Betty Thomas to helm 'Chipmunks' sequel

Betty Thomas is set to direct the sequel to last year's box office hit "Alvin and the Chipmunks," the Hollywood Reporter announced earlier today.

Not much is known about "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakel," but the trade says the film will introduce the Chipettes, the female singing rodents.

Apparently, Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler and Jesse McCartney will return to voice the annoying chipmunks. Whether Jason Lee will reprise his role as Dave is unknown at this point.

Thomas' most recent big-screen effort was "John Tucker Must Die." Her credits also include "I Spy" and "Doctor Dolittle."

Final word: I hated "Alvin snd the Chipmunks" to death, and the fact alone that we are punished with a sequel is disturbing. I still don't understand how the first film made more than $217 million.