---
title: "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked"
year: 2011
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/alvin-and-the-chipmunks-chipwrecked"
fi1m_id: "alvin-and-the-chipmunks-chipwrecked"
imdb_id: "tt1615918"
tmdb_id: 55301
wikidata_id: "Q303678"
fi1m_score: 35
critics_score: 37
critics_reviews: 11
published: "2026-10-05T12:16:59.521068+00:00"
updated: "2026-10-05T12:16:59.992802+00:00"
region: "SA"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked (2011)

Directed by Mike Mitchell · 1h 27m · Comedy, Fantasy, Family, Music, Animation

## Identity

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/alvin-and-the-chipmunks-chipwrecked
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** alvin-and-the-chipmunks-chipwrecked
- **IMDb ID:** tt1615918
- **TMDB ID:** 55301
- **Wikidata ID:** Q303678
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1615918/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/55301, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q303678

**Fi1m score: 35** · Critics 37 from 11 reviews

*In a sentence:* David Cross spends the whole film in a pelican costume and we understood exactly how he felt

> The third live-action Chipmunks film strands its cast on an island and runs out of ideas within twenty minutes. Small children will sit through it happily. Everyone else is marooned alongside David Cross, who spends the film dressed as a pelican.

## Synopsis

Dave (Jason Lee) takes Alvin (Justin Long), Simon (Matthew Gray Gubler) and Theodore (Jesse McCartney), along with the Chipettes Brittany (Christina Applegate), Jeanette (Anna Faris) and Eleanor (Amy Poehler), on a cruise before a music awards show. Alvin runs riot aboard, Dave tries to keep order, and Ian (David Cross), their old manager and enemy, turns up working as the ship’s mascot in a pelican suit. A kite stunt on deck carries all six chipmunks over the rail, and Dave and Ian go in after them. They wash up on an island where Zoe (Jenny Slate), a castaway of several years, talks to sports balls she has given names and faces, and the chipmunks have to fend for themselves while Dave searches for them.

## Review

Mike Mitchell’s film, the third in the live-action series, takes Dave (Jason Lee), the three Chipmunks and the three Chipettes on a cruise, loses them overboard on a kite, and strands them on an island for the rest of the running time. The idea is sound. Six small animals used to pop charts and hotel suites have to fend for themselves, and Dave has to find them. Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger’s script gets through everything it has to say about this in about twenty minutes, and the film is 87 minutes long.

The cruise is the better part. Alvin (Justin Long) runs riot on the ship and then sends a kite over the rail with his brothers and the Chipettes hanging off it. Dave jumps after them. So does Ian (David Cross), the villain of the first two films, who is now the ship’s mascot and spends the whole film in a pelican costume. Cross plays him as a man who has stopped expecting anything, and his scenes with Lee are the only ones in which two adults talk to each other. We laughed at the pelican, properly, more than once; then we felt a little sorry, because the joke is partly about Cross himself and he plainly knows it.

On the island they find Zoe (Jenny Slate), a castaway of several years who talks to sports balls she has given names and faces. The borrowing from [*Cast Away*](https://film.one/film/cast-away) (2000) is open and not unfunny, and Slate throws herself at it. The second half hands Simon (Matthew Gray Gubler) a change of character that we will not describe, and it is the thing small children will like most. We could see why: he is the one character in the film who changes at all.

Thomas E. Ackerman shoots it all in flat, even sunlight, the ship bright white and the island bright green, so that nothing is ever in shadow and nothing is ever hard to see. Richard Holland’s island has a beach, a waterfall, a cave and a tree the chipmunks sleep in, and that is the whole of it; by the second night we knew every corner. Peter Amundson cuts fast enough that children will not notice how little there is, though the adults will. Alexandra Welker’s costumes are the pelican suit and Zoe’s outfit of weathered sports kit, and both are good jokes worn well.

Mark Mothersbaugh’s score is cheerful and stays out of the way. The songs are pop covers at chipmunk pitch, as they always are, and most pass without leaving a mark. The Chipettes (Christina Applegate, Anna Faris and Amy Poehler) get a couple of a cappella numbers on the island that are the best music in the film, because for once the squeak is not competing with a drum machine. Theodore (Jesse McCartney) and Eleanor are given almost nothing to do, and Brittany and Alvin bicker about who is in charge until the script decides they have both learned something.

