It's all about the food!

Rating: 9/10 (17 May 2006)

Food is the elemental item that keeps the laughs coming in the first CGI-animated film of the blockbuster season. Adapted from the comic strip of the same name, Over the Hedge is sure to delight all, from kids to adults.
RJ the mischievous and crafty raccoon (Bruce Willis) is spotted in the opening scene trying to obtain a stuck bag of chips from a vending machine. After several failed attempts, RJ visits Vincent the bear (Nick Nolte) to steal food from his stash. From there, the laughs are non-stop and the plot unfolds.
Led by cautious and concerned Verne the turtle (Gary Shandling) and his tingling tail, the forest family, voiced by an all-star cast, awakens from hibernation to find an unending hedge, which they first proclaim as "Steve," a poke at the actor's name who voices the scene-stealing Hammy the ADD-ridden squirrel (Steve Carrell).
RJ, with his golf bag of goodies, collaborates with the eager bunch to gather food in suburbia by using unconventional methods: diversions, scare tactics and stealth, all with an amusing twist. To motivate the crew, RJ reasons that they "eat to live" while the humans "live to eat." This initiates a hilarious segment in the film that shows how humans are obsessed with food, and might make us question that belief.
Things go awry when a vermin exterminator, The Verminator (Thomas Haden Church), is called in by the finicky homeowner's association president, Gladys (Allison Janney), to rid the problem of food-stealing animals in the neighborhood.
The fun continues as each animal has their time to shine. Ozzie the melodramatic possum (William Shatner) and his daughter, Heather (Avril Lavigne) do what they do best, play dead. Stella the sassy skunk (Wanda Sykes) offers slyness and a smart attitude to the film. The porcupine couple (Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara) and their three kids add to the antics. Along with RJ, Verne and Hammy, they form a good mix of personalities that combine, like a tasty snack treat.
The jokes and sight gags are enough to keep a smile on everyone's face. Also, there are some lines that reference to other movies or games that will definitely have some folks in nostalgia. Besides the humor, the film makes sure that family and honesty are some things to keep in mind.
DreamWorks does an astounding job with the crisp animation. The attention to detail is magnificent. Every detail seems like it has been a factor in making this movie excel. If so, mission accomplished! Over the Hedge is not to be missed and can be easily considered as an instant animated classic.