Over the Hedge (2006)

Plot: A scheming raccoon uses a family of forest creatures into helping him repay his debt to a bear. They scavenge for food in the new suburbs that came while they were hibernating. As he continues his scheme, he learns a lesson about family.

Review: This is an awesome animated movie. And just as a movie in general it's awesome.

What I love about the plot is that it gives us a perspective on the forest animal. And several different forest animals. In many films that go into animals, they focus on only one animal. In this, we have a raccoon, skunk, turtle, a squirrel, porcupines, cats, a bear, possums. It's a wide range and I like that. The film is basically gathering food. That's what drives the plot. Food and R.J. getting the food for the bear. That's what starts this film. And the writers and crew of this film make the gathering of food hilarious, touching and entertaining.

The human aspect of the plot is also very recognizable to the audience. We've seen the kind of human characters there are in this, like the president of the home owner's association who calls the exterminator.

The film is laugh out loud funny and will make kids and parents laugh. Hammy, the hyper squirrel, is a great provider of comedy. Stella the skunk is also a good comedy character. The entire cast of characters make you laugh.

I do think that the fact that many of the characters being voiced by comedians helps. Hammy is voiced by Steve Carell, Wanda Skyes voices Stella, Gary Shandling voices Verne and Eugene Levy voices Lou. All of these actors are comedians and I think that adds layers to the jokes used and makes the film funnier.

The film's jokes themselves are aimed at both kids and adults alike. And they will both laugh. They'll laugh because the animal's perspective of the human world has a sense of truth in it.

The characters in the film for the most part actually develop, especially R.J. I like that it's not just one character that develops throughout the journey. We have several characters who develop and become more into their own.

The film also has a heartfelt message that isn't delivered in an entirely cheesy way. It feels genuine.

Over the Hedge is an entertaining, funny and fun film for the entire family.

Rating: 4.5/5