Live-action films based on 80?s cartoons are never going to be Oscar caliber works of art.  Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel, however, was just about as far away from a work of art as you can get.

This sequel follows the smash 2007 hit, Alvin and the Chipmunks.  The first film surprised audiences and raked in over $200 million.  Not the best movie to begin with, the first one shines in comparison to what the “Squeakquel” delivered.

After teaming up with Dave Seville (Jason Lee) in the first film, the Chipmunks are now ready to start attending school in the newest film.  They are forced to do so without Dave though, as he was involved in an accident that requires him to stay in the hospital.  That’s where Toby (Zachary Levi) comes in.  He ends up being in charge of the Chipmunks while Dave is healing.  He is young himself and not in any position to be taking care of three boys.

While attending high school, the Chipmunks find that their popularity doesn’t translate to everyone they come across.  To top things off, they meet three young ladies, the Chipettes, who they have more in common with than they realize.    The Chipettes are working with Ian (David Cross), the former music executive, who still has a bone to pick with the Chipmunks.

Ian ensures that the Chipmunks and Chipettes are forced to compete against each other in a school competition.  Life without Dave may also destroy the relationship of the brothers.

This movie just was not very good.  From the opening scene of a family watching the Chipmunks in an igloo to the pop culture overload, this film left much to be desired.  A viewer shouldn’t ever have to worry about hearing a Donald Trump catchphrase (“You’re Fired”) while watching animated chipmunks.

This sequel veered too far away from the original film.  By having another character (Toby) take over the fatherly role Dave played in the lives of the chipmunks was lazy.  Even though this is based on a kid’s cartoon, the producers of this movie took away the heart of these characters. 

Even the music was lacking in this film.  The Chipettes sang more, but even their songs were frustrating.  What I liked about the first film is that the songs they sang were from various times, not only recent hits. 

Kids will still like this movie, even though the story is lacking.  I feel this film was made strictly to make money and that is irritating.  This would have made money regardless of the storyline, but it wouldn’t have taken much to be a little more creative and not slack just to get a quick, money-making sequel out.