A Disappointing Continuation

Fun premise, good actors, bad writing. This film seemed to have potential at the beginning but it quickly devolves into a trite action film. Ultimately it's very boring.

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

Based on the comic strip by Michael Fry and T. Lewis, this is a loud & lively animated comedy brimming with endearing characters, and some laugh out loud gags. Bruce Willis, back in the days when he still seemed to give a damn, is nicely cast as the voice of R.J., a conniving, self serving raccoon who foolishly tries to steal the food supply of a bear named Vincent (voice of Nick Nolte). When the stash is demolished, R.J. ropes a troupe of foraging forest critters into helping him find a replacement stash. And he believes there will be easy pickings when they go "over the hedge" and into the suburban sprawl that is encroaching upon their wilderness.It is thanks to the success of "Toy Story" from a decade previous that a formula got perfected in this sort of entertainment, with some bright and cutting humor for adults to enjoy. It's not subtle about its criticisms of suburban life, but some people might not mind. And, although it may be rather too intense for the youngest of your family members, kids are more than likely to really take to the critter characters. Some of the humor may be obvious, but it does still work. There is even a sort of nod to Pepe Le Pew cartoons as our heroes give Stella the skunk (voice of Wanda Sykes) a makeover in order to pull the wool over a pet cats' (voice of Omid Djalili) eyes.The animation is slick and first rate, and there's plenty of peppy music in the form of a score by Rupert Gregson-Williams and songs by Ben Folds.The all star main voice cast also includes William Shatner as a possum who's appropriately hammy when he fakes death, a hilarious Garry Shandling as Verne the turtle, Steve Carell as a crazed squirrel named Hammy, Thomas Haden Church as a lunkhead exterminator, Allison Janney as a neighborhood busybody, Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara as porcupine parents, and pop star Avril Lavigne as the possum daughter.Quite entertaining overall, especially the way that it continues with gags through the closing credits.One of the brightest bits for this viewer was the way that R.J. educated his newfound friends on the way that humans worship food and give it such predominance in their lives.Eight out of 10.

Over The Hedge is a movie made by DreamWorks that I actually enjoy. Mostly because it's freaking hilarious from start to finish. The humor is frequently cartoonish and clever, with slapstick that's inventive and cultural references that will make adults giggle. Sure, the story is very predictable, but that's about all I think is bad about this animated gem. The standout here is Hammy, a hyperactive squirrel that is voiced by the comedy legend of all, Steve Carell. He will make you laugh so hard in this that you will be in tears(ex. the energy drink scene, the impersonation of a squirrel with rabies). The animation is also vivid and colorful, with the textures and fur improving over Madagascar. The villain of the movie is voiced by Nick Nolte, and he is ruthless and awesome in his role. Overall, despite a generic plot, Over The Hedge is an uproariously funny, well-voiced, and great looking animated comedy that is a rare winner from DreamWorks.

Over The Hedge is one of those rare films that is a real win for the whole family these days.The story centers around a Raccoon named RJ (voiced by Bruce Willis) who gets in deep with a Bear named Vincent (voiced by Nick Nolte) after trying to steal his food and after losing it all he tells Vincent that he can get it all back and Vincent gives him a week when the Moon is full to get back his red wagon, blue cooler and all the food that RJ lost.When RJ cross path with a family of animals lead by a Turtle named Verne (Voiced by Garry Shandling) he discovers they collect food to store for the winter seeing this as a chance to get the work done faster he befriends Hammy (Voiced by Steve Carell), Ozzie (voiced by William Shatner) his daughter Heather (voiced Avril Lavigne), Penny (Voiced by Catherine O'Hara) Lou (voiced by Eugene Levy), Their children Bucky, Spike and Quillo, Stella (voiced by Wanda Sykes)From what I understand the story was inspired by the comic book of the same name and Dreamworks did a great job with this film.I first watch the movie on PPV, I have to say it is one of the finest animation films that I have seen in so long since these days they intent to make animate films that are more about insult one's IQ however Over The Hedge shows that you can make a great film with great humor and strong plot.With the plot of the film it is original and very creative. The writers of the story did well with being serious and funny so the whole family can enjoy Over The Hedge.The animation in the film is very well done and shows how well you can use C.G.I. with full details to each character.The voice acting is pretty good and the cast was a interesting mix of many well known actors they did very good bringing life to the characters and make them interesting through the whole film.Over The Hedge is a great film that shouldn't be missed if you love animated films then this one is for you.I give Over The Hedge an 10 out of 10

This movie is so awesome ! I get a good feeling overtime I watch it with my son .We watched it as a family when he was 2 and he as well as Myself still love it 'till this day, just my boy and I laughing and giggling and he remembers it and we always will. Over The Hedge 2006 Is just warm broth for the soul and the Plot is laugh out loud funny for all ages. The cast is great a great crown as well Bruce Willis , Wanda Sykes , Eugene Levy and it goes on and on. Over The Hedge is awesome and a must see over and over again. Thank you .I think I have something in my eye. Happy Thanksgiving "Enough is never enough"