Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel has quietly become one of the more dependable comedies currently available in Australia on Stan, and in the US on Disney Plus. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. 3,148 viewers have already rated it on TMDB — the kind of consensus that does not happen by accident. Zachary Levi's performance alone is worth the time investment. Available now on Stan — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. The jokes in Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel land because the characters underneath them are worth caring about. Pop sensations Alvin, Simon and Theodore end up in the care of Dave Seville's twenty-something nephew Toby. The boys must put aside music super stardom to return to school, and are tasked with saving the school's music program by winning the $25,000 prize in a battle of the bands. But the Chipmunks unexpectedly meet their match in three singing chipmunks known as The Chipettes - Brittany, Eleanor and Jeanette. Zachary Levi and David Cross lead a cast that never overplays a joke. It hit screens in 2009. The real test of any comedy is whether it is still funny once you know all the jokes, and Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel holds up on rewatch in a way that separates it from one-off curiosities. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel is the kind of thing you put on in the background and end up fully watching. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Zachary Levi is funny in a way that holds up on rewatch. Put it on when you need something guaranteed to land.