Today’s quick review: Over the Hedge. After stealing a wagon full of food from a bear, RJ (Bruce Willis), a streetwise raccoon, has just seven days to pay back his debt. He finds his salvation with a family of woodland creatures whose forest has just been converted into a housing development. RJ cons them into stealing the humans’ food for him, but their leader, a cautious turtle named Verne (Garry Shandling), suspects that he is up to something.
Over the Hedge is an animated family comedy about a group of animals who venture out into suburbia on the hunt for food. Under RJ’s guidance, Verne and his friends (Steve Carell, Wanda Sykes, William Shatner, Avril Lavigne, Eugene Levy, and Catherine O’Hara) are introduced to the strange but bountiful world of humans. What follows is an entertaining heist film with a charming premise, a distinguished voice cast, and a heavy focus on comedy.
Over the Hedge sticks to the basics, but it handles them well. The hunt for food proves to be a reliable hook, motivating the animals’ many forays into the neighborhood. These in turn provide the basis for some energetic slapstick sequences as RJ and his accomplices try to get the food and get out without being caught. Finally, the core of the story is a simple but satisfying tale about a self-serving con man who has a crisis of conscience.
Over the Hedge is an entertaining movie that makes the most of a fruitful premise. Cartoonish action, likable characters, and some pointed jabs at life in the suburbs all contribute to a breezy watch. The movie does not have the narrative or artistic depth of the best family films, and its humor can be a little crass, but anyone in the mood for a fun, family-friendly romp should give it a shot.
For another animated family movie that takes shots at modern living, try WALL-E or Bee Movie. For a bittersweet animated fantasy about the clash between animals and humans, check out Pom Poko. For a similarly roguish role for Bruce Willis, try The Whole Nine Yards or Hudson Hawk.
[6.7 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0327084/). I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for animal antics that mostly hit the mark.