We were bored by the halfway mark, and then puzzled, because a film this short should not have time to be padded, and this one finds it. Scenes of Dave and Ian walking through jungle and arguing are repeated until they become a rhythm. The lessons arrive on schedule: Alvin learns responsibility, Dave learns to let go, and both are announced out loud in case anyone missed them. Mitchell directed [*Shrek Forever After*](https://film.one/film/shrek-forever-after) (2010), and Aibel and Berger wrote [*Kung Fu Panda*](https://film.one/film/kung-fu-panda) (2008), so everyone involved has shown they can do more than this.

Most critics gave it a poor notice and we are with them. Children under eight will enjoy the dancing, the pelican and what happens to Simon, and will not mind the rest. Adults should sit near the aisle. It is not unkind, not loud for the sake of it, and not quite dull enough to sleep through, which for a parent on the third Chipmunks film is a fair description of a Saturday afternoon.

*Fi1m score 35, published 5 October 2026.*

## What the critics say

Most critics find Chipwrecked tired and unimaginative, another round of familiar family messages and squeaky pop covers with little story or humour to carry it. Seven of the eleven reviews are negative and none is positive. Where there is praise, it clusters on the grown-ups: David Cross’s acerbic Ian is named more than once as the bright spot, and Jason Lee is credited for playing convincingly against the CGI chipmunks, with their exchanges singled out as the liveliest thing on screen.

The spread runs from grudging tolerance to outright hostility, and the gap is not wide. The kindest notices, from The Guardian and HeyUGuys, concede that small children will enjoy the cruise-ship antics and the musical numbers. Slant is the harshest, calling the film an endurance test. The songs divide critics most: The Hollywood Reporter hears a glimmer of inspiration in the Chipettes’ a cappella turns, while the Los Angeles Times finds the covers tame and uninspired.

## Straight answers

**Is Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked worth watching?**

*Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked* is worth watching only if you have a child under eight on the sofa beside you, and we scored it 35. The island setting runs out of ideas within twenty minutes of an 87-minute film, and the lessons are announced out loud. Small children will enjoy the dancing and David Cross in a pelican suit; adults should sit near the aisle.

**How long is Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked, and what is it rated?**

*Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked* runs 1h 27m. It is a comedy and fantasy film.

**Where can I watch Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked in Saudi Arabia?**

*Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked* is not on any streaming or rental service in Saudi Arabia at the moment. It is available in 38 other countries; change your country at the top of the page to see where. Availability is checked daily.

**How does Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked compare to Paddington?**

*Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked* is the weaker film by some distance, and [*Paddington*](https://film.one/film/paddington) is the one to choose if you have the option. Both put digital animals among live actors, but Paul King's film is funny, kind and made with care, with plenty for adults as well as children. The Chipmunks film is for the under-eights only, and even they will not mind if it is switched off.

**What should I watch after Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked?**

After *Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked*, try [*Paddington*](https://film.one/film/paddington) (2014, Fi1m 84): A digital animal among live actors, done with the care this film never finds. Then [*The Muppets*](https://film.one/film/the-muppets) (2011, Fi1m 80): Songs, puppets and grown-ups being silly on purpose, and it knows exactly why; and [*Fantastic Mr Fox*](https://film.one/film/fantastic-mr-fox) (2009, Fi1m 84): Talking animals with actual personalities, and a script that trusts children to keep up.

