While Dave goes off on a European business trip, Alvin laments not being able to go on a big adventure. That changes when the Chipmunks and Chipettes run into diamond smugglers Claus and Claudia, who trick the kids into believing they're holding a race around the world. So, there begins a worldwide adventure with the two teams going everywhere from Mexico, to Rome, collecting diamond filled dolls, blissfully unaware of the trouble they're getting themselves into. Or the mysterious man named Jamal who is sending hired goons after them.
There are so many things I enjoy about this movie that outweigh many of the problems I have with it. The voice acting is solid, though if you can't stand the high pitched sound of the chipmunks then you probably won't be able to stand this film for too long, but I've never had an issue with it. I will admit the issue some will have is that the places they visit do sometimes reflect negative stereotypes, but I don't think they're as extremely offensive as they could be.
What I do love with no issue is the animation, which looks great, even over 25 years later. It's a definite upscale from the original look of the Chipmunks TV show, and it really delivers. All the places they visit are very well designed and animated, the characters have a stronger range of emotions all around in this. It really feels like effort was put into this, and it wasn't entirely just a cash grab on the franchise.
You know, unlike this.
But what I really love is the music. Yes, the Chipmunks are not for everyone, as the squeaky sounds can turn you off, but the music within is easily some of their best. From the adventurous "Off to See the World", to the energetic "Girls of Rock and Roll", to my favorite track, the climactic and somewhat quintessentially 80's sounding "Diamond Dolls". It's a perfect soundtrack in my eyes. They could have just thrown a bunch of pop tracks and just chipmunked them, but thankfully other than "Wooly Bully" it's all fresh content, and some of the best the series has ever made.
I can see the hate this film does get from some people, but to me, it's a staple of nostalgia that I haven't gone blind to yet. Hell, it's still one of those "Watch on occasion" films. It's not perfect, but it's definitely a far more ambitious Chipmunks affair than most, and it's definitely one kids could enjoy. I say it's at least worth a watch.