Hollywood continues its tired milking of old television properties with “Alvin and the Chipmunks,” a slick updating of the musical-cartoon franchise created by Ross Bagdasarian Sr. in 1958. Remodeled over the years on television and recordings, the ’munks have been given a digital coat of paint this time out, but the movie doesn’t skimp — lasso those nostalgic parents! — on the memories of old.

Jason Lee (doing a perfect “Alvin. Alvin! Alvin!”) plays David Seville, a rejected songwriter who meets the mischievous Alvin, brainy Simon and pudgy Theodore, transplanted tree dwellers who have raided his kitchen. When he discovers their unique vocal harmonies, he’s off to a record executive (a delightfully despicable, movie-stealing David Cross), who whisks the trio away to exploit their talent for all it’s worth.

As fans of the television series know, Dave is the critters’ surrogate dad, and the film concerns his need to embrace that responsibility and save the boys from a showbiz life they’re too young for. The movie gets mileage out of the chestnuts “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)” and “Witch Doctor” (you remember: “Oo-ee, oo-ah-ah, ting-tang, walla-walla, bing-bang”), its digs at the music industry and the cheap laughs of the big-beseeching-eye effect of Puss in Boots in the “Shrek” movies.

But, alas, its animated protagonists are egregiously eclipsed by the live-action characters. Despite its shout-outs to the holiday season, this is essentially airplane fodder, not a perennial. Don’t hold your breath waiting for the sequel.

“Alvin and the Chipmunks” is rated PG (Parental guidance suggested) for some mild rude humor.

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS

Opens on Friday nationwide.

Directed by Tim Hill; written by Jon Vitti, Will McRobb and Chris Viscardi, based on a story by Mr. Vitti; director of photography, Peter Lyons Collister; edited by Peter E. Berger; music by Christopher Lennertz; production designer, Richard Holland; produced by Ross Bagdasarian Jr. and Janice Karman; released by 20th Century Fox. Running time: 1 hour 32 minutes.

WITH: Jason Lee (David Seville), David Cross (Ian Hawk) and Cameron Richardson (Claire).

WITH THE VOICES OF: Justin Long (Alvin), Matthew Gray Gubler (Simon) and Jesse McCartney (Theodore).