The Billboard Hot 100 singles chart tracks the most popular songs every week from Friday to Thursday based on a combination of their sales, online streams (audio and video), and radio airplay. Below is the list of every song that came out on top in 2023, updated weekly as each new chart is announced.
SEEGrammy Album of the Year: All the Winners in Grammy Awards History Brenda Lee, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”
2 weeks at number-one
December 9 – December 16
The classic holiday song reaches number one for the first time ever a remarkable 65 years after its release in 1958. This is just the third holiday song ever to top the chart, following The Chipmunks and David Seville’s “The Chipmunk Song” and Mariah Carey‘s “All I Want for Christmas is You.” It’s also Brenda Lee’s third song to reach the pinnacle.
Jack Harlow, “Lovin on Me”
1 week at number-one
December 2
This...
SEEGrammy Album of the Year: All the Winners in Grammy Awards History Brenda Lee, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”
2 weeks at number-one
December 9 – December 16
The classic holiday song reaches number one for the first time ever a remarkable 65 years after its release in 1958. This is just the third holiday song ever to top the chart, following The Chipmunks and David Seville’s “The Chipmunk Song” and Mariah Carey‘s “All I Want for Christmas is You.” It’s also Brenda Lee’s third song to reach the pinnacle.
Jack Harlow, “Lovin on Me”
1 week at number-one
December 2
This...
- 12/27/2023
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Can there be any lingering doubt about who truly holds the Queen of Christmas crown? Brenda Lee has returned to the top spot of the Billboard Hot 100 chart with “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” 65 years after the song’s 1958 recording.
The chart-topper sees the singer once known as Little Miss Dynamite breaking at least several Billboard records, including the longest wait between a song’s release and reaching #1, and the longest span between an artist’s #1 hits. At 78, Lee becomes the oldest person to ever top the chart, a record previously held by Louis Armstrong, who was 62 when “Hello, Dolly” peaked in 1964.
Just 13 when she recorded what would become one of the most beloved and enduring holiday classics, Lee has been celebrating the song’s 65th anniversary with a flurry of activity: Last month she appeared in the song’s first-ever video, featuring cameos by country stars Tanya Tucker and...
The chart-topper sees the singer once known as Little Miss Dynamite breaking at least several Billboard records, including the longest wait between a song’s release and reaching #1, and the longest span between an artist’s #1 hits. At 78, Lee becomes the oldest person to ever top the chart, a record previously held by Louis Armstrong, who was 62 when “Hello, Dolly” peaked in 1964.
Just 13 when she recorded what would become one of the most beloved and enduring holiday classics, Lee has been celebrating the song’s 65th anniversary with a flurry of activity: Last month she appeared in the song’s first-ever video, featuring cameos by country stars Tanya Tucker and...
- 12/4/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
It can be hard to keep track of all the movies released over the years, especially with long-running franchises like “Alvin and the Chipmunks.” This blog post is here to make your life easier by listing all of the beloved “Alvin and the Chipmunks” movies in order. Our goal is for you to quickly reference this article when deciding which movie in the franchise to watch next.
The “Alvin and the Chipmunks” movie series has been a fan favorite for decades. These lovable, singing rodents have captured the hearts of audiences of all ages with their catchy tunes and hilarious antics. The movies follow the adventures of Alvin, Simon, and Theodore as they navigate the ups and downs of life as famous musicians with the help of their guardian Dave Seville.
From the classic animated films of the 1980s to the more modern, live-action/animated hybrid films of the 2000s and 2010s,...
The “Alvin and the Chipmunks” movie series has been a fan favorite for decades. These lovable, singing rodents have captured the hearts of audiences of all ages with their catchy tunes and hilarious antics. The movies follow the adventures of Alvin, Simon, and Theodore as they navigate the ups and downs of life as famous musicians with the help of their guardian Dave Seville.
From the classic animated films of the 1980s to the more modern, live-action/animated hybrid films of the 2000s and 2010s,...
- 12/28/2022
- by Israr
- buddytv.com
With Run The Series, The A.V. Club examines film franchises, studying how they change and evolve with each new installment.
Even as a novelty act, Alvin And The Chipmunks were pretty thin gruel. Created by Armenian-American songwriter (and Rear Window bit player) Ross Bagdasarian under the Anglicized pseudonym “David Seville,” the Chipmunks were a spin-off from Bagdasarian’s first big novelty hit, “Witch Doctor,” which featured Bagdasarian spouting gibberish at double speed in its chorus. After that song reached No. 1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts, Bagdasarian figured he had a winning idea on his hands, and decided to repurpose the song’s high-pitched recording technique from kitschy racial stereotypes to cuddly anthropomorphism. Thus, Alvin, Simon, and Theodore and their manager/dad Dave—all voiced by Bagdasarian—were born.
The Chipmunks’ first single was the “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late),” which was...
