Over the Hedge

Directors: Tim Johnson, Karey Kirkpatrick
Screenwriters: Len Blum, Lorne Cameron
Starring: Bruce Willis, Steve Carell, William Shatner, Nick Nolte, Wanda Sykes, Avril Lavinge
Running time: 83 mins
Certificate: U

When RJ the raccoon (Willis) unwittingly awakes disreputable bear Vincent from his hibernation and destroys the latter’s food stash in one fell swoop, he must find enough junk food to satisfy him within a week or face the grizzly consequences. Taking advantage of a group of naive woodland creatures, headed by cautious turtle Verne (Shandling), he ventures over the hedge which has mysteriously appeared during the winter. Over the hedge lies the human-occupied suburbs – and a rich supply of junk food.

Over the Hedge follows a rather minimalistic storyline, and a well-trod one at that. Essentially, through using a bunch of vulnerable creatures for his own ends, a morally suspect creature learns the value of friends and family and comes through in the end. However, despite what seems on paper a rather weak and simple storyline, the writers have packed enough fun into its unfortunately short 83 minutes that this weakness is hardly noticeable.

The stellar cast of voices also does the film proud. Bruce Willis (unconventionally cast as a wily raccoon) gives an understated performance as RJ, whilst Ozzie the possum delivers theatrical lines like only William Shatner can. The star of the show is undoubtedly Hammy the hyperactive squirrel, excellently voiced by Steve Carrell, who steals every scene that he's in. Also benefiting Hammy in particular is some wonderful animation from the DreamWorks Animation team, producing some excellent facial expressions.

Although not reaching the heights of Shrek in terms of universal appeal, it certainly has enough to keep both children and adults entertained, certainly more so than the recent Madagascar. There are plenty of visual gags for all, a host of witty lines, along with a satirical take on consumerism. There are effectively only two human characters, both of whom we're encouraged to despise, and we can see through them our own greed and ignorance of the other creatures.

Following the same general path as The Wild, Madagascar et al, Over the Hedge wins little credit for originality, but more than makes up for it in the fun factor. Quick tip - you might want to sit through the Ben Folds-accompanied credits for a mildly amusing sequence at the end.