Pretty Good  
By A4JP4T1F95D0A on 2006-10-09
This is a fairly safe film that the whole family can enjoy. A little bathroom humor, a beaver saying "dam", and a fairly intense hunter are the only questionable parts of the movie. The movie involves a bear named Boog who has been taken in by a park ranger and lives in her garage like a pet. Everything is fine until he rescues a deer named Elliot who becomes his friend whether he wants it or not. Elliot gets Boog kicked out into the wild, where the movie follows the familar fish out of water plot as Boog tries to find his way into the wild. It ends with Boog leading the animals of the forest against the hunters during open season to save all of his new friends. The animation is nice, and the voice work is pretty strong. This is not quite a Pixar quality film, but it is not a cheapo movie. I think this is a good one to see with the kids.
Another ho hum kid's movie
By A2JVR4P3BPDWNK on 2006-10-02
Open Season is another in the long line of recent ho-hum animated kid's movies. It is perfectly entertaining, the animation is good, the story is simple. You've seen the story before (or at least it feels like it): Nature versus Man, Personal Growth, the Sensible main character thrown for a twist who picks up a Colorful Sidekick. There are some very good scenes and some quite funny moments, then there are long slow parts. The surprise is Ashton Kutcher's voice work for a Elliot the wacky sidekick which was pretty good. Martin Lawrence displayed gentle insousance as Boog the Bear, however, I couldn't help but long for Eddie Murphy's madness. Overall a pleasant diversion but that's about it.
95% Laugh-out-loud, 75% family safe
By A2B7BUH8834Y6M on 2006-10-09
This sometimes sweet and often silly tale involves a park ranger who has rescued a bear cub and must learn to part ways with him as his 900lb size and penchant for sugar makes him somewhat uncontrollable in the small hunting town they live in. The local sheriff is a sweet, older Native American man. His tribe is not mentioned and I really like the way his character is so natural in its role - other than his facial features and braided ponytail, the ethnicity is not an issue. That is truly rare in animation or anywhere else in entertainment... so a big-fat star for that right off the bat.
Beth (Debra Messing), the young park ranger, manages to rescue a cub and raise him on a handful of cat treat crackers, she pilots a helicopter and has trained the bear to ride a unicycle - but she doesn't know the first thing about re-introducing a wild animal back to the wild. My guess is that animal rehabilitators and park rangers around the country are going to have complaints about this entire portrayal. Bears are wild animals. Some wild animals can be controlled - but not bears. They do turn on their caretakers without warning. They are cute, but they are still wild.
The 900lb grizzly, Boog, helps to free a mule deer that was tied to the hood of a hunter's truck. Most reputable hunters will not be happy at the stereotypical portrayal of the backwoods yokel who hates living things, has hillbilly teeth and cuddles his rifle and covers it with a blanket at night. He has named his rifle "Lorraine" and has 'her' name etched into the stock. Don't get me wrong - I'm not a hunter and would never shoot an animal for a trophy - but I know all hunters are not represented by this cretin.
The hunter is easy to hate, so when he nearly drowns to death, loses his truck in a flood and is run over by an RV, these are all elements of humor. Houston, we have a problem. We complain about getting desensitized to violence in our society - and here we go right in an animated kid's flick.
Through a series of mishaps, Elliot, the mule deer, and Boog are put in a situation where they are deep in hunting territory as open season begins. As they fear for their lives, they turn the tables on the hunters, blowing up their trucks, vandalizing property, stealing things, fire-bombing them, gassing them, etc.
Yes, I know this is a cartoon, but despite its sweet natured appearance, it subtly teaches the wrong kind of morals to children:
1.) we can take what we want, when we want it, and there are no consequences
2.) vandalism is funny
3.) victims of vandalism are not to be sympathized with, especially if they are odd
4.) it is funny when wild animals harm people
5.) unresponsible adults can frequently skirt the law and get away with anything as long as they're not 'caught'
6.) toilet humor is always funny - no need to think - just show something/someone pooping or using a toilet and we have instant laughter
7.) it is funny when someone's family pet runs away or is stolen
In one scene, a local store is entirely destroyed by some 'friendly' animal characters who basically destroy and/or consume the store's contents. There are no overt consequences. No one has to pay the store owner. No one ever sees the store owner. Those responsible for the animals are not held financially responsible.
I wouldn't say that all movies should teach the 10 commandments at all times, but movies for children do carry a weightier responsibility - and I think that many of the morals (or lack thereof) diisplayed in this movie are irresponsible.
As an adult, I laughed out loud in several spots. The film is serious in some spots, and in others, unrealistically slapstick and far-reaching. It still works as far as being entertaining, but I must say, this would not be a film I'd care to see again or acquire on DVD.
Note that this is PG, not G. The bear utters an explitive at least once and I would say that this is not suitable for kids under 8... some parents may not deem it suitable at all.
