This weekend I saw both Over the Hedge and Cars and I feel that I am now qualified to pass judgment of these movies on to you.
One was a movie with charismatic, lovable characters that just begged me to identify with them and feel feelings. The other one was about a family of animals.
I am usually not a harsh critic of movies (except for League of Extraordinary Gentlemen… boy was that junk). Even if I’m disappointed, usually I’m the member of the group pointing out that it wasn’t that bad. Especially if I’ve paid 8 dollars to go see it. But beyond a few token laughs (most of which I saw during the preview) Over The Hedge just didn’t do it for me. There was a lot of potential and some characters that could have really stolen the show but the attempt fell flat and the overwhelming emotion was boredom. I didn’t even stay through the credits and I always stay through the credits (if my movie partners aren’t itching to leave).
Cars, on the other hand, had the stuff. The writing was delish and there was a nice mix of jokes and references for all ages. The movie was visually stunning and the characters had character. The story is simple and obvious but no less satisfying because of it.
Now to be completely fair I did see OTH at the end of a long day and Cars was on a fresh brain. Also… OTH wasn’t bad like say… the new Garfield movie or The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. It was just dull with a few kneejerk laughs. Like oatmeal with a few raisins. Or wrestling.
In other news, Happy zeroth birthday to Kira Elizabeth, brand new baby girl of my dear friends Kat & Mason. Kat was my dorm-mate and then my roomie in college (goodness know why). I can’t wait to get down to Orlando to babysit. 🙂