JANICE KARMAN

Bil’s rating (out of 5): BBB.

USA, 1987.  Bagdasarian Productions.  Screenplay by Janice Karman, Ross Bagdasarian Jr., based on characters created by Ross Bagdasarian.  Produced by Ross Bagdasarian Jr..  Music by Randy Edelman.  Production Design by Carol Holman Grosvenor.  Film Editing by Tony Mizgalski.  

Before they would be computer generated and shrunk to actual woodland size, the Chipmunk gang hit the big screen with an animated adventure inspired by their television show. Not wasting the opportunity that feature films offer, this is much more than an extended episode of the original series, taking the kids on an around-the-world caper that is sure to delight the children.  Alvin, Simon and Theodore make a bet with the Chippettes (their female counterparts) that they can make it around the world before the girls do, using hot air balloons as their only source of travel. Both groups are funded in this bet by a wealthy brother and sister who, unbeknownst to the youngsters, are jewel smugglers using the Chipmunks as unwitting deliverers of their loot. Cute songs and a real feeling of international intrigue will make this one a winner for those with any sort of penchant (current or nostalgic) for the original show.