Setting each episode up with a gag fitting to the tone and plotline with each as the trio introduces the “movies” directly to their audience, the writing of this final season is particularly a high point, talking up to the viewer rather than down despite their targeted age demographic. Alvin, who of course is up to his old tricks as Daytona opens, chides his brother with the warning, “Never rush a rescue, Simon-- especially a dramatic one,” before the show launches headfirst into a Raiders spoof so impressive that it’s a wonder Steven Spielberg didn’t invoke legal action.
While for my money, the first episode is the standout-- as an avid fan of all things Batman, I was particularly impressed by its follow-up Batmunk which refreshingly gave Simon a chance to shine as Brice Wayne who must go head to head with Alvin’s Jokester as they fight over who can create the best toys, as if playing on Jack Nicholson’s line from the film which asked, “Where does he get such wonderful toys?” With literally a roller-coaster ride for a finale and utilizing a great Top Gun musical classic cue, it’s Chipmunk gold and manages to keep us still smiling long into the entertaining but less successful Robomunk, which relies too much on the Chipettes and lackluster humor, feeling less in the spirit of the original show than the rest. Still, it’s a great DVD sure to bring back memories of childhood for Generations Y and X and I’m definitely staying tuned for Paramount’s next Chipmunk-themed DVD releases planned for the rest of the month.
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