Over the Hedge Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A raccoon cons woodland creatures into stealing human food to pay off a bear, and then they all learn about family while dodging an exterminator; peak suburban chaos.

🍿 Over the Hedge: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Waking Up to a Changed World

As winter ends, Verne the turtle and his family of forest creatures awaken from hibernation to a shocking sight: a giant hedge has bisected their forest. Their food source has vanished, leaving them with little to survive. Verne, ever cautious, urges adaptation, but the opportunistic raccoon RJ arrives with a different plan.

RJ’s Deceptive Scheme

RJ proposes that the animals venture ‘over the hedge’ into the new suburban development, where humans leave an abundance of food. The other animals eagerly follow RJ’s lead, unaware that he’s secretly indebted to a fearsome bear named Vincent. RJ must replenish Vincent’s stolen food supply within a week, or face dire consequences.

Suburbia and its Perils

Venturing into the human world, the animals are initially amazed by the endless supply of junk food and consumer goods. However, they soon encounter the dangers of suburbia, including a zealous exterminator named Dwayne and a paranoid homeowner named Gladys. The animals must navigate these threats while RJ struggles with his conscience.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• RJ (Bruce Willis): A scheming raccoon who initially uses the forest creatures to repay a debt to a bear, but ultimately learns the importance of family.
• Verne (Garry Shandling): A cautious and neurotic tortoise who leads the forest family and initially distrusts RJ’s motives.
• Hammy (Steve Carell): A hyperactive squirrel whose naive enthusiasm and speed often contribute to the group’s escapades.
• Vincent (Nick Nolte): A menacing bear who demands RJ repay a stolen stash of food, driving the plot’s initial conflict.
• Gladys (Allison Janney): The strict and controlling head of the homeowner’s association who sees the animals as pests to be exterminated.
• Dwayne (Thomas Haden Church): A zealous exterminator hired by Gladys to eliminate the forest creatures, posing a significant threat.
• Stella (Wanda Sykes): A sassy skunk who uses her scent to help her family out of trouble.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• RJ: “We eat to live, they live to eat.” – RJ explains to the forest animals the difference between their scavenging and humans’ over-the-top consumption.
• Verne: “Everything I know is a lie!” – Verne’s shocked reaction to the realization about the human world.
• Hammy: “I like cookies!” – Hammy is a very energetic squirrel who just likes cookies.
• Tiger: “Stella? Stella? Where are you going? Stella? STEEEELLLLLLAAAAAAA!” – Tiger yells this iconic line when Stella, a skunk who he’s developed a crush on, leaves him. The quote is a reference to the famous scene in ‘A Streetcar Named Desire.’

💰Box Office

• Budget: $80,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $155,019,340
• Worldwide Gross: $339,795,890

💥 Over the Hedge Reviews

Personal Review

I loved Over the Hedge! It’s one of those movies that’s fun for the whole family. The voice acting is top-notch, especially Steve Carell as Hammy – he steals every scene! I remember laughing so hard when Hammy drank the energy drink; it was pure comedic genius. It’s a feel-good movie with a good heart, and I still enjoy watching it today. I especially liked when the Animals gave the food back to the Bear. It showed that they all knew it was wrong. The animation is also really well done. This movie is the perfect blend of humor, heart, and adventure, making it a great choice for a family movie night!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families looking for a fun animated movie”
  • “Fans of animal adventures”
  • “Viewers who enjoy humor and heartwarming stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some scenes of peril and slapstick violence”
  • “Brief mild language”
  • “Cartoonish depictions of animal control”

Professional Reviews

• ScreenRant: “Over the Hedge is a charming animated adventure that offers a witty critique of consumerism and suburban life, while delivering a heartwarming message about the importance of family and community. Great for kids and adults
• Common Sense Media: “Entertaining but somewhat predictable, Over the Hedge scores with its clever script and great voice acting, especially Steve Carell as Hammy. It’s funny and safe for most ages.
• Empire Magazine: “Though it lacks the groundbreaking edge of some animated peers, Over the Hedge is a consistently amusing ride with solid visuals and a talented voice cast. It’s a fun family film.

Audience Reactions

Hammy the squirrel is hilarious and energetic!: Viewers praised the film’s humor and voice acting, especially Steve Carell as Hammy.

The animation is visually stunning and detailed.: Many appreciated the vibrant animation style and the expressive character designs.

Overall Consensus: Over the Hedge is a well-received animated film with humor, great voice acting, and themes of family and environmental awareness.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film took over three years to complete with a crew of 237 people.”
• “The design of Gladys Sharp, the HOA president, was inspired by caricatures of suburban stereotypes and exaggerated expressions to emphasize her controlling nature.”

🖥️ How to Watch Over the Hedge?

Over the Hedge is available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video, and Apple TV. You can also rent or purchase the movie from these services. Check local listings for television airings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Over the Hedge, you might like these similar films:

• The Wild (2006): Another animated movie released in the same year, featuring animals adapting to a human environment, though with a focus on a New York zoo.
• Madagascar (2005): Shares the theme of animals venturing into a human-dominated environment and learning about friendship and family.
• Hoodwinked! (2005): For its comedic, quirky, and family-friendly nature, presenting a twisted fairytale.
• Zootopia (2016): Explores similar themes of animals adapting to a human-like urban society, with social commentary and a focus on overcoming prejudice.

🛒 Over the Hedge Related Products

• Over the Hedge (Nintendo DS): Play as your favorite characters in this adventure game based on the movie! Explore the suburban world and work together to collect food and avoid capture.
• Over the Hedge: Hammy’s Boomerang Adventure (Game Boy Advance): Join Hammy on a wild boomerang adventure! Solve puzzles, collect items, and navigate through various levels inspired by the movie.
• Over the Hedge DVD: Enjoy the movie anytime with this DVD release. Features bonus content, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew.
• Over the Hedge Movie Poster: Display your love for the movie with this high-quality poster. Features the main characters and vibrant artwork from the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

Over the Hedge features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Family of Me” – performed by Ben Folds
• “Still” – performed by Ben Folds

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Over the Hedge Final Battle with healthbars

Have you ever wondered what the final battle in ‘Over the Hedge’ would look like with healthbars? This funny edit gives you just that, adding an unexpected element of humor to the epic showdown. Check it out!

RJ & Hammy from Over the Hedge being chaotic as h*ck (ft. TyBott Official)

Calling all ‘Over the Hedge’ fans! This hilarious roleplay brings the beloved characters of RJ and Hammy to life. Watch as they recreate their chaotic antics, reminding you why these furry friends stole our hearts.

We get drunk and watch Over the Hedge (2006) ft. Bruce Willis and Howie Mandel

Imagine watching ‘Over the Hedge’ with a group of tipsy friends! This hilarious commentary offers a fresh and humorous take on the movie, making you appreciate it in a whole new light. Join the fun and see the movie through their slightly intoxicated eyes.

Over the Hedge Review

Want to dive deeper into ‘Over the Hedge’? This insightful review by Schaffrillas Productions breaks down the movie’s themes, characters, and overall impact. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a curious newcomer, this review will give you a fresh perspective on the film.

✨ Rate