Over the Hedge

Over the Hedge, Under the Bar
Adam Valen Levinson
Freelance Movie Critic
      In the rapid-fire, caffeine-fueled, ADD style of the modern animated movie, Over the Hedge presents a well put together, but disappointingly lightweight flick about foraging animals trying to survive when suburbia destroys most of their natural habitat.
      While it may not have the zazz and cleverness that made chaperoning adults enjoy Shrek and Finding Nemo, Over the Hedge will surely be child-pleasing. Yes, it follows the multi-million dollar recipe — boy (raccoon) in trouble, boy finds help, boy abuses help, boy regrets abuse, bear chases boy — but its bright colors and silly dialogue will keep the wee ones in stitches. As usual, the adorable animals are under attack by the evil, Botoxed humans who epitomize the bane of Ecologists’ existence. Unfortunately, the movie’s feeble attempt at social commentary consists of a few lines spoken as if their solemn tone would squeeze out a few drops of profundity.
      Even the obligatory Citizen Kane, and A Streetcar Named Desire references seem forced and out of place. However, they did inexplicably get laughs from the children. While the animals leap over the hedge, the jokes remain unable to get over anyone’s head. I didn’t understand what a gasped “Rosebud” would mean to the four year-old behind me, but perhaps it was funny coming from a possum. Or perhaps it was a very, very sophisticated four year-old. If so, I learned a lesson that Tim Johnson and Karey Kirkpatrick (directors) should have learned years ago: never underestimate your audience. Sure, a few “nuts” jokes can be funny, especially coming from a hyperactive fox with the voice of The 40 Year Old Virgin’s Steve Carell, but as they say in Hollywood, “if it’s not funny coming from a squirrel, it’s just not funny”. If that was their best attempt to attract the older portion of the demographic, they might need to take a few more classes at Clever Euphemism School.
      The recent advances in computer animation have enabled a great development in one of the main elements of children’s movies: cuteness. Dreamworks’ animation is top notch, with each hair on the fuzzy little creatures’ heads looking real enough to pet, and fantastical enough to not trigger your allergies.
      If you are childless, and cannot gain pleasure from seeing the enjoyment of children, life is too short to see this movie. If you are not in that category, I strongly suggest you add your ten dollars to the funds for the almost inevitable sequel.

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Photo: the conniving raccoon, RJ (Bruce Willis) and Carell’s fox Hammy acting a rabid squirrel

Over the Hedge
83 Minutes
Release Date: May 19, 2006