“Aaaaaalviiiiiiinnn!!!”

That’s right, Alvin, Simon, and Theodore are back and ready for anything!  They’ve evolved from pop stars to rock stars and continue to get themselves into heaps of trouble.

The Chipmunks are playing a benefit concert in Paris, during which Alvin attempts some serious acrobatics with his guitar cord.  Dave (Jason Lee) warns him about his antics, but of course, Alvin doesn’t listen.  He literally brings down the house, sending Dave to the hospital, which is where he spends the remainder of the film.

The squeaky trio end up in the care of Dave’s nephew Toby  (Chuck star Zachary Levi).  The boys are sent to school where they deal with the pressures of popularity (or lack thereof) and finally meet their musical match: a singing trio of adorable female chipmunks, The Chippettes. The two musical groups square off in a battle of the bands, competing for a prize of $25,000 to save their school’s music program.

The first Alvin and the Chipmunks film, if you missed it, was adorable, funny, just a wonderful family film for all ages to enjoy.  Not so for The Squeakquel. While there are some things that will make you chuckle, the majority of the film focuses on Alvin’s arrogance and how it clouds out any concern he may have for his loved ones.  Simon and Theodore take a serious back seat throughout the entire film.  The only real emotion you’ll see from them is the disappointment Alvin brings when he makes promises that he doesn’t keep.

You won’t see The Chippettes as much as the previews make it seem either.  Their appearances are few and you never really get to know their characters.

Overall, The Squeakquel was disappointing.  There should have been more music, more character development, new concepts and less cheesy humor.  Your children, if you have them and they’re under the age of 7, may enjoy this.  As far as the rest of the population goes, save yourself the 88 minutes and go do something else.