The animation is well rendered - it's amazing to see how hair, fur and foliage respond to wind and movement. The animals are expressive and sweet-looking. Rabbit owners (such as myself) will eye-roll at how the rabbits are portrayed. I am not sure that I have ever seen an accurate portrayal of rabbits in animated form, however - so whatever.
Again, as an adult, it is always a nice diversion to be entertained by furry animals without having every other word in the film being some gutter talk and without people bed-hopping, but I'm not sure I'd show this to my own kids until they were teens. It's just too easy to be subtly taught to think of yourself and how you can be entertained before feelling sympathy for others that are hurt. I admit I am becoming a fuddy-duddy as I get older - but when you frequently see better films, it's easy to see this one in its proper light (or lack thereof).
Well done comedy that has appeal to both children and adults
By A3AVJCB1ZD6ZY5 on 2007-02-02
"Open Season" is the coming-of-age story of a very unlikely friendship. Boog (Voice by Martin Lawrence), the Bear, has lived a very sheltered life in the garage of Beth, the game ranger who rescued him. Elliott (voice by Ashton Kutcher), the mule deer, has had a very bad day. He's just gotten expelled from his pack by the Alpha Buck, gotten hit by a truck, lost an antler and ended up strapped to the hood of an insane hunter's truck.
When Boog saves Elliott's life, Elliott comes to join him in his garage haven--and they end up on a night on the town that gets Boog sent to the wilderness earlier than his game-ranger Mom would have preferred--and sadly, at the beginning of "Open Season."
To stay safe, the two must band together--and along the way, they learn a lot about friendship and teamwork. This is a great lesson film for kids as well as having some wonderful moments for adults, too.
Plus, the making of videos are fascinating. Viewers have the chance to learn about how animation is drawn and how the directors help bring the voices to life.
Modest Kiddie Flick That Lacks Punch
By A2RKI7RPP5CJMG on 2006-11-03
"Over The Hedge" was funny for both adults and children. "Cars" had enough action and fun for the entire family. "Open Season" seems to be caught up in their wake. It's just not that funny of a film nor is it really that interesting to watch.
The story revolves around one Boog (Martin Lawrence), a bear who has it all living in the garage of a park ranger (Debra Messing). He performs in a local animal show and is basically the talk of the town. One night, however, he hits the town with Elliott (Ashton Kutcher), a deer who Boog happened to set free at the beginning of the film. The duo go on a rampage in a local convenience store. Later, another mishap takes place that forces Messing to ship Boog off into the great wilderness. Of course, his buddy Elliot tags along for the ride. Boog instantly accuses Elliot for his misfortune and forces him to show him the way back home.
Together they run into angry Scottish squirrels, a herd of deer headed up by the always reliable Patrick Warburton, delusional ducks, a repetitive porcupine and a whole slew of bunnies who make perfect projectiles. There's also a gang of angry hunters headed up by Shaw (Gart Sinise), who've come to the conclusion that the animals are working together. This all sounds very comedic, but it all adds up to mildly funny humor.
Perhaps it's just the fact that the story isn't that fun, or that Martin Lawrence and Ashton Kutcher try too hard to be like Shrek and Donkey (Michael Myers and Eddie Murphy, who knows? One thing is for sure, this film will probably not make it on any "Classic Cartoon" lists anytime soon.
There is a little potty humor (literally, when Elliot relieves himself), a couple of foul words, and quite a bit of violence involving the projectile bunnies, flying cars, and shotguns. One should note, however, that the amount of violence in this flick may not bother all parents. It didn't bother me. I just added the violence quota for those parents who believe that Bugs Bunny was too violent.
When this does hit DVD shelves, you might want to rent it before buying it. It's not in the same category as the aforementioned animated flicks, but it isn't all terrible, either. Good alternatives would be either of the "Shrek" flicks, "Hoodwinked," or "The Fox and the Hound."
- not a family movie
By on 2007-02-13
I just saw this movie and was disgusted by the content in it. It was dreadfully slow, and I was NOT impressed with the scene where Elliot teaches Boog how to 'go' in the woods-GROSS!!!!! Despite the reviews I read this is NOT a good family movie and I strongly recommend that you be careful in who you let watch this movie.
- Wow it looks good
By A2TWUEYPYCUUSW on 2007-07-24
I've had my Xbox HD-DVD player for 6 months and love it - hooked on HD movies. I was frustrated at not being able to get all the High Def movies available so I broke down and got the 100 dollar discounted PS3 as soon as the price break hit. For my first Blu-ray movie I selected Open Season, hoping I had made a good choice and felt comforted by the quality reviews I read on here (Amazon).
Sure enough the reviews were true the picture is amazing in 1080P High Def. The movie was more entertaining than I expected. With the quality of the picture and the decent animation story you certainly won't regret your purchase. I wasn't blown away by the uncompressed audio, but it also didn't disappoint - just didn't really stand out where as the picture certainly did.
