Not that it is saying much, but “Alvin And The Chipmunks” could have been worse.

The story: Dave Seville is a down on his luck songwriter, who can’t seem to make it into the big time. However, Dave’s luck turns around when he happens upon three talking/singing chipmunks named Alvin, Theodore, and Simon. With the singing talents of the chipmunks, the four become over night sensations. Will they be happy with their newfound success or is it not what they expected?

One of the fatal flaws of any adaptation is modernizing it, which is what hurts “Alvin And The Chipmunks.” In addition to having the Chipmunks sing recent songs like “Bad Day” or a new hip version of “Witch Doctor,” the film is riddled with pop culture/music business references that will date the film in no time. As if that weren’t bad enough, the screenplay is one of the laziest in recent memory. What kind of movie uses a muffin basket to bring the chipmunks and Dave together? Even worse, why does the world accept talking chipmunks like it is a normal thing?

“Alvin And The Chipmunks” does have a few saving graces. For one, the writers and F/X team did nail the characters of Alvin, Theodore and Simon. Not only do the voices sound very similar to those in the animated series, but their mannerisms and behavior are still consistent as well. Jason Lee is also solid in his role, even if he does not really fit the part of Dave all that well.