### Reviews we read (11)

- **Screen Daily**, Tim Grierson (64/100, inferred): The page identifies this as a review, but its critical verdict is not visible. The paywalled text does not reveal what the critic praises or criticizes. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/alvin-and-the-chipmunks-chipwrecked/5035751.article)
- **The New York Times** (63/100, inferred): The URL identifies this as a review of the 2011 film, but the page content is blocked. The critic's verdict and any specific praise or complaint cannot be verified. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/16/movies/alvin-and-the-chipmunks-chipwrecked-review.html)
- **The Guardian**, Philip French (60/100, inferred): French finds the film more than endurable and says small children will enjoy it. He praises Jason Lee’s ability to play convincingly alongside the CGI characters. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2011/dec/18/alvin-and-chipmunks-chipwrecked-review)
- **Radio Times**, Sue Robinson (2/5): Robinson finds the film jaded, with its familiar family messages and pop songs feeling tired. She singles out the entertaining exchanges between Jason Lee and David Cross as a bright spot. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-eplk10/alvin-and-the-chipmunks-chipwrecked/)
- **Variety**, John Anderson (30/100, inferred): Anderson finds the film largely inoffensive but unimaginative, with little story or humor. He singles out David Cross’s performance as the acerbic Ian as a bright spot. [Read](https://variety.com/2011/film/reviews/alvin-and-the-chipmunks-chipwrecked-1117946763/)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, THR Staff (25/100, inferred): The critic finds the film frantic, grating and short on charm or inventiveness. Some song choices provide a glimmer of inspiration, especially the Chipettes’ a cappella performances. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/alvin-chipmunks-chipwrecked-film-review-273794/)
- **Evening Standard** (20/100, inferred): The critic dismisses the film as unoriginal and says they are not entertained. They complain that the adults in the cast and audience have little chance, while noting children may enjoy the cruise-ship adventure and salsa dance. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/alvin-the-chipmunks-chipwrecked-review-7428085.html)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Betsy Sharkey (20/100, inferred): Sharkey finds the film a disappointing low point for the franchise, with little chance of rescue. She singles out the tame, uninspired music covers as a particular loss. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-xpm-2011-dec-16-la-et-chipwrecked-20111216-story.html)
- **Time Out**, David Fear (1/5): The one-star rating indicates a strongly negative verdict. The review’s description singles out the chipmunks’ squeaky voices and their pop-song performances, including a lyric change to “Whip My Hair.” [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/alvin-and-the-chipmunks-chip-wrecked)
- **Slant Magazine**, Jaime N. Christley (0.5/4): Christley delivers a scathing verdict, calling the film an endurance test and urging readers to leave it. He complains especially about its shoddy writing and stale, unfunny jokes. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/alvin-and-the-chipmunks-chipwrecked/)
- **HeyUGuys**, Lisa Giles-Keddie (3/5): The review finds the film charming and lively family entertainment, despite its predictable, tame antics. It praises Simon’s Franglais adventure and the energetic musical numbers. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/alvin-and-the-chipmunks-chipwrecked-review/)

## Details

- **Director:** Mike Mitchell
- **Director:** Mike Mitchell
- **Writer:** Jonathan Aibel, Glenn Berger
- **Cinematography:** Thomas E. Ackerman
- **Editor:** Peter Amundson
- **Music:** Mark Mothersbaugh
- **Production design:** Richard Holland
- **Costume design:** Alexandra Welker
- **Producer:** Ross Bagdasarian Jr., Janice Karman
- **Cast:** Jason Lee as Dave; David Cross as Ian; Jenny Slate as Zoe; Justin Long as Alvin (voice); Matthew Gray Gubler as Simon (voice); Jesse McCartney as Theodore (voice); Amy Poehler as Eleanor (voice); Anna Faris as Jeanette (voice)
- **Runtime:** 1h 27m
- **First release (the Netherlands):** 14 December 2011
- **Genres:** Comedy, Fantasy, Family, Music, Animation
- **Budget:** $75 million
- **Box office:** $343 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dOc_fqmcZo

## Where to watch in Saudi Arabia

Not streaming, renting or buying in Saudi Arabia at the last check.

Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HU, IE, IL, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PL, PT, SE, TR, UA, US, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## Awards

- Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie 2012: Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie (won)

## If you liked this

- *Paddington* (2014), Fi1m 84: A digital animal among live actors, done with the care this film never finds. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/paddington.md)
- *The Muppets* (2011), Fi1m 80: Songs, puppets and grown-ups being silly on purpose, and it knows exactly why. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-muppets.md)
- *Swiss Family Robinson* (1960): A shipwrecked family builds a treehouse; the island adventure this one only gestures at.
- *Fantastic Mr Fox* (2009), Fi1m 84: Talking animals with actual personalities, and a script that trusts children to keep up. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/fantastic-mr-fox.md)
- *Song of the Sea* (2014), Fi1m 82: Irish animation for the same age group, quiet where this is frantic, and lovely. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/song-of-the-sea.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/alvin-and-the-chipmunks-chipwrecked