Over The Hedge Movie Review

Over the Hedge is the animated story of a group of animals trying to deal with the encroachment of the suburbs (The Hedge). It is also the story of a hungry racoon RJ (Bruce Willis) who is attempting to pay back a very angry bear called Vincent (Nick Nolte) whom he stole a big pile of food from in one of the opening scenes. To pay back Vincent, RJ has to enlist the help of an unsuspecting group of animals who have just woken up from their winter sleep and whilst out familiarising themselves with their environment and looking for food find themselves hemmed in by a very high and endless hedge.

The animals can’t find enough food, so they decide to penetrate or climb over the hedge to see what is on the other side. Turtle Verne (Gary Shandling) takes the lead but RJ who has been observing them offers to lead them there and help them to find food. As well as having to contend with doubts about RJ’s intentions the animals also have to contend with Gladys (Allison Janney) who is head of the homeowners association and who is determined to get rid of all animals trying to encroach on their territory. She calls for the exterminator Dwayne (Thomas Hayden Church) to “exterminate them as inhumanely as possible.”

And if you want to see if the animals succeed and if Gladys and Dwayne get their comeuppance then I recommend that you watch the film, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The voice casting is brilliant and all the characters are complemented perfectly with their voice over counterpart. The animation is terrific with gorgeous, brightly coloured visuals and superb character work.

This is one of those rare films that will leave a smile on your face once the film has finished.