Even as a novelty act, Alvin And The Chipmunks were pretty thin gruel. Created by Armenian-American songwriter (and Rear Window bit player) Ross Bagdasarian under the Anglicized pseudonym “David Seville,” the Chipmunks were a spin-off from Bagdasarian’s first big novelty hit, “Witch Doctor,” which featured Bagdasarian spouting gibberish at double speed in its chorus. After that song reached No. 1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts, Bagdasarian figured he had a winning idea on his hands, and decided to repurpose the song’s high-pitched recording technique from kitschy racial stereotypes to cuddly anthropomorphism. Thus, Alvin, Simon, and Theodore and their manager/dad Dave—all voiced by Bagdasarian—were born.
The Chipmunks’ first single was the “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late),” which was...
- 1/12/2017
- by Katie Rife
- avclub.com
You may be a fan of the iconic Chipmunk rendition of “Christmas Don’t Be Late,” but Kacey Musgraves knows that her impression “would’ve gotten shot down.”
Enter the eclectic and flavorful version now available on the Grammy-award winner’s debut holiday album, A Very Kacey Christmas.
“‘Christmas Don’t Be Late’ was a really fun one that I knew I had to include,” Musgraves explained in an exclusive behind-the-scenes video. “It’s been one that I’ve always remembered, hearing these little annoying but really catchy Chipmunk voices since I was a kid. I thought it would be...
Enter the eclectic and flavorful version now available on the Grammy-award winner’s debut holiday album, A Very Kacey Christmas.
“‘Christmas Don’t Be Late’ was a really fun one that I knew I had to include,” Musgraves explained in an exclusive behind-the-scenes video. “It’s been one that I’ve always remembered, hearing these little annoying but really catchy Chipmunk voices since I was a kid. I thought it would be...
- 12/20/2016
- by kelseyhendrixtimeinc
- PEOPLE.com
Unless you’re under the age of five, you’ll find nothing to like about the generic cash-grab Alvin And The Chipmunks: Road Chip. The first Alvin And The Chipmunks, back in ’07, wasn’t bad. Jason Lee, who plays Alvin, Simon, and Theodore’s guardian David Seville, had some fun reactions and chemistry with the furry CGI critters. In the sequels, including this new one, Lee shows up at the beginning for some large-scale comedic disaster sequence, screams “Alvin!!!” a couple of times, then sits the trio down and tells them he must travel for the rest of the film so they’d better behave while he’s gone. Then some young Disney Channel star is brought in to team up with The Chipmunks for the remainder of the movie until Lee returns at the end to collect his paycheck.
In Alvin And The Chipmunks: Road Chip David...
In Alvin And The Chipmunks: Road Chip David...
- 12/18/2015
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
My status as a childless adult relinquishes me from the duty of sitting through every G and PG-rated distraction that comes down the pipe. However, during some recent channel surfing, I happened upon the 2007 live-action version of Alvin and the Chipmunks. Out of boredom and curiosity, I watched a scene where Dave Seville (played by a very defeated-looking Jason Lee) discovers his chipmunk adoptees have destroyed his home. As he flies into a rage, he spies what looks like a tiny bowel movement on the couch between Simon and Theodore. Simon insists the offending object is but a raisin, and when Dave asks him to prove it, the brainy rodent pops it in his mouth. Satisfied, Dave exits the scene, allowing Simon to spit out the “raisin,” telling Theodore, “ You owe me one.” You read that correctly – in Alvin and the Chipmunks, a character actually eats feces.
Are kids movies always this nauseating and insulting?...
Are kids movies always this nauseating and insulting?...
- 10/15/2015
- by Amanda Waltz
- The Film Stage
You'd think a movie starring Marlon Brando at the height of his young-firebrand sex appeal, written by Nobel laureate John Steinbeck, and directed by the great Elia Kazan, would be better remembered today. Yet "Viva Zapata!", released exactly 60 years ago (on Feburary 7, 1952), is all but regarded as a footnote in the careers of Brando, Steinbeck, and Kazan. That's a shame, since it's at once a terrifically exciting action film, a heroic biopic, and a penetrating political study. Of course, even then, it was an odd one -- a movie about legendary figures in Mexican history portrayed by an almost Mexican-free cast; a movie about a pro-peasant revolutionary hero made at a time of anti-Communist hysteria in Hollywood. That it got made at all was remarkable, given the battles over censorship and casting, not to mention the battles between Brando and co-star Anthony Quinn, whose bitter tension often erupted into elaborate pranks and practical jokes.
- 2/7/2012
- by Gary Susman
- Moviefone
Chicago – Here is an alleged family film made with all the heart and invention of a cynical business deal. Not a single person involved in the production appears to have any concept of what constitutes quality family entertainment. It’s essentially 103 minutes of product placement, with the biggest product being the Smurfs. There’s also room for Rock Band, Google, M&Ms, the Blue Man Group and every single business located on Times Square.
Unlike James Bobin’s marvelously heartfelt comedy, “The Muppets,” which dug deep into the spirit of Jim Henson’s original work, Raja Gosnell’s “The Smurfs” uses Peyo’s beloved characters as mere vessels for stale cultural references. Just as “Star Wars” led to the dumbing down of mainstream American cinema, the Genie in Disney’s “Aladdin” inspired generations of lazy filmmakers to construct entire kiddie franchises out of stitched-together homages and in-jokes. Once Smurfette (voiced by Katy Perry) quips,...
