Over the Hedge

Ben’s Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Over the Hedge is a fast-paced, funny flick that, like Shrek and the many other enjoyable computer-animated movies of our day, has plenty of jokes for kids of all ages (like Chel and me) to laugh at.

The movie follows the antics of R.J., a raccoon who latches on to a newfound forest family to keep from being eaten by his archenemy grizzly bear. Along the way, they encounter the encroaching suburban landscape (and the evil leader of the homeowners’ association) through some enjoyable misadventures.

My favorite characters in the movie are Hammy the hyperactive squirrel, played wonderfully by Steve Carrell of The Office; and Stella the skunk, played by Wanda Sykes. Stella looks so much like our cat Luca that I think I’ll forever imagine Luca speaking with Sykes’ distinctive voice.

While Over the Hedge is probably not as good as Monsters, Inc., Shrek or Shrek 2, it made for a good Sunday afternoon at the movies.