Propelled by a manic energy that could almost match that of its hyper-active squirrel Hammy, Over the Hedge packs a wallop of humor with a story about family that will please the moralists, but never gets too heavy-handed as to feel like a lecture. There are a lot of funny scenes and quick gags that will bring up quick laughs, and when the movie’s action gets going, it’s a joy to watch.

The movie starts with RJ the squirrel owing a debt of food to a big bad bear. It’s almost like the set-up of a gangster movie; the main character is in over his head, he’s got to find a way to pay off this impossible debt. But RJ, a cunning and charming rogue, finds a group of forest foragers that include a turtle, possums, porcupines, and the aforementioned Hammy.

He finds them in a tough spot themselves. While they were hibernating, the forest they live in was torn down and replaced with a housing development. The bushes where they used to pick their berries are gone, and now there is the hedge, which separates them from the pre-fab houses that have gone up while they were sleeping.

Unknowing of RJ’s predicament, the forest family agree to gather food with RJ, and it’s here that things take off. There’s conflict with Verne the turtle, who senses that there’s something not quite right about RJ. He’s overprotective as the family’s patriarch, and this trait works against him. Here we get the conflict between the conservative old and the progressive new, with doubts on both sides. This also makes way for themes of family and loyalty. All of course tempered with just the right amount of humor, fun, and some great songs by Ben Folds.

When the animals embark on one of their schemes to get food, it’s always fun to watch. The movie knows how to play with its characters, and unlike some movies that make their animal characters too human, Over the Hedge strikes a balance as its characters display fun human traits while staying true to their natures (kids will forever remember how to play possum).

Though this movie doesn’t have the kind of emotional depth or broad storytelling of, say, Finding Nemo, it tells its story well. Its story is very different, as are its intentions. But it succeeds in creating really memorable moments. The voice acting here is just as memorable, with great performances from the likes of Steve Carrell and William Shatner.

Over the Hedge is smart and funny, and fun to watch. It tells a story that, while not the most memorable, is entertaining and will be loved by kids. At the same time, it makes great jabs at consumerist culture, SUVs, and excess that will make the big kids smile.