Unlike James Bobin’s marvelously heartfelt comedy, “The Muppets,” which dug deep into the spirit of Jim Henson’s original work, Raja Gosnell’s “The Smurfs” uses Peyo’s beloved characters as mere vessels for stale cultural references. Just as “Star Wars” led to the dumbing down of mainstream American cinema, the Genie in Disney’s “Aladdin” inspired generations of lazy filmmakers to construct entire kiddie franchises out of stitched-together homages and in-jokes. Once Smurfette (voiced by Katy Perry) quips,...
- 12/20/2011
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Ah, what Hollywood will do in the pursuit of family movie box office bucks. The studio executives love pre-sold properties, so for the past several years the rights to the Saturday morning superstars of yesteryear have been scooped up to attract not only the small set, but their parents who have nostalgic memories of wolfing down their sugar-blasted cereals in front of the old, glowing cathode tube babysitter. For most of these trips down memory lane, the classic characters are rendered in CGI alongside live actors, perhaps to set these new efforts apart from their limited cell animation roots. This may have begun with Casper, who frolicked with Christina Ricci and Bill Paxton, and continued with Scooby Doo ( and a CGI Great Dane ), Yogi Bear, this past Summer’s smash The Smurfs, and now the third of the movie series, Alvin And The Chipmunks : Chipwrecked. While they might be...
- 12/16/2011
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
20th Century Fox has unleashed a full trailer of upcoming animated holiday film "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chip-Wrecked". It follows Alvin Seville and his friends who are enjoying a vacation on a splendid cruise liner.
The video gives preview to hilarious footage where the mischievous Alvin gets Jason Lee's David Seville in trouble on the ship. There is additionally a funny scene where the Chipettes and the Chipmunks, with their fabled high-pitched voices, sing and dance to Lady GaGa's "Bad Romance" in a remote island.
"Alvin and the Chimpunks 3" is directed by "Shrek Forever After" helmer, Mike Mitchell. Meanwhile, penning the script are "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel" scribes, Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger.
The Chipmunk characters are voiced by Justin Long, Jesse McCartney, Matthew Gray Gubler, while the Chipettes are dubbed by Amy Poehler, Anna Faris and Christina Applegate. The 3-D movie is scheduled for December 16 release in U.
The video gives preview to hilarious footage where the mischievous Alvin gets Jason Lee's David Seville in trouble on the ship. There is additionally a funny scene where the Chipettes and the Chipmunks, with their fabled high-pitched voices, sing and dance to Lady GaGa's "Bad Romance" in a remote island.
"Alvin and the Chimpunks 3" is directed by "Shrek Forever After" helmer, Mike Mitchell. Meanwhile, penning the script are "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel" scribes, Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger.
The Chipmunk characters are voiced by Justin Long, Jesse McCartney, Matthew Gray Gubler, while the Chipettes are dubbed by Amy Poehler, Anna Faris and Christina Applegate. The 3-D movie is scheduled for December 16 release in U.
- 7/29/2011
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Janice Karman, writer and daughter-in-law of the characters' late creator, claims 20th Century Fox failed to pay her for work on the screenplay for Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel
Last year's Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel may have had critics chirping with horror, but it was one of the biggest blockbusters of 2009, with a haul of $442m (£291m) worldwide. Now, a firm that represents the family of the series' creator is suing 20th Century Fox for half of all profits from the film, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
In a lawsuit filed at the Us district court in Los Angeles, Bagdasarian Productions says Fox failed to recompense its writer Janice Karman, daughter-in-law of Chipmunks' late creator Ross Bagdasarian, for substantial work she carried out on the screenplay of the second film in the series. Lawyers also claim that the studio breached an agreement to fully exploit commercial tie-ins for the brand.
Last year's Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel may have had critics chirping with horror, but it was one of the biggest blockbusters of 2009, with a haul of $442m (£291m) worldwide. Now, a firm that represents the family of the series' creator is suing 20th Century Fox for half of all profits from the film, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
In a lawsuit filed at the Us district court in Los Angeles, Bagdasarian Productions says Fox failed to recompense its writer Janice Karman, daughter-in-law of Chipmunks' late creator Ross Bagdasarian, for substantial work she carried out on the screenplay of the second film in the series. Lawyers also claim that the studio breached an agreement to fully exploit commercial tie-ins for the brand.
- 4/28/2010
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
The weekend’s here. You’ve just been paid, and it’s burning a hole in your pocket. What’s a pop culture geek to do? In hopes of steering you in the right direction to blow some of that hard-earned cash, it’s time for the Fred Weekend Shopping Guide - your spotlight on the things you didn’t even know you wanted…
(Please support Fred by using the links below to make any impulse purchases - it helps to keep us going…)
Jerry Seinfeld cites it as the primary influence for his own show, and anyone who views The Abbott and Costello Show (E1, Not Rated, DVD-$59.98 Srp) will clearly see the precedent it established for a comedy set in New York City and almost entirely about unique characters and everyday events, rather than your typical sitcom fare. It was also anchored by an amazing comedy duo who...
