Since we're getting a new AATC movie in two years and the live-action movies are trending again, I just want to say how entertaining and genuinely cute these movies were.
I don't know about you, but I think the first movie perfectly captured what the Chipmunks are supposed to be: they behave like squirrels, yet they're also very much like actual children. They're sensitive, dependent on the adults around them, and you can tell how much they've been longing for a parent figure.
What I really love is that Dave isn't introduced as a perfect, selfless man. At first, he doesn't fully understand that the Chipmunks aren't just mindless animals, but unique beings with thoughts and feelings. He's selfish and immature in some ways, but you still sympathize with him. Ian is a dick to him, he hates his job, his relationship with Claire falls apart, and he seems to live a pretty lonely life.
The movie shows that fame isn't the pinnacle of life and that you should appreciate the little things you have. Dave eventually realizes just how important the Chipmunks have become to him, and vice versa.
The first movie will always be special to me because it's such a sweet story about finding a family.
