CG animals - where have I heard this one before...

Rating: 7/10 (25 August 2006)

When it comes to Hollywood, CG animation is a bestseller for profit. However, as much as Hollywood is keen on CG animation from the likes of Pixar, their execution, is a somewhat dodgy subject. Over recent years, viewers have laughed at Shrek, fell in love with Finding Nemo, and enjoyed the high-octane The Incredibles. Yet, at the same time, CG animation can be rather lackluster. Shark Tale is such an example, and even Final Fantasy: The Sprits Within, while dazzling viewers with realistic animation and a film I enjoyed, did not seem to impress the critics nor receive any profit.
This brings me to Over the Hedge. From Dreamworks Animation, Over the Hedge tells the story of RJ, a raccoon with a serious problem. Having destroyed the food supply of the hibernating bear, Verne, RJ is forced to regain the supply in a week or else he will become Verne's lunch. While on this quest to recover a trunk load of food, RJ bumps into some other critters that have finished their hibernation. With them by his side, RJ sets out to steal the food from the recently developed suburban area. Over the Hedge is a decent movie to gaze upon. The animation is very good for its cartoon feel, but Square have shown that it can look far better. So, perhaps Dreamworks Animation could attempt a more realistic portrayal, as the market seems to be becoming filled with cartoon-like CG animation, which all looks alike and that is not a good thing. Voice-acting is top-notch with the likes of Bruce Willis (RJ), Steve Carrell (Hammy), and Thomas Haden Church (Dwayne) at the helm. The music department is sadly lacking in any catchy tunes, which is a shame.
Though where Over the Hedge shines is in its story department. It all seems so clichéd at first, yet Dreamworks decided to overdo some scenes, which works well in this case. A perfect example is when RJ opens a packet of chips for the animals of the forest, only for the viewer to see the entire earth, and then a nuclear-explosion. It's this over exaggeration which makes the story funny. In fact, without it, Over the Hedge would prove a dull movie indeed.
Over the Hedge isn't the best CG animation you'll see. It lacks a little is some departments, but makes up for it, in what is a funny, and family-orientated story. Adults shouldn't be put off though, for Over the Hedge easily appeals to all ages, and that is what CG animation should always aim to achieve.