(Please support Fred by using the links below to make any impulse purchases - it helps to keep us going…)
Jerry Seinfeld cites it as the primary influence for his own show, and anyone who views The Abbott and Costello Show (E1, Not Rated, DVD-$59.98 Srp) will clearly see the precedent it established for a comedy set in New York City and almost entirely about unique characters and everyday events, rather than your typical sitcom fare. It was also anchored by an amazing comedy duo who...
- 4/2/2010
- by UncaScroogeMcD
When last we left Alvin And The Chipmunks, they were living with David Seville (Jason Lee), rocking and rolling and being as cute and cuddly as CGI can possibly be. To be honest, I don’t really remember how 2007’s Alvin And The Chipmunks ended. It was a forgettable, clear cut waste of time, resources and any excess film stock that happened to be laying around. It’s pretty much how I feel now about Alvin And The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel, a movie whose dispensable nature leaves it aimlessly reaching for our attention or that of our children. It probably gets theirs, especially if your kid’s the kind who rattles and hums at the thought of adults getting hit in the head. For the rest of us, though, the ones who actually put down the money so our kids can be slightly amused for 90 minutes, it’s tedious and...
- 12/23/2009
- by Kirk
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Check out new poster for Fox’s upcoming family friendly feature, “Alvin And The Chipmunks: The Squeakuel,” which is released in cinemas on Christmas Day.
David Seville and chipmunks Alvin, Simon and Theodore, return in the sequel to lay waste to Seville’s surroundings and sing in three-part harmony. The sequel movie introduce the Chipmunks’ female counterparts, the Chipettes.
The follow up to the 2007 hit is directed by Betty Thomas (Doctor Dolittle, John Tucker Must Die). Stars Jason Lee, Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler, Jesse McCartney, Anna Faris, Christina Applegate and Amy Poehler.
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel Poster
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel Poster...
David Seville and chipmunks Alvin, Simon and Theodore, return in the sequel to lay waste to Seville’s surroundings and sing in three-part harmony. The sequel movie introduce the Chipmunks’ female counterparts, the Chipettes.
The follow up to the 2007 hit is directed by Betty Thomas (Doctor Dolittle, John Tucker Must Die). Stars Jason Lee, Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler, Jesse McCartney, Anna Faris, Christina Applegate and Amy Poehler.
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel Poster
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel Poster...
- 10/6/2009
- by Allan Ford
- Filmofilia
A brand new trailer of "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel" has come out for viewing pleasure. This less-than-two-minute promo video is made available by MSN. If compared to the previous videos, it offers fresh footage of the harmony singing brothers at school and a sneak peek at what happens to their caretaker David Seville.
Beside teasing on what to expect from the sequel to the 2007's "Alvin and the Chipmunks", the trailer also presents a couple of songs sung by the Chipmunks as well as their female counterparts, the Chipettes. First to be heard is the Chipmunks singing Flo Rida's single "Right Round", and near the end of the trailer, the Chipettes perform Beyonce Knowles' "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)".
"The Squeakquel" centers around Alvin, Simon and Theodore. This time, the pop sensations end up in the care of Dave Seville's twenty-something nephew Toby and are...
Beside teasing on what to expect from the sequel to the 2007's "Alvin and the Chipmunks", the trailer also presents a couple of songs sung by the Chipmunks as well as their female counterparts, the Chipettes. First to be heard is the Chipmunks singing Flo Rida's single "Right Round", and near the end of the trailer, the Chipettes perform Beyonce Knowles' "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)".
"The Squeakquel" centers around Alvin, Simon and Theodore. This time, the pop sensations end up in the care of Dave Seville's twenty-something nephew Toby and are...
- 10/2/2009
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
20th Century Fox has released the new trailer for family comedy “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel“
David Seville and chipmunks Alvin, Simon and Theodore, return in the sequel to lay waste to Seville’s surroundings and sing in three-part harmony. The sequel movie introduce the Chipmunks’ female counterparts, the Chipettes.
Betty Thomas (Doctor Dolittle, John Tucker Must Die) is directing “Alvin and The Chipmunks: The Squeakuel”. Starring Jason Lee, and the altered voices of Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler, Jesse McCartney, Anna Faris, Christina Applegate and Amy Poehler.
“Alvin and The Chipmunks: The Squeakuel” comes out Christmas Day.
David Seville and chipmunks Alvin, Simon and Theodore, return in the sequel to lay waste to Seville’s surroundings and sing in three-part harmony. The sequel movie introduce the Chipmunks’ female counterparts, the Chipettes.
Betty Thomas (Doctor Dolittle, John Tucker Must Die) is directing “Alvin and The Chipmunks: The Squeakuel”. Starring Jason Lee, and the altered voices of Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler, Jesse McCartney, Anna Faris, Christina Applegate and Amy Poehler.
“Alvin and The Chipmunks: The Squeakuel” comes out Christmas Day.
