dreamworks finally makes a film to hold against shrek

Rating: 7/10 (18 June 2006)

Desperate for food, raccoon RJ decides to steal Vincent's, a black bear mound of food. The food gets destroyed, with RJ having one week to restock Vincent's supply. It's the end of winter and the mixed group of forest creatures are coming out of hibernation. During the winter season, the forest was enclosed by a massive hedge, with a new suburban estate. Unaware of what to do and where to find food, RJ tricks the group to collect food from the surrounding houses to pay of his debt to Vincent.
Of late Dreamworks has released very average computer animated films; with Shrek being their most successful. Over the hedge is the first film since Shrek that can actually be placed beside it. Firstly the animation is a great step forward, leaving the caricature style of animation of Madagascar and Shark Tale behind; all for the better. The animation is bright and colourful, with great detail to the animals and their gleaming bright eyes.
The biggest step forward is the driving force of the jokes; switching from pop cultured references to dig into the characters for the meat of the jokes. Cultural references end up as easy laughs, that lack a lot of punch. While there are some pop culture references, they are minimal and not glaringly obvious. Adding depth is the subtext on humanities consumption and waste; it's no wonder many have called the recent rise of obesity an epidemic. Also added into the subtext is our impact on the environment and animal life.
Feeling more of a star vehicle, the voice talent is some what disappointing. Garry Shandling delivers such a lumbered and monotoned voice to Verne, lacking so much energy. Avril Lavigne should stay in music, with nothing special as Heather. Wanda Sykes exaggerated jive attitude is so tacked on. William Shatner does his usual style of over acting, and works great. Nick Nolte and Thomas Haden Church bring fun as Vincent and exterminator Dwayne. Bruce Willis does great as RJ and really carries the film. Though basically stealing the light in everything he does, Steve Carell just takes over every moment he's on, perfectly suited to the hyperactive Hammy.
Over the hedge is fast paced and never looses your attention, one of the most interesting animated films of late.