Enjoyable with a happy ending

Rating: 8/10 (18 May 2006)

(Synopsis) Spring has arrived and an array of creatures sleeping in a large tree trunk has awakened from their winter hibernation. This group of unusual creatures, porcupines, possums, a squirrel, a skunk, has formed a family with Verne, a tortoise (voice of Garry Shandling), as the head. They discover that a tall hedge has cut their forest in half and their nut and berry trees are gone. Where are they going to get their food for next winter? Then RJ, an opportunistic raccoon (voice of Bruce Willis), enters the picture. RJ explains to the group that there is a new world called suburbia on the other side of the hedge where humans live. RJ says, "that humans live to eat, rather than eat to live". Humans throw away more food then they would ever need and put the food in garbage cans. RJ convinces them to go over the hedge to gather food for the winter. (My Comment) This is a good movie for the whole family. The animation and storyline is excellent. I know children will like the characters and adults will be entertained by several gags made for them. You will love what happens to the evil Home Owner's Association Lady. The movie hits America's consumer economy with a commentary on our gluttonous connection to the food sector. The storyline shows that even though Verne is suspicious and jealous of RJ, that he can still form a friendship with him. The movie has a happy ending with the animals uniting as a family. With a storyline of friends, family and doing the right thing, the movie will have a great success. (DreamWorks Pictures, Run time 1:36, Rated G)(8/10)