Cast
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Bruce Willis
as RJ (voice)
Garry Shandling
as Verne (voice)
Steve Carell
as Hammy (voice)
Wanda Sykes
as Stella (voice)
William Shatner
as Ozzie (voice)
Nick Nolte
as Vincent (voice)
Thomas Haden Church
as Dwayne (voice)
Allison Janney
as Gladys (voice)
Eugene Levy
as Lou (voice)
Catherine O'Hara
as Penny (voice)
Avril Lavigne
as Heather (voice)
Omid Djalili
as Tiger (voice)
Sami Kirkpatrick
as Bucky (voice)
Shane Baumel
as Spike (voice)
Madison Davenport
as Quillo (voice)
Crew
Director
- Karey Kirkpatrick
- Tim Johnson
Producer
- Bonnie Arnold
- Christian Kubsch
Reviews
r96sk
Vincent did nothing wrong. Dude just wanted his food.
I found <em>'Over the Hedge'</em> to be a rather dull affair. The cast try, the likes of Bruce Willis, Steve Carell, Wanda Sykes, Nick Nolte and Thomas Haden Church are all fine and probably help the film avoid an even lower rating from myself.
It's just everything else that I didn't click with, from the lame plot set-up to the animation to the humour. Just real forgettable. Of course I'm not the target audience and all that, but still. Either way, it's a film that failed to hold my attention sufficiently.
I will say there is one gag in there that got a chuckle out of me and that was the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PomZJao7Raw" rel="nofollow">THX ident</a> one - there's never been a truer scene! I remember that and the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAUJKRYieSM" rel="nofollow">Icon Entertainment</a> one making me rush under my duvet with minor fright as a young kid when watching DVDs at night. Just me? Probably.
Anyway, to summarise my thoughts on this 2006 release: Not good, kinda surprised to see it rated rather well on here - to each their own, as always. It does have a catchy end credits song though, I'll give it that.
May 18, 2023
tmdb98094809
Alright, let's talk about "Over the Hedge"! Seriously, this movie? A solid 10/10! It's like, super underrated, you know?
First off, the animation is just... wow! It's so colorful and lively. The characters move in such a fun, cartoony way, and all the little details, like the fur on the animals or the shiny gadgets, are amazing. It's way better than just "average" animation.
And the story! It's so clever. You've got these woodland critters waking up from hibernation and finding a giant hedge and a whole new world of human stuff. RJ the raccoon is hilarious and sneaky, and the rest of the gang, like Verne the turtle and Hammy the squirrel, are just so lovable. It's funny, but it also has a really sweet message about family and sticking together.
The jokes? Oh my gosh, they're so good! There are jokes for everyone, from silly slapstick to smart, witty lines. You'll be laughing the whole time. Plus, the action scenes are super exciting, like when they're trying to steal all the human food. It's a rollercoaster ride!
Seriously, "Over the Hedge" is a masterpiece. It's got everything: great animation, a funny and heartwarming story, and characters you'll totally fall in love with. If you haven't seen it, you absolutely have to! It's way, way above average, and it deserves way more love!
Apr 7, 2025
Thematic Analysis
Over the Hedge represents a fascinating example of Family/Comedy/Animation cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Karey Kirkpatrick brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2006, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Over the Hedge took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $80.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 84 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 134 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 291 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2006, when this film is released:
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Over the Hedge shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Ratatouille, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Over the Hedge offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Daisy Quokka: World's Scariest Animal and Meet the Robinsons explore similar territory, Over the Hedge stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 17, 2006
- Runtime: 1h 24m
- Budget: $80,000,000
- Revenue: $343,397,247
