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Over the Hedge poster

Over the Hedge

Movie 2006 83 min Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Family Reviewed by Dan S · Checked 23 Nov 2007
Official Rating G ClearAge 6+

Why our age differs

Official is G. We nudge it to 6 because a looming bear, an exterminator chasing the animals, and a loud zapping finale can unsettle the very youngest, even though nothing is graphic

What we flagged

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Violence
Mild
Frightening
Mild

Our take

Over the Hedge follows woodland animals as they discover the food and hazards of suburbia. A scheming raccoon, a grumpy bear, and an exterminator create cartoon chases and a loud finale, but nobody is seriously hurt. The bear and zapping gadgets may startle very young children. Most primary-age kids should be fine, and the found-family story gives the comedy warmth.

Uplifting themes

Under the jokes sits a genuinely sweet idea about chosen family, honesty, and putting your friends ahead of a selfish plan. RJ learns that the hard way, and it gives the film real warmth RJ starts out tricking everyone for his own gain before coming good, while Verne looks out for the whole group. The mix of a selfish schemer and a caring leader gives kids both sides to talk about

Story (may spoil tone)

A scheming raccoon fools a mismatched family of forest creatures into helping him repay a debt of food, by invading the new suburban sprawl that popped up while they were hibernating – and learns a lesson about family himself.

What we flagged

View all categories

Violence
Mild
Frightening
Mild

Details

Violence Mild The chaos is pure cartoon, built on chases, falling gadgets, and a hype…

The chaos is pure cartoon, built on chases, falling gadgets, and a hyper squirrel who moves faster than everyone else. No one really gets hurt, and the big electrified finale plays for laughs more than danger

Frightening Mild Vincent the bear growls and looms, and a determined exterminator sets t…

Vincent the bear growls and looms, and a determined exterminator sets traps for the animals, which may unsettle very young viewers. The menace is brief and comic, and every scare is smoothed over quickly

Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.

We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.

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Talk after watching

  • RJ plans to trick his new friends for his own gain. What makes someone a real friend?
  • The animals are amazed by how much food people throw away. What does that say about the way we live?

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