Better than many recent animated efforts

Rating: 8/10 (3 July 2006)

What a refreshing change. Most of the animated movies to which I have been dragged by my kids recently have gone on far too long. 'The Wild' was forgettable, sprawling and dull (and my wife says it's just the same as 'Madagascar'); 'Shark Tale' heartless and exploitative; 'Ice Age 2' charmless; 'The Magic Roundabout'? Unspeakable. 'Over The Hedge' succeeds because it has all the dramatic virtues -- a well-knit and shapely plot, great acting from an ensemble cast, and plenty for adults to enjoy as well as children. It's not in the same league as the Shreks or the Toy Stories (still less the Incredibles) but it is worthwhile and entertaining. Biggest surprise -- who knew that William Shatner was such a deft comedian? HERE COMES THE SPOILER... Opposums play dead, right? But never in such a hammy and melodramatic way as Ozzie the possum (Shatner) who with his last simulated breath, sees a rosebush, mutters 'Rosebud', and expires.