Trio pop sensations Alvin, Simon and Theodore are back to entertain the whole family during this holiday season.

Two years ago, three musically inclined chipmunks, Alvin, Simon and Theodore, found a place in the spotlight when they met songwriter David "Dave" Seville (Jason Lee).

Man and chipmunks teamed up to draw attention through the Chipmunks' singing talent.

Not only did the trio of cute singers become America's sweethearts, but they also finally found a real family in the form of father figure, Dave.

Dave, the human guardian and protector of the Chipmunks, raises them alone as a single parent, juggling that with his work as a songwriter.

Now, Alvin and his brothers face more adventures and challenges in the movie's sequel, called Alvin and The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel.

Things start off well when the Chipmunks perform in France. But the situation changes when an accident at the concert puts Dave in the hospital.

Alvin (voiced by Justin Long), Simon (Matthew Gray) and Theodore (Jesse McCartney) have to put their music careers to one side, as they go to live with Dave's 20-something nephew Toby (Zachary Levi), who is in charge of the Chipmunks until Dave returns.

Dave has also made arrangements for the Chipmunks to go to school like every other kid their age.

But the Chipmunks find it hard to adapt in school with all the human students around as the school presents them with a bundle of new challenges, such as dealing with peer pressure, school sports and, of course, girls!

Until one day, they get a new task from the headmistress: to save the school's music program by winning a US$25,000 prize in a battle of the bands.

But the Chipmunks surprisingly meet their female counterparts known as The Chipettes - Brittany (Christina Applegate), Eleanor (Amy Poehler) and Jeanette (Anna Faris) - who have dreamy voices and sexy styles.

The Chippetes are managed by Ian Hawke (David Cross), the Chipmunks' greedy former manager who wants to take revenge on the Chipmunks.

Romantic and musical sparks are ignited when the Chipmunks and Chipettes finally meet.

The Squeakquel offers good animation, the humor is not too overdone, and the music choice, as in the first movie, is excellent.

The Squeakquel presents some Top 40 songs (sung by the Chipmunks and the Chipettes), including Flo Rida's rap single "Right Round" and Beyonce Knowles' "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)", as well as "Hot N Cold" by Katy Perry.

The way the Chipettes dance and sing will have you laughing, as they copy Beyonce's sexy moves.

Young singing talent from the Philippines, Charice Pempengco, also makes a cameo appearance in the film.

The characters, Alvin and the Chipmunks, are based on the fictional musical group created by Ross Bagdasarian, Sr. in 1958.

Alvin, the leader of the group, dressed in red, is portrayed as impulsive, selfish and mischievous, often pushing Dave is past his limits by Alvin, resulting in his famous yell of "AL-VIN!!!"

Simon is an intelligent and bookish sort. His signature color is blue, and he always wears glasses.

Theodore or Theo, the youngest of the three singing chipmunks, is naive, shy and impressionable. He is shorter and chubbier than the other two. His signature color is green.

The characters of the Chipettes - who really add dynamics and color to the Squeakquel - are quite similar to the Chipmunks: Brittany is full of confidence with a sexy body and great singing talent; Jeannette is brainy, with the requisite pair of glasses; and Eleanor is the shy and chubby one.

So if you want to put a smile on your kids' face (and yours as well) these holidays, then these high-pitched furry rodents can help.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: the Squeakquel (New Regency Productions, 93 min)

Directed by Betty Thomas

Starring Jason Lee, David Cross, Zachary Levi, Justin Long, Jesse McCartney, Anna Faris, Christina Applegate

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