The Chipettes Still Rock

Over the weekend, I was struck by a sudden memory of one of my all time FAVORITE childhood movies: The Chipmunk Adventure.

I grew up with Alvin and the Chipmunks as well as the Chipettes. Brittany, Eleanor, and Jeanette were some of the most important female role models I had. No joke. Brittany was stubborn as hell and never let anyone walk over her. Jeanette was smart and level-headed, and Eleanor was sensitive and caring. Sure, they were female versions of the Chipmunks, but rather than take on stereotypically feminine characteristics, the Chipettes were EXACTLY like the boys but with long hair.

In other words, they could (and did) do anything the boys could do. I mean, just check out this rockin’ musical number, and don’t tell me it’s not empowering for girl viewers.

It’s no wonder that, after a daily diet of The Chipmunk Adventure (yes, I went through a phase where I watched the movie EVERY SINGLE DAY), I write about swashbuckling adventure, mystery, and kick-butt heroines. This movie has it ALL.

And, lest you think it only translates to an 80s kid like myself, I’m here to tell you it’s STILL appealing to kids. When I babysit, I always bring it along, and I have yet to meet a kid that didn’t fall as in love with the film as I was (er…am).

Yep, there’s no denying how much The Chipmunk Adventure molded me into the person I am today. 😉

What about you? Other than the usual diet of Disney movies, are there any films from your childhood that STILL mean a lot to you?