A scene from "Alvin and the Chipmunks."

When considering "Alvin and the Chipmunks," it is necessary to declare that never, in the annals of cinema, has a movie so completely succeeded at ..... kidding! It's a fine-enough kids' movie. Cute. Nice lesson. And better than you'd think.

That's because, for all the animated chipmunks and sped-up celebrity voices and whatnot, "Alvin and the Chipmunks" has what every movie needs: a good bad guy.

David Cross brings a delightfully despicable tone to Ian, a nefarious record-company executive. When he sees Alvin and friends, he doesn't see furry little singing critters, he sees a cash cow that he plans to milk for all it's worth.

His villainy is so broad that it's never really scary, and he's so funny that you never tire of seeing him onscreen.

If you're familiar with the TV cartoons, you know the premise: Three talking chipmunks befriend a songwriter -- Lee -- who writes a hit tune for them.

That's where Ian comes in. This is 2007, not the early '60s. Can't have a movie, even a kids' one, without a little corporate greed thrown in to root against.

There's also a bit of romance mixed in, with the chipmunks trying to help Dave win back ex-girlfriend Claire (Cameron Richardson).

If you can stand the voices, the songs are catchy, and some of the videos and marketing that Ian devises to sell more products are funny (or at least cute).

They don't quite rise to the level of corporate satire, but this isn't really the audience for that, anyway.

Bill Goodykoontz / Gannett News Service