Featuring the voices of Justin Long, Amy Poehler, and Christina Applegate. Rated G.

Believe it or not, this is the third time around for the big-screen revival of Alvin and the Chipmunks. Yes, they still sound like they've been sucking on a helium balloon for a little too long. And, yes, they're joined once again by their female counterparts, The Chipettes, a bushy-tailed girl group that sounds a bit like a Phil Spector record on the wrong speed.

Director Mike Mitchell is careful not to mess with a formula that—much to the surprise of jaded critics—has delivered an unexpected box-office bonanza. A fast-paced blend of live action and CGI, the relentless soundtrack features Chipmunk cover versions of everything from Lady Gaga to “Kumbaya”. Let's just say it's an acquired taste.

The “celebrity” Chipmunk voices include Justin Long as Alvin and Amy Poehler and Christina Applegate as two of the three Chipettes. But because the voices for all six chipmunks are virtually interchangeable, the burden of nuance falls squarely on the plot.

As usual, Alvin (the prankster), Simon (the nerdy intellectual), and Theodore (the high-strung baby) bite off more than their oversized teeth can chew. Their “dad”, Dave (a terminally befuddled Jason Lee), has agreed to take his growing brood of adopted nut hoarders on a luxury cruise. But thanks to Alvin's talent for breaking the rules, they end up stranded on a desert island.

The story blends a Chipmunk version of TV's Survivor with the Saturday-morning-cartoon staple of the search for hidden treasure. If you're into this sort of thing, ChipWrecked turns out to be at least as much fun as the first two movies. Will there be a fourth installment in the series? Does an exasperated Dave enjoy shouting: “Alllllllvin”?

Watch the trailer for Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked.