Common Sense Media Review
Cute animated tale with some mild scares, cartoon violence.
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Why Age 5+?
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Over the Hedge
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 30 parent reviews
Based on 61 kid reviews
Kids say this animated film is a hilarious and entertaining choice for younger audiences, with positive messages about teamwork, family, and honesty, although some moments may be intense for very young viewers. While many enjoy the humor and animation, some critiques focus on the violence and the unclear villain, suggesting it's best suited for kids under seven.
- humor and entertainment
- positive messages
- suitable for young kids
- mild violence
- unclear villain
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
This animated animal adventure gets rolling when RJ the raccoon (voiced by Bruce Willis) steals a little red wagon full of treats from a hibernating bear, Vincent (Nick Nolte). Awakened and annoyed, the bear threatens to kill RJ unless he replaces all the missing items (they're smooshed in a traffic accident). RJ hatches a plan to steal convenience foods from recently installed suburban dwellers. While Hammy the squirrel (Steve Carell), shy skunk Stella (Wanda Sykes), and Ozzie, a possum (William Shatner), are easily won over by RJ's scheme, timid tortoise Verne (Garry Shandling) frets that RJ is not to be trusted. But the raccoon is shrewd, and the scenario he lays out -- all food, all the time -- is mighty tempting. So it's not long before everyone scampering into the well-appointed abode of Homeowners' Association President Gladys (Allison Janney). In this new world, "the grass is greener," and the acorn-munching kids discover the great tastes they've been missing: cheese dust, pizza, donuts, and Girl Scout cookies. The animals are not prepared for the humans' ferocious desire to protect their stuff, however, and soon the dastardly exterminator (Thomas Haden Church) arrives, armed with traps and weapons.
Is It Any Good?
Cute and zippy, OVER THE HEDGE offers animal shenanigans, an amusing social critique, songs by Ben Folds, and cartoony explosions galore. It's good fun for everyone!
Plainly inspired by the brilliant Chuck Jones, the movie gets in easy digs at the burbs, a nifty homage to Pepe Le Pew (via Stella's faux-seduction of a Persian "guard cat" [Omid Djalili]), and yet another chance for Willis to make good fun of himself.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the film's satire of life in the suburbs. They could also talk about the lesson RJ and his friends learn: that supporting each other as a family is more important than their individual desires. They could also use the film and its soundtrack to talk to kids about the greater impact of our actions.
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 19, 2006
- On DVD or streaming : October 17, 2006
- Cast : Bruce Willis , Garry Shandling , William Shatner
- Directors : Karey Kirkpatrick , Tim Johnson
- Studio : DreamWorks
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Run time : 96 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : for some rude humor and mild comic action.
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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