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A ministry of the ChildCare Action Project: Christian Analysis of American Culture (CAP Ministry) A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Christian Ministry. www.capalert.com/ Entertainment Media Analysis Report A service to His little ones through you in His name by His Word MAR2010.019  (2009), PG [Hard PG*] (1hr 22min) The #1 Christian entertainment media analysis service on the Internet. We give you OBJECTIVE tools NO ONE ELSE CAN to help YOU make an informed decision for yourself whether a film is fit for your family. Over 1200 analyses for parents, grandparents, pastors, youth leaders and more. |
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(While the Scriptural references are certainly not subjective, my commentary may be and sometimes is somewhat subjective.)
 Cast/Crew Details Courtesy Internet Movie Database Production (US): Bagdasarian Productions, Fox 2000 Pictures, Regency Enterprises • Distribution (US): 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment • Director(s): Betty Thomas • Producer(s): Ross Bagdasarian Jr., Michele Imperato, Janice Karman, Arnon Milchan, Karen Rosenfelt, Steve Waterman • Writing Credits: Jon Vitti, Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger • Cinematography/Camera: Anthony B. Richmond • Music: David Newman • Film Editing: Matt Friedman • Casting: Juel Bestrop, Seth Yanklewitz • Production Design: Marcia Hinds • Art Direction: Bo Johnson, Sei Nakashima • Viewed on 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment DVD  This film analysis is sponsored by the generosity of E&HP. Gotta get that "crude" into kids' films nowadays, right? That lets us know what Hollywood thinks of our kids. I am aware that such content "sells." But that is the problem. And we keep feeding it by embracing such content in and as entertainment. [Ps. 12:8] Alvin (voice of Justin Long), Simon (voice of Matthew Gray Gubler) and "One for all and three for one" Theodore Seville (voice of Jesse McCartney) -- the Chipmunks -- find they have competition. "I just adore a penthouse view"(a) Brittany (voice of Christina Applegate), the female version of Alvin, Jeanette (voice of Anna Faris), the female version of Simon, and Eleanor (voice of Amy Poehler), the female version of Theodore -- the Chipettes -- are as talented as the boys at talking, singing and dancing. Ian Hawke (David Cross), previously of Jett Records as the manager of the boys, is chomping at the bit to make stars of the the Chipettes if for no other reason than to get back at the boys. But let's get to the beginning. (a) A verse from the theme song of Jay Sommers and Paul Henning's TV series Green Acres™, followed by "Darlin' I love you but give me Park Avenue" performed by Eva Gabor and Eddie Albert. At a concert, Dave Seville (Jason Lee), the boys' human guardian and manager becomes injured due to Alvin's vanity and charges his aunt, Jackie "Popcorn" Seville (Kathryn Joosten) to care for the boys in his convalescence. Soon by the negligence of Jackie's inept grandson Toby "wOOt, Pyu, Pyu, Pyu" Seville (Zachary Levi) Aunt Jackie is taken to the hospital and Toby becomes the new guardian of the boys. Fortunately for Toby, Dave wanted the boys to go to school in his convalescence -- while the boys are off to school Toby can sleep. Among other things that happen at school, the boys, due to some mischief, must choose between suspension or preforming at a benefit concert that would save the school's music program. A hard choice to be sure. At least it is not a hard decision for Simon and Theodore. Alvin would just as soon take the suspension. While all this is happening, the girls - the Chipettes - find Ian Hawke and solicit his help to become stars. After hearing the girls sing and seeing them dance, Hawke jumps at the chance of riches again while getting back at the boys at the same time. And the story goes on ... for 82 minutes. Just for the fun of it below is a scoring data comparative of the two most recent Chipmunks movies, the 2007 version and this 2009 version.  