Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip is similar to the previous movies and features many of the same kinds of jokes, pop culture references, pop/hip-hop musical numbers, and physical comedy. There's less chipmunk romance in this one, since the Chipettes are only in a few scenes, but Dave does have a girlfriend he embraces and very briefly kisses. There's a little bit of comical violence, mostly involving an air marshal who gets beaten up in a bar brawl and hit in the groin and has toothpicks stuck in his face. The marshal also drinks moonshine in New Orleans. Expect some rude/insult language and a few suggestive song lyrics (ex. "I like big butts"). The message, as always, is about the importance of family and teamwork, but kids may be too busy laughing at the scatological jokes and the silly gags to notice.
Sexual
Content
Violence
Physical comedy includes gags where characters are mildly injured -- or look like they'll be hurt but then aren't. In one scene, a fight escalates to a full-on brawl. Toothpicks are thrown at a man's face, and they sink in for a moment. On an airplane, animals are let loose, causing mass panic and a few people harassed by pets running amok. A Chipmunk slingshot hits the air marshal in the groin. The air marshal has a gun and takes the Chipmunks and Miles into custody after an emergency landing.
Language
Instead of "Thug Life," a tattoo says "Munk Life." Insult language like "loser," "squirrel," "psychopath," etc. The lyrics of "Uptown Funk" are changed to say "heck yeah" instead of "hot damn" in the chorus.
Social
Behavior
By far the movie's best message is that families come in all shapes and sizes and that a parent's love is unconditional. The Chipmunks learn that just because you disappoint or disobey your parent doesn't mean they stop loving you -- but it does mean there are natural or logical consequences to your behavior. Also messages about the strength of brotherhood.
Consumerism
Lots of Apple gear: iPhones, MacBooks, etc. Other recognizable brands and companies include Speck tech accessories, Chuck E. Cheese, Altoids, American Airlines, Speedos, Pioneer, Beats headphones, Ford Mustang, BNW, Krispy Kreme donuts, Martinelli's cider, YouTube, Twitter, and more. American Idol plays a significant role, as the Chipettes are the judges. Off camera, the Chipmunks are featured on McDonald's Happy Meals and various toys, video games, and apparel.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
The Chipmunks and Miles play in a country & western bar, where adults are drinking, but the camera focuses more on people dancing. While in New Orleans, people march with beads and drinks, and the on-duty air marshal is offered two different drinks containing moonshine.
