Open Season (DVD, 2007, Widescreen)

In the wilderness of super-cute CGI family films, Sony Animation's debut effort, Open Season (2006), can't always see the forest for the trees. Like Madagascar, The Wild, Shrek and many others, we're treated to a palette of detailed, colorful visuals... combined with a story that reads like it was finished during lunch break. That's about all it takes to satisfy most younger audiences---and don't get me wrong, I might've thought more of Open Season if I were part of the target demographic---but sadly, that's about all it brings to the table.

The recipe for "success": (1) Add a few one-dimensional characters to a standard buddy comedy/adventure. Ensure that kids know who the villain is by implying that he enjoys collecting animal trophies, driving recklessly and drinking beer; (2) Mix in an odd sense of cultural diversity by giving each supporting species a foreign accent; (3) Blend resulting mixture with plenty of bunny violence and a few fart jokes for comedic effect; and (4) Top off with a bland, uninspired alt-rock soundtrack.

The story follows domesticated grizzly Boog (Martin Lawrence), a lovable oaf who's been reduced to performing in a circus-like show and begging for treats at home. His owner is Beth (Debra Messing), a perky park ranger who's unsure when to release Boog into the wild. When local hunter and all-around bad boy Shaw (Gary Sinise) shows up one morning to taunt the "girl scout", toting a freshly caught---but not quite dead---deer named Elliot (Ashton Kutcher), Boog reluctantly unties the one-antlered motormouth. Elliot returns the favor one evening by convincing the suburban grizzly to explore the outside world. After they trash a local convenience store, Beth sends the pair off via helicopter to live in a wooded area, away from the local hunting grounds. It's up to Boog and Elliot to find their way back home---but by the time they return, will they even want to stay?

On the surface, Open Season doesn't seem half bad; unfortunately, the relatively bland characters render everything else forgettable. Only our two heroes and park ranger Beth seem to have any discernable personalities, while everyone else is basically a cardboard cutout used for comic relief and/or half-baked dramatic effect. Most viewers will instantly feel a sense of déjà vu during certain stretches of Open Season; whether it's the Shrekness of Elliot---a near-match for the Donkey character---or Boog's "fish out of water" situation (used most recently in Madagascar and Over the Hedge, just to name a few), Open Season seems more like a collage of modern CGI films than a family feature capable of standing on its own two feet.

One thing can't be denied, though, and that's the fantastic animation on display, particularly the stunning backgrounds. Rendered almost like a stylized painting or a polished children's book, these lush landscapes blend well with the character animation, creating a strong atmosphere that helps keep our attention. Textures like fur, water and grass look especially convincing, particularly during a fast-paced river sequence halfway through this 86-minute adventure. Sadly, though, the highlights grow less and less apparent as the film bears on (no pun intended), ensuring that the colorful world created for Open Season probably won't stick in your mind long afterwards.

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Since rescued as a cub by Timberline forest ranger Beth (voice of Debra Messing), grizzly bear Boog (voice of Martin Lawrence) has lived the life of a pampered, domestic pet. But when scrawny, fast-talking mule deer Elliot (voice of Ashton Kutcher) arrives in town, strapped onto a truck belonging to fanatic hunter Shaw (Gary Sinise), everything changes. Elliott talks Boog into helping him escape, and then leads him astray on a night on the town. Beth is reluctantly forced to relocate Boog to his natural forest habitat, but the local animals are decidedly unfriendly and the hunters are on their way to the forest for Open Season. There is no option but for the woodland animals to team up against the hunters.

This I believe is the funniest animated movie I have ever seen. Everyone in my family loved this one including my husband, and I have a 15, 12, 10, and 9 year old so everyone of all ages will love this movie. It is full of laughs. The animated animals in this are so funny, and cute it is to hilarious. I just love Boog the grizzly bear who voice is played by Martin Lawrence he is a bear that is a pet in our world but then his world is turned all around in not such a good way by a mule deer named Elliot who's voice is played by Ashton Kutcher, anyway Boog is dropped off into the wilderness along with Elliot. After being put to sleep then he and Elliot wake up to the big surprise, and then the big laughs begin in this movie even though they already have started but the bigger ones start now. You will have to see this to know the rest. This movie is full of a lot of other lovable animated characters besides Boog, and Elliot .I give this animated movie a 5 out of a 5 rating.

Open Season

Great animation, great cast of voice-actors, and a great story full of action and laughs make Open Season a must see film for you and your family.

The first 45 minutes is kind of slow and dare I say a little boring, but the last 45 minutes more than makes up for it. I used the fast-forward button to get to the good stuff but that doesn't mean you're going to. I just have little patience when it comes to animated films.

My girlfriend loved the whole movie and I absolutely loved the last 45 minutes. This movie is a definite kids film with enough grown up humor to keep adults entertained. And the climax of this film is so cool that you can forgive the first 45 minutes for boring you to death.

Final Verdict:

4/5

Rent or Buy?: A must buy if you have kids, a rental if you don't.

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This is one of my favorite animated shows of all time! I thought it was absolutely hysterical, Gary Sinise was fantastic as Shaw, and Martin Lawrence and Ashton Kutcher were fantastic as Boog and Elliott. All around just a great family movie that will be loved by kids and adults alike.