- 10/1/2009
- by Allan Ford
- Filmofilia
Slowly but surely my childhood continues to die with the sequel of the surprise 2007 Twentieth Century Fox hit, Alvin and the Chipmunks with their ‘Squeakquel’. This time around, Alvin, Simon and Theodore are not alone in their tiny world with the arrival of the Chipettes who are voiced by Christina Applegate, Anna Faris and Amy Poehler.
In the sequel, David Seville (Jason Lee) sends Alvin, Simon, and Theodore off to school, saying “it’s good for them.” Little did he know, the Chipmunks feel like “Chipmunks Out of Water” because of all the (human) kids around. Meanwhile, Ian Hawke (David Cross (after the loss of the Chipmunks dealt him a serious blow) is freed from jail and searches the world for animals who can sing and dance. He happens upon the Chipettes and cannot wait to make them famous and get revenge on the Chipmunks.
Watch the trailer below and...
In the sequel, David Seville (Jason Lee) sends Alvin, Simon, and Theodore off to school, saying “it’s good for them.” Little did he know, the Chipmunks feel like “Chipmunks Out of Water” because of all the (human) kids around. Meanwhile, Ian Hawke (David Cross (after the loss of the Chipmunks dealt him a serious blow) is freed from jail and searches the world for animals who can sing and dance. He happens upon the Chipettes and cannot wait to make them famous and get revenge on the Chipmunks.
Watch the trailer below and...
- 7/1/2009
- by Melissa Molina
- Atomic Popcorn
When we first broke the news back in January 2008 that the follow-up to the smash film “Alvin and The Chipmunks” would feature the Chipettes, hundreds of fans weighed in with their eagerness to see Brittany, Jeanette and Eleanor. In the months since, rumors have run amok with various female names who could be providing their high-pitched voices, including Miley Cyrus, Joanna “JoJo” Levesque and Drew Barrymore.
Yesterday, we caught up with Alvin himself: Mr. Justin Long. And he gave us some big news on two of the famous females who’ll be loaning their vocal talents to the December follow-up.
“I’m working on the ‘Chipmunks’ sequel,” said the busy actor, who stars in director Sam Raimi’s very scary “Drag Me To Hell” at the end of the month. As Long explained to us, his recording sessions with returning Chipmunks Matthew Gray Gubler (Simon) and Jesse McCartney (Theodore) are...
Yesterday, we caught up with Alvin himself: Mr. Justin Long. And he gave us some big news on two of the famous females who’ll be loaning their vocal talents to the December follow-up.
“I’m working on the ‘Chipmunks’ sequel,” said the busy actor, who stars in director Sam Raimi’s very scary “Drag Me To Hell” at the end of the month. As Long explained to us, his recording sessions with returning Chipmunks Matthew Gray Gubler (Simon) and Jesse McCartney (Theodore) are...
- 5/19/2009
- by Larry Carroll
- MTV Movies Blog
This review was written for the theatrical release of "Alvin and the Chipmunks".NEW YORK -- Perfectly timed to cash in on the perennial endless radio plays of the classic novelty tune "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late"), this holiday movie presents the furry warblers in all their high-pitched glory.
While "Alvin and the Chipmunks", based on the characters created by Ross Bagdasarian, is not exactly the lavish big-screen effort one might have hoped for in the roughly 50 years since they made their debut, it should make some coin in a Christmas season surprisingly scarce of family entertainment.
Jason Lee -- sans the porn star mustache he sports as television's Earl -- stars as Dave Seville, the harassed songwriter whose annoyed cry of "Alvin!!!!" is dutifully re-created here in the presentation of the yuletide number.
This combination of live action and CGI animation delivers a somewhat updated version of the critters, as evidenced by the poster featuring them in sunglasses and hoodies. Besides their trademark number, they also deliver fun renditions of such songs as "Funkytown" and "Bad Day".
There's no small irony in the fact that the scenario for this highly commercialized endeavor deals with the Chipmunks being exploited by a greedy record producer (a very amusing David Cross) who showers them with expensive toys -- this being a family film, no blow or hookers are preferred -- and even resorts to such shady practices as, gasp, having them lip-synch during their long-awaited live concert debut.
What any of this will mean to the target kiddie audience is anybody's guess, though admittedly in this "Hannah Montana"/"High School Musical"-dominated era their showbiz sophistication shouldn't be underestimated.
As the songwriter whose career is rescued by the singing rodents -- his songs about "the abyss of death" just weren't cutting it -- Lee uses his laid-back likability to good effect, even if he seems barely interested in the requisite romantic subplot involving Dave's attempts to rekindle his relationship with his beautiful blond ex-girlfriend (Cameron Di ... I mean Richardson).
Most of the film revolves around the lovable furry scamps Alvin, Simon and Theodore getting into all sorts of slapstick trouble as they climb up the show business ladder to fame and fortune. Unfortunately, as rendered here by the average-looking CGI effects, the characters are underwhelming in their appeal, lacking the charm of their previous animated incarnations. And it's hard to imagine why they are voiced by such familiar names as actor Justin Long and pop star Jesse McCartney because the helium-high vocals are virtually undistinguishable.
ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS
Fox
Fox 2000, Regency Enterprises, Bagdasarian Prods.
Credits:
Director: Tim Hill
Screenwriters: Jon Vitti, Will McRobb, Chris Viscardi
Producers: Ross Bagdasarian Jr., Janice Karman
Executive producers: Karen Rosenfelt, Arnon Milchan, Michele Imperator Stabile, Steve Waterman
Director of photography: Peter Lyons Collister
Production designer: Richard Holland
Music: Christopher Lennertz
Editor: Peter E. Berger
Cast:
Dave Seville: Jason Lee
Ian Hawk: David Cross
Claire: Cameron Richardson
Voices:
Alvin: Justin Long
Simon: Matthew Gray Gubler
Theodore: Jesse McCartney
Running time -- 92 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
While "Alvin and the Chipmunks", based on the characters created by Ross Bagdasarian, is not exactly the lavish big-screen effort one might have hoped for in the roughly 50 years since they made their debut, it should make some coin in a Christmas season surprisingly scarce of family entertainment.
Jason Lee -- sans the porn star mustache he sports as television's Earl -- stars as Dave Seville, the harassed songwriter whose annoyed cry of "Alvin!!!!" is dutifully re-created here in the presentation of the yuletide number.
This combination of live action and CGI animation delivers a somewhat updated version of the critters, as evidenced by the poster featuring them in sunglasses and hoodies. Besides their trademark number, they also deliver fun renditions of such songs as "Funkytown" and "Bad Day".
There's no small irony in the fact that the scenario for this highly commercialized endeavor deals with the Chipmunks being exploited by a greedy record producer (a very amusing David Cross) who showers them with expensive toys -- this being a family film, no blow or hookers are preferred -- and even resorts to such shady practices as, gasp, having them lip-synch during their long-awaited live concert debut.
What any of this will mean to the target kiddie audience is anybody's guess, though admittedly in this "Hannah Montana"/"High School Musical"-dominated era their showbiz sophistication shouldn't be underestimated.
As the songwriter whose career is rescued by the singing rodents -- his songs about "the abyss of death" just weren't cutting it -- Lee uses his laid-back likability to good effect, even if he seems barely interested in the requisite romantic subplot involving Dave's attempts to rekindle his relationship with his beautiful blond ex-girlfriend (Cameron Di ... I mean Richardson).
Most of the film revolves around the lovable furry scamps Alvin, Simon and Theodore getting into all sorts of slapstick trouble as they climb up the show business ladder to fame and fortune. Unfortunately, as rendered here by the average-looking CGI effects, the characters are underwhelming in their appeal, lacking the charm of their previous animated incarnations. And it's hard to imagine why they are voiced by such familiar names as actor Justin Long and pop star Jesse McCartney because the helium-high vocals are virtually undistinguishable.
ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS
Fox
Fox 2000, Regency Enterprises, Bagdasarian Prods.
Credits:
Director: Tim Hill
Screenwriters: Jon Vitti, Will McRobb, Chris Viscardi
Producers: Ross Bagdasarian Jr., Janice Karman
Executive producers: Karen Rosenfelt, Arnon Milchan, Michele Imperator Stabile, Steve Waterman
Director of photography: Peter Lyons Collister
Production designer: Richard Holland
Music: Christopher Lennertz
Editor: Peter E. Berger
Cast:
Dave Seville: Jason Lee
Ian Hawk: David Cross
Claire: Cameron Richardson
Voices:
Alvin: Justin Long
Simon: Matthew Gray Gubler
Theodore: Jesse McCartney
Running time -- 92 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
- 12/14/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NEW YORK -- Perfectly timed to cash in on the perennial endless radio plays of the classic novelty tune "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late"), this holiday movie presents the furry warblers in all their high-pitched glory.
While Alvin and the Chipmunks, based on the characters created by Ross Bagdasarian, is not exactly the lavish big-screen effort one might have hoped for in the roughly 50 years since they made their debut, it should make some coin in a Christmas season surprisingly scarce of family entertainment.
Jason Lee -- sans the porn star mustache he sports as television's Earl -- stars as Dave Seville, the harassed songwriter whose annoyed cry of "Alvin!!!!" is dutifully re-created here in the presentation of the yuletide number.
This combination of live action and CGI animation delivers a somewhat updated version of the critters, as evidenced by the poster featuring them in sunglasses and hoodies. Besides their trademark number, they also deliver fun renditions of such songs as "Funkytown" and "Bad Day".
There's no small irony in the fact that the scenario for this highly commercialized endeavor deals with the Chipmunks being exploited by a greedy record producer (a very amusing David Cross) who showers them with expensive toys -- this being a family film, no blow or hookers are preferred -- and even resorts to such shady practices as, gasp, having them lip-synch during their long-awaited live concert debut.
What any of this will mean to the target kiddie audience is anybody's guess, though admittedly in this Hannah Montana/High School Musical-dominated era their showbiz sophistication shouldn't be underestimated.