The "waveforms" created by the tops of the investigation area thermometers (shown below the thermometers) clearly show that the area of most invasive content, being the same in both versions, is in Impudence/Hate (I). The animation quality of the film is indeed admirable and a true art in and of itself. It is too bad such outstanding talents were use to include sin. As artful as animation is, art is not sin and sin is not art but when art uses sin it becomes sin. In a subjective sense, I felt the Chipmunks and Chipettes were better at thespianism than the human characters which seemed a little cardboard, as if they were watching themselves in a mirror or staring off into space as they performed. My impression was that Levi was the best of the human cast. But I am not an expert in thespianism or in cinematography or film making. Wanton Violence/Crime (W) - 51 out of 100 For the most part, the violence content of this film was found to be in slapstick violence, bully tactics and defiance of rightful authority. the caliber of the violence is clearly targeted at the intended age stratum. But the problem with that is that the intended age stratum learns quickly, more by example and less by instruction or counsel. This film is not a good example for the intended age stratum because of the "age-targeted" violence. [Prov. 16:29] And to cause by example our children to sin means a [figurative] millstone tied about the neck of the one who causes them to sin then thrown into the sea. And that is not "Levitican", it is New Testament. [Luke 17:2] Impudence/Hate (I) - Zero out of 100 If it were not for all the content applicable to impudence and hate (and some violence and sexual immoraslity) this film would have earned a G-equivalent score: content that feeds setting examples such as exaggerated aggression and other poor behavioral choices. Again Luke 17:2 applies. In addition, there were numerous uses of the euphemism for the posterior. [Eph. 5:4] Sexual Immorality (S) - 72 out of 100 As with many films targeted at youth there are many scenes with some sort of attention to the posterior. Examples include the Chipettes dancing with pelvic thrusts and other posterior action, the doctor caring for Dave giving Alvin a sedative in his posterior. [Again Eph. 5:4] Drugs/Alcohol (D) - 96 out of 100 There was only once instance of drinking alcoholic beverage in the entire 82 minutes of the film. And it could have, of course, been left out entirely without any loss of cinematic power or story telling. Offense to God (O) - 96 out of 100 God's name in used once by Cross and then without the four letter expletive. But once is enough and "enough" is too much. God will not excuse anyone who abuses His name. [Deut. 5:11] Murder/Suicide (M) - 100 out of 100 There were no murders nor suicides noted. SCRIPTURAL APPLICATION(S) If needed to focus or fortify, applicable text is underlined or bracketed [ ] or bold. If you wish to have full context available, the Blue Letter Bible is a convenient source. If you use the Blue Letter Bible, a new window will open. Close it to return here or use "Window" in your browser's menu bar to alternate between the CAP page and the Blue Letter Bible page. CHAPTER/VERSE ***Selected Scriptures of Armour against the influence of the entertainment industry*** As always, it is best to refer to the Findings/Scoring section -- the heart of the CAP analysis model -- for the most complete assessment possible of this movie. |
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 Wanton Violence/Crime (W) - 51 out of 100 Impudence/Hate (I) - Zero out of 100 Sexual Immorality (S) - 72 out of 100 Drugs/Alcohol (D) - 96 out of 100 Offense to God (O) - 96 out of 100 Murder/Suicide (M) - 100 out of 100 |
| There are some in the entertainment industry who maintain that 1) violent programming is harmless because no studies exist that prove a connection between violent entertainment and aggressive behavior in children, and 2) young people know that television, movies, and video games are simply fantasy. Unfortunately, they are wrong on both accounts." And "Viewing violence may lead to real life violence." I applaud these associations for fortifying 1 Cor. 15:33. Read the rest of the story. From our years of study, I contend that other aberrant behaviors, attitudes, and expressions can be inserted in place of "violence" in that statement. Our Director - Child Psychology Support, a licensed psychologist and certified school psychologist concurs. For example, "Viewing arrogance against fair authority may lead to your kids defying you in real life." Or "Viewing sex may lead to sex in real life." Likewise and especially with impudence, hate and foul language. I further contend that any positive behavior can be inserted in place of "violence" with the same chance or likelihood of being a behavior template for the observer; of being incorporated into the behavior mechanics and/or coping skills of the observer. In choosing your entertainment, please consider carefully the "rest of the story" and our findings. |
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