Over the Hedge and Beyond

Animation: Over the Hedge and beyond
Nick Pannu, The Peak

Over the Hedge opens Friday, May 19th at Paramount Theatre, 900 Burrard St, Vancouver. Call (604)-630-1407 for more information.

Over the Hedge is the latest computer animated film to hit the big screen. Being no strangers to animated features, directors Tim Johnson and Karey Kirkpatrick add a lot of spice to an endeavor that is more than just a family-friendly affair. As well as laughing hysterically, audiences will be blindsided by the unpredictable nature and originality of circumstances that present themselves throughout the film. Johnson and Kirkpatrick also use the film to shed light on issues such as over-consumption.

Abruptly, a large suburban development is thrust into the middle of the forest. Animals emerging from hibernation are shocked to see their familiar surroundings changed beyond recognition. Initially, what has invaded the forest is unknown: a giant hedge stands between the new inhabitants and the ecosystem that has been reduced to a fraction of its original size. The few resources that remain in the forest are too meagre to sustain the wilderness creatures but the animals are afraid to seek out other resources over the hedge.

Realizing that venturing beyond the hedge is the only means of survival, RJ the raccoon boldly encourages the rest of the animals that they must conquer their fears. Clever Rocco manages to subdue everyone’s apprehension by baiting them with a bag of tacos he retrieves. Everyone is thereafter mesmerized by the prospect of encountering an abundance of food once they leap over the hedge.

The film touches on many themes that are not often consciously addressed. For example, why do we always take the position that animals invade our territory? When examined closely, a more poignant argument can be made that is actually people that are invading the animals’ environment.

Also, animals from the wilderness are often disregarded as non-sentient beings while domesticated dogs and cats are not. Johnson and Kirkpatrick offer substantial insight in their production, yet humor is the fundamental ingredient that propels the film, making it difficult for the audience to tune out.

As well, Johnson and Kirkpatrick do a superb job of molding appropriate characters for the all-star cast of voices including Bruce Willis, Garry Shandling, William Shatner and Nick Nolte. Aspects of the actor’s personalities are exploited and incorporated in the animated characters, such as William Shatner’s infamous two handed karate chop gesture from his Star Trek days, which surfaces frequently within his character, Ozzie.