As the songwriter whose career is rescued by the singing rodents -- his songs about "the abyss of death" just weren't cutting it -- Lee uses his laid-back likability to good effect, even if he seems barely interested in the requisite romantic subplot involving Dave's attempts to rekindle his relationship with his beautiful blond ex-girlfriend (Cameron Di ... I mean Richardson).
Most of the film revolves around the lovable furry scamps Alvin, Simon and Theodore getting into all sorts of slapstick trouble as they climb up the show business ladder to fame and fortune. Unfortunately, as rendered here by the average-looking CGI effects, the characters are underwhelming in their appeal, lacking the charm of their previous animated incarnations. And it's hard to imagine why they are voiced by such familiar names as actor Justin Long and pop star Jesse McCartney because the helium-high vocals are virtually undistinguishable.
ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS
Fox
Fox 2000, Regency Enterprises, Bagdasarian Prods.
Credits:
Director: Tim Hill
Screenwriters: Jon Vitti, Will McRobb, Chris Viscardi
Producers: Ross Bagdasarian Jr., Janice Karman
Executive producers: Karen Rosenfelt, Arnon Milchan, Michele Imperator Stabile, Steve Waterman
Director of photography: Peter Lyons Collister
Production designer: Richard Holland
Music: Christopher Lennertz
Editor: Peter E. Berger
Cast:
Dave Seville: Jason Lee
Ian Hawk: David Cross
Claire: Cameron Richardson
Voices:
Alvin: Justin Long
Simon: Matthew Gray Gubler
Theodore: Jesse McCartney
Running time -- 92 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
While Alvin and the Chipmunks, based on the characters created by Ross Bagdasarian, is not exactly the lavish big-screen effort one might have hoped for in the roughly 50 years since they made their debut, it should make some coin in a Christmas season surprisingly scarce of family entertainment.
Jason Lee -- sans the porn star mustache he sports as television's Earl -- stars as Dave Seville, the harassed songwriter whose annoyed cry of "Alvin!!!!" is dutifully re-created here in the presentation of the yuletide number.
This combination of live action and CGI animation delivers a somewhat updated version of the critters, as evidenced by the poster featuring them in sunglasses and hoodies. Besides their trademark number, they also deliver fun renditions of such songs as "Funkytown" and "Bad Day".
There's no small irony in the fact that the scenario for this highly commercialized endeavor deals with the Chipmunks being exploited by a greedy record producer (a very amusing David Cross) who showers them with expensive toys -- this being a family film, no blow or hookers are preferred -- and even resorts to such shady practices as, gasp, having them lip-synch during their long-awaited live concert debut.
What any of this will mean to the target kiddie audience is anybody's guess, though admittedly in this Hannah Montana/High School Musical-dominated era their showbiz sophistication shouldn't be underestimated.
As the songwriter whose career is rescued by the singing rodents -- his songs about "the abyss of death" just weren't cutting it -- Lee uses his laid-back likability to good effect, even if he seems barely interested in the requisite romantic subplot involving Dave's attempts to rekindle his relationship with his beautiful blond ex-girlfriend (Cameron Di ... I mean Richardson).
Most of the film revolves around the lovable furry scamps Alvin, Simon and Theodore getting into all sorts of slapstick trouble as they climb up the show business ladder to fame and fortune. Unfortunately, as rendered here by the average-looking CGI effects, the characters are underwhelming in their appeal, lacking the charm of their previous animated incarnations. And it's hard to imagine why they are voiced by such familiar names as actor Justin Long and pop star Jesse McCartney because the helium-high vocals are virtually undistinguishable.
ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS
Fox
Fox 2000, Regency Enterprises, Bagdasarian Prods.
Credits:
Director: Tim Hill
Screenwriters: Jon Vitti, Will McRobb, Chris Viscardi
Producers: Ross Bagdasarian Jr., Janice Karman
Executive producers: Karen Rosenfelt, Arnon Milchan, Michele Imperator Stabile, Steve Waterman
Director of photography: Peter Lyons Collister
Production designer: Richard Holland
Music: Christopher Lennertz
Editor: Peter E. Berger
Cast:
Dave Seville: Jason Lee
Ian Hawk: David Cross
Claire: Cameron Richardson
Voices:
Alvin: Justin Long
Simon: Matthew Gray Gubler
Theodore: Jesse McCartney
Running time -- 92 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
- 12/14/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jason Lee has signed on to star in Fox 2000 Pictures and 20th Century Fox Animation's live-action/CGI animated "Alvin and the Chipmunks". Lee will play the Chipmunks' dad, Dave Seville, while chipmunks Alvin, Simon and Theodore will be computer generated.
The project, one that has long been gestating within Fox's ranks, marks the first to move forward under the leadership of Fox Animation's new head, Vanessa Morrison. The studio has set a Dec. 14 release date.
Tim Hill, who directed "Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties" for Fox, will helm the project, based on a screenplay from veteran TV writer Jon Vitti. "Alvin" enters production at month's end.
"Alvin" will center on Seville and the chipmunks, focusing on the trio's origins as singing sensations. Janice Karman and Ross Bagdasarian Jr., the son of "Alvin" creator Ross Bagdasarian Sr., will produce. Karen Rosenfelt and Michele Imperato Stabile will executive produce.
