Over the Hedge (2006) is one of the most entertaining American animated films of the year, blending animated heist comedy, family-friendly adventure, and sharp social satire. Directed by Tim Johnson and Karey Kirkpatrick, and starring the voices of Bruce Willis, Garry Shandling, Steve Carell, William Shatner, Wanda Sykes, and Nick Nolte, this English-language film was theatrically released on May 19, 2006.

Movie Overview

*Over the Hedge* is a clever and heartwarming animated comedy that explores themes of consumerism, friendship, and transformation. A raccoon named RJ, desperate to repay a dangerous bear for destroying his food supply, convinces a group of woodland creatures—which include a cautious turtle, a hyperactive squirrel, a skunk, and a porcupine family—to venture into the unfamiliar world beyond their hedge. Together, they raid a suburban neighborhood, leading to hilarious encounters with humans and predators alike. The film blends witty satire, slapstick humor, and touching character arcs to deliver a joyful experience for both kids and adults.

Attribute Details

Title	Over the Hedge
Genre	Animated, Comedy, Adventure, Family
Language	English
Release Date	May 19, 2006 (United States); Premiere: April 30, 2006 (Los Angeles)
Director	Tim Johnson; Karey Kirkpatrick
Writer	Len Blum; Lorne Cameron; David Hoselton; Karey Kirkpatrick
Producer	Bonnie Arnold
Starring	Bruce Willis, Garry Shandling, Steve Carell, William Shatner, Wanda Sykes, Nick Nolte
Music by	Rupert Gregson‑Williams
Runtime	83 minutes
Budget	$80 million
Box Office Gross	≈ $339.8 million worldwide

Plot & Themes

Set in suburban Indiana, *Over the Hedge* follows RJ (voice of Bruce Willis), a smooth-talking raccoon who, after accidentally demolishing a bear’s food stockpile, must repay the debt—or face dire consequences. During his quest, he encounters a group of forest animals led by Verne, a cautious turtle (Garry Shandling), who awaken from hibernation to find their forest overrun by new development. RJ convinces them to raid the nearby suburb for food, promising to help rebuild their lives.

As their suburban raids escalate, they attract the attention of the homeowners’ association president Gladys Sharp, who hires exterminator Dwayne LaFontant to eliminate the animal intruders. The animals face escalating threats: a perturbed HOA, a menacing Persian cat, and even the bear Vincent looming in the background. Eventually, RJ’s deceit is exposed—but when the entire group ends up in danger, RJ redeems himself, leading a daring rescue and earning acceptance from the animal community. The film masterfully blends comedy with a gentle message about honesty, community, and consumerism-gone-wild.

Voice Cast & Characters

RJ – Bruce Willis: a charismatic, cunning raccoon forced into an impossible situation.
Verne – Garry Shandling: the cautious turtle leader who values safety and family.
Hammy – Steve Carell: a hyperactive squirrel with hyper smell and a Texan accent.
Lou & Penny – Eugene Levy & Catherine O’Hara: the optimistic porcupine couple and parents to three kids.
Stella – Wanda Sykes: a confident skunk who unexpectedly charms a Persian cat.
Vincent – Nick Nolte: a threatening bear whose food stock RJ destroyed.
Additional voices include William Shatner (Ozzie the opossum), newcomers among the human characters, and delightful supporting roles.

Production & Behind the Scenes

Produced by DreamWorks Animation and directed by Tim Johnson and Karey Kirkpatrick, *Over the Hedge* was based on the beloved comic strip by Michael Fry and T. Lewis 0. The screenplay credits include Len Blum, Lorne Cameron, David Hoselton, and Karey Kirkpatrick 1.

Principal photography and animation took place across DreamWorks’ Glendale studio with additional support from Pacific Data Images 2. The film was originally targeted for a November 2005 release but was delayed to spring 2006 3. It premiered in Los Angeles on April 30, 2006, screened as a work-in-progress at the Indianapolis International Film Festival on April 29, and was theatrically released in the U.S. on May 19, 2006 4.

Reception & Legacy

Critics generally praised *Over the Hedge* for its witty script, appealing characters, and social commentary wrapped in family-friendly humor 5. Roger Ebert called it “a lot of fun, awfully nice to look at,” while TV Guide considered it a “sly satire of American ‘enough is never enough’ consumerism” 6.

The film was a commercial hit, grossing approximately $155 million in North America and $339.8 million worldwide against an $80 million budget 7. It became DreamWorks Animation’s first film distributed by Paramount Pictures following a new distribution deal 8.

*Over the Hedge* garnered industry recognition: at the Annie Awards, it won for directing (Tim Johnson and Karey Kirkpatrick) and character design, receiving several additional nominations 9.

Conclusion

*Over the Hedge* (2006) remains a standout animated feature that balances clever humor with a meaningful message. Through a charming ensemble cast, vibrant animation, and sharp satire on suburban excess, it delivers a memorable cinematic experience for all ages. For anyone intrigued by animated adventures with heart, wit, and a dash of social commentary, this film is a perfect fit.

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