over the hedge=over the top

Taking pride in actually reading reviews on this movie, I realized taking my two kids to the movies to see Over The Hedge would be very nerving. Over half the reviews mentioned ALOT of loud kids and my two would conspire to join that chorus of kids that somehow know when to start up with the rest of the tribe. A mystery still the same, but I decided not to go to the theatre. So, after we bought the DVD, my attention to detail was still over rode by the laughter of a two year old and thirteen year old. It was great!

PLOT
Without getting too much into detail, (or giving you a chance to see this and not just telling you everything), This story is about a group of hibernating animals of sort who wake up after a winter's sleep. They soon realize that most of the forest is gone and next year's stock of food has been jeopardized. They have also been blocked in by a hedge by a new neighborhood that has everything, including an over-zealous associate from the homeowners association. At the same time, R.J., a rambuncious raccoon, accidently destroys a grizzly bears stock of food and is given one week to replenish what he destroyed or else. R.J, Overhearing the hibernating animals discussion over their initial problem, decides to befriend them, let them collect next year's supply of food,(by going over the hedge), then stealing the stock.

IN GENERAL
My first impression was that of a side-kick to Ice Age or Shrek. I wasn't too far off. The creator's of Shrek has credit for this 84 minute movie of fun and laughter. (Nothing beats hearing a two year old laugh).Same type of animation as the other two, but the voices used for Over The Hedge was amazing. Names like William Shatner and Bruce Willis caught my attention first-off. Thier one-of-a-kind voices was easy to find through the characters.

PROS
The character displayed for the business-related-type woman who was associated with her neighborhood business association hit the hammer on the head. I can nearly mention names every time I watched this character, displaying in minute detail every characteristic that comes with these stereotypical, abusing, and quite power-ridden amazons.(Can you feel the love)?
William Shatner is once again clearly identifiable, even imitating once, his Star Trek character, through his animated character. The storyline wasn't totally innocent though, but They pulled this one off perfect, often giving away certain inuendo's that parents caught on, while going over the heads of the kids. Perfect. (I've only seen a very few movies pull this off, my hat goes off).
Hammy the squirrel gave this movie what it needed. Loads of fun and laughter.

CONS
Special Effects was lacking in this movie, and while this was one of the cutest movies with a great story to tell about morals, (my number one priority when leaving an opinion here), Simple came to mind more than once while watching it. Complexity was no issue here.