Best%20%26%20Worst%20of%202007.htm|title=Varley's Best and Worst Films of 2007|year=2008|website=Varley.net|access-date=December 25, 2019|archive-date=December 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207072139/http://www.varley.net/Movies/Best%20%26%20Worst%20of%202007.htm|url-status=live}} In 2011, Entertainment Weekly ranked Alvin and the Chipmunks the third worst live-action/animation hybrid film of all time.{{cite magazine|first1=Lisa|last1=Schwarzbaum|last2=Gleiberman|first2=Owen|date=April 1, 2011|url=https://ew.com/gallery/5-best-and-5-worst-live-actionanimation-hybrid-movies/?slide=344691#344691|title=5 Best -- and 5 Worst -- Live-Action/Animation Hybrid Movies|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=December 25, 2019}} Complex and Screen Rant named it eleventh worst talking animal film of all time.{{cite web|last=Striga|first=Danijel|date=December 17, 2015|url=https://screenrant.com/worst-movies-talking-animals/|title=11 Worst Movies Starring Talking Animals|website=Screen Rant|access-date=December 25, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103211215/https://screenrant.com/worst-movies-talking-animals/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Barone|first=Matt|date=March 30, 2011|url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2011/03/15-most-obnoxious-movie-animals/alvin-and-the-chipmunks|title=The 15 Most Obnoxious Movie Animals|work=Complex|access-date=December 25, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103210704/https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2011/03/15-most-obnoxious-movie-animals/alvin-and-the-chipmunks|url-status=live}} In 2013, it was ranked by GamesRadar as the 48th worst Christmas movie ever.{{cite web|last=Kinnear|first=Simon|date=December 9, 2013|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/100-worst-christmas-movies/|title=100 Worst Christmas Movies|work=GamesRadar|access-date=December 25, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103211208/https://www.gamesradar.com/100-worst-christmas-movies/|url-status=live}} In 2016, Box Office Prophets ranked it the fifth worst live-action film based on a cartoon.{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeprophets.com/column/index.cfm?columnID=18340|title=A-List: Worst Live Action Movies based on Cartoons|website=Box Office Prophets|date=April 14, 2016|access-date=December 25, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103210700/http://www.boxofficeprophets.com/column/index.cfm%3FcolumnID%3D18340|url-status=live}} The film also won the 2008 Kids' Choice Awards for Favorite Movie,{{cite web|url=http://www.nickalive.net/2008/03/nickelodeon-kids-choice-awards-2008.html|date=31 March 2008|access-date=9 October 2024|title=Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2008 Winners Press Release|publisher=NickALive!}} a BMI Film & TV Award for Film Music,{{cite web|url=https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/2008_bmi_film_tv_awards|date=22 May 2008|access-date=9 October 2024|title=2008 BMI Film/TV Awards|publisher=BMI Film & TV Awards}} and was nominated for a Young Artist Award for Best Family Feature Film (Fantasy or Musical).{{cite web|url=http://www.youngartistawards.org/noms29.html |title=29th Annual Young Artist Awards |accessdate=2012-03-31 |work=YoungArtistAwards.org |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080706161000/http://www.youngartistawards.org/noms29.html |archivedate=2008-07-06 }}

{{main|Alvin and the Chipmunks in film#Theatrical live-action films}}

A sequel titled Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel, was released on December 23, 2009.{{cite web |title=Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel (2009) |url=https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b8d482dd1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227181153/http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b8d482dd1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 27, 2018 |website=British Film Institute |access-date=December 13, 2020}} Zachary Levi joined the cast for The Squeakquel, and the main cast members reprised their roles for the sequel; the film introduced the Chipettes in the live-action film series. A third film, titled Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked, was released on December 16, 2011.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/AFF280482/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120801022138/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/AFF280482/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 1, 2012|title=ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS - CHIPWRECKED|work=bbfc.co.uk}} A fourth film, titled Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip, was released on December 18, 2015.{{cite web | url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/alvin-and-chipmunks-road-chip-film | title=ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP (U) | work=British Board of Film Classification | date=January 5, 2016 | access-date=January 5, 2016 | archive-date=February 20, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220005402/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/alvin-and-chipmunks-road-chip-film | url-status=dead }}{{cite web|last=Kit|first=Borys|title='Alvin and the Chipmunks 4' Finds a Director (Exclusive)|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/alvin-chipmunks-4-finds-a-758855|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=December 18, 2014|date=December 18, 2014|archive-date=January 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150125100623/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/alvin-chipmunks-4-finds-a-758855|url-status=live}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Wikiquote}}

• {{IMDb title|0952640|Alvin and the Chipmunks}}
• {{Rotten Tomatoes}}
• {{TCMDb title|664892|Alvin and the Chipmunks}}
• {{mojo title|alvinandthechipmunks|Alvin and the Chipmunks}}

{{Alvin and the Chipmunks}}

{{Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie}}

{{Tim Hill}}

{{20th Century Animation}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Alvin And The Chipmunks}}

Category:2007 films

Category:2007 fantasy films

Category:2000s musical comedy films

Category:American films with live action and animation

Category:American children's animated comedy films

Category:Christmas films

Category:American Christmas films

Category:American fantasy comedy films

Category:American musical comedy films

Category:2000s English-language films

Category:Alvin and the Chipmunks films

Category:Films about talking animals

Category:Films set in Los Angeles

Category:Films shot in California

Category:Live-action films based on animated series

Category:20th Century Fox films

Category:Regency Enterprises films

Category:Dune Entertainment films

Category:Films directed by Tim Hill

Category:Films scored by Christopher Lennertz

Category:2007 comedy films

Category:Films produced by Ross Bagdasarian Jr.

Category:Films produced by Janice Karman

Category:2000s American films

Category:2007 computer-animated films

Category:Films with screenplays by Jon Vitti

Category:Films with screenplays by Will McRobb and Chris Viscardi

Category:English-language musical comedy films

Category:English-language fantasy films

Category:Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award–winning films

Category:2007 musical films