Erin Lindsey will oversee for Fox 2000. John Cohen, who originally brought the project into Fox Animation in 2004, will supervise for Fox Animation.
The project, one that has long been gestating within Fox's ranks, marks the first to move forward under the leadership of Fox Animation's new head, Vanessa Morrison. The studio has set a Dec. 14 release date.
Tim Hill, who directed "Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties" for Fox, will helm the project, based on a screenplay from veteran TV writer Jon Vitti. "Alvin" enters production at month's end.
"Alvin" will center on Seville and the chipmunks, focusing on the trio's origins as singing sensations. Janice Karman and Ross Bagdasarian Jr., the son of "Alvin" creator Ross Bagdasarian Sr., will produce. Karen Rosenfelt and Michele Imperato Stabile will executive produce.
Erin Lindsey will oversee for Fox 2000. John Cohen, who originally brought the project into Fox Animation in 2004, will supervise for Fox Animation.
Jason Lee has signed on to star in Fox 2000 Pictures and 20th Century Fox Animation's live-action/CGI animated Alvin and the Chipmunks. Lee will play the Chipmunks' dad, Dave Seville, while chipmunks Alvin, Simon and Theodore will be computer generated.
The project, one that has long been gestating within Fox's ranks, marks the first to move forward under the leadership of Fox Animation's new head, Vanessa Morrison. The studio has set a Dec. 14 release date.
Tim Hill, who directed Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties for Fox, will helm the project, based on a screenplay from veteran TV writer Jon Vitti. Alvin enters production at month's end.
Alvin will center on Seville and the chipmunks, focusing on the trio's origins as singing sensations. Janice Karman and Ross Bagdasarian Jr., the son of Alvin creator Ross Bagdasarian Sr., will produce. Karen Rosenfelt and Michele Imperato Stabile will executive produce.
Erin Cohen will oversee for Fox 2000. John Cohen, who originally brought the project into Fox Animation in 2004, will supervise for Fox Animation.
The project, one that has long been gestating within Fox's ranks, marks the first to move forward under the leadership of Fox Animation's new head, Vanessa Morrison. The studio has set a Dec. 14 release date.
Tim Hill, who directed Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties for Fox, will helm the project, based on a screenplay from veteran TV writer Jon Vitti. Alvin enters production at month's end.
Alvin will center on Seville and the chipmunks, focusing on the trio's origins as singing sensations. Janice Karman and Ross Bagdasarian Jr., the son of Alvin creator Ross Bagdasarian Sr., will produce. Karen Rosenfelt and Michele Imperato Stabile will executive produce.
Erin Cohen will oversee for Fox 2000. John Cohen, who originally brought the project into Fox Animation in 2004, will supervise for Fox Animation.
Tim Hill is in discussions with the 20th Century Fox's Fox 2000 division about directing Alvin and the Chipmunks, a live-action/CG film based on the animated trio of singing chipmunks, who first rose to popularity in the late 1950s.
Hill directed last year's Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties, which Fox released, as well as 2001's Max Keeble's Big Move. His writing credits include The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie as well as episodes of the SpongeBob TV series.
Fox is expected to cast a comic actor in the role of Dave Seville, pal to the three chipmunks, Alvin, Simon and Theodore, who will be computer generated.
Ross Bagdasarian Jr., son of the late Ross Bagdasarian Sr., who created the Chipmunks, is producing along with Janice Karman, president of Bagdasarian Prods., which is producing the project with Fox.
Hill is repped by the Gersh Agency and manager Jeffrey Thal of Ensemble Entertainment.
Hill directed last year's Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties, which Fox released, as well as 2001's Max Keeble's Big Move. His writing credits include The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie as well as episodes of the SpongeBob TV series.
Fox is expected to cast a comic actor in the role of Dave Seville, pal to the three chipmunks, Alvin, Simon and Theodore, who will be computer generated.
Ross Bagdasarian Jr., son of the late Ross Bagdasarian Sr., who created the Chipmunks, is producing along with Janice Karman, president of Bagdasarian Prods., which is producing the project with Fox.
Hill is repped by the Gersh Agency and manager Jeffrey Thal of Ensemble Entertainment.
- 1/25/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Alvin and the Chipmunks might be singing their famous tunes on the big screen very soon. Fox 2000, 20th Century Fox Animation and Bagdasarian Prods. have teamed to develop a live-action/CGI feature film based on the popular characters, which have appeared on the radio, the small screen and numerous albums. The Fox divisions acquired the feature film rights from the estate of Ross Bagdasarian Sr., who created Alvin and the Chipmunks in 1958. His son, Ross Bagdasarian Jr., and Janice Karman will produce. A writer and director are being sought to bring the property to life onscreen. Similar to what the studio recently did with the summer release Garfield: The Movie, the role of Dave Seville, the Chipmunks' adoptive father and musical coach, will be live-action, with the Chipmunks -- Alvin, Simon and Theodore -- to be computer-animated.
- 9/15/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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