I dunno if it's because this is an animated movie, but I can say that this is the best quality High Def content I've seen to date, better picture than the HD-DVD movies I've seen.
- Open Season
By A2N24HQBUH7R2L on 2006-12-25
This movie is hillarious. i never laughed so hard in my life. i literally fell out of the seat laughing in the theatres twice. i highly reccomend this movie for everyone and for all ages. The hunters become the hunted. Open Season is about how the hunted animals end up hunting the hunters instead, and they need an inept city slicker bear to learn how to live in the woods to get their plan under way.
you can't go wrong buying this dvd. this movie is a must in everyone's library. the acting is great, the music is fun,and non stop comedy. warning and advise do not drink or eat food during this movie you might loose what you ate or drink from laughing. another warning laughter is contagious and might lead to more laughter. make sure you have friends, family or both together to watch this movie, that way you can laugh together. prepare to fall out of your chair or couch during this film, i know i did in the theatres.
- Open Season : The Hunters become The Hunted
By A2N24HQBUH7R2L on 2006-12-26
This movie is hillarious. i never laughed so hard in my life. i literally fell out of the seat laughing in the theatres twice. i highly reccomend this movie for everyone and for all ages. The hunters become the hunted. Open Season is about how the hunted animals end up hunting the hunters instead, and they need an inept city slicker bear to learn how to live in the woods to get their plan under way.
you can't go wrong buying this dvd. this movie is a must in everyone's library. the acting is great, the music is fun,and non stop comedy. warning and advise do not drink or eat food during this movie you might loose what you ate or drink from laughing. another warning laughter is contagious and might lead to more laughter. make sure you have friends, family or both together to watch this movie, that way you can laugh together. prepare to fall out of your chair or couch during this film, i know i did in the theatres.
- Not for the whole family
By A18IYHHMQT7BDG on 2007-02-11
I don't normally write reviews. While I do read reviews when I'm considering a purchase or doing research, I always take them with a grain of salt.
In this case, I'm writing the review to say that the although the movie does have its funny moments, it's definitely not a movie that the *whole* family can enjoy. I have 3 year old twin boys and I thought the movie might be fun to watch. My wife and I don't mind the adult humor, indeed it usually makes the movies more enjoyable, and the euphemisms generally go right over childrens' heads. However, unlike many other animated movies with adult humor such as Shrek, this movie has some downright crude humor and unacceptable language.
In terms of entertainment quality I'd probably rate it a 3 1/2 or 4. But, for the language it gets 2 stars. Why does an animated PG movie need to use "panty waste"? I understand that it's PG but there are too many "craps", "I'm going to kill you", and that "panty waste". Not something I want my kids, whether they're 3 or 8, running around repeating.
Of course there's a wide range between G and PG-13, so I'll admit that its intended audience is likely for the upper-end of the rating such as 10 to 12 year olds.
- pretty good...
By A2WNRCF7S8D6Y0 on 2007-02-21
When i first bought this umd i didnt really know what to expect of the movie. I only got it because i live in Delaware and we are rednecks here. At least for the 1/3 that was born here... Anyway... I enjoyed the animation style that was put into the movie. The voices were good for all the characters except for the fact that martain lawerance played boog(the main character) he was a horrible choice for the role just because of the way it looked so akward when he talked. Overall i give the animation 5/5
voice actors 3 1/2/5
replayibility 4/5
attention-getting 4 1/2/ 5
- Great Blu-Ray disc to show of 1080p
By ANXYU736QAQ3T on 2007-02-25
While the movie Open Season doesn't live up other digital animation releases of late, it makes up for it in an impressive Blu-Ray release.
The movie itself is about a tame Grizzly bear that gets in trouble and ends up getting dropped off in the middle of the forest. The story then unfolds of his trying to return home and his interactions with nature.
There are better movie choices out there, but if you are looking for a tier zero title to show off what your new Blu-ray player can do, this is it. This is the first Blu-ray disc I own that actually is on par with the Ant Bully in HD DVD. This comes from the fact that Sony released this movie in the AVC MPEG-4 format as opposed to the usual MPEG-2 releases we see on Blu-Ray. The picture is absolutely amazing!!! It is bright and consistant throughout the film. It certainly helps that it was a direct to digital conversion. The sound is also above par. It isn't the most active sound track and at times falls a bit flat but is pretty good for an animated film.
This disc really shines when it comes to extras. While the title is not a BD-50 release it saves space by going AVC so it still has a lot to offer from delete scenes to Wheel of Fortune to an animated short with Boog and Elliot.
While this movie has been a big hit with my kids (watching it for the 8th time right now), it is just ok to me. However, I have to say I don't mind putting it on just to see how beautiful it looks.
- Another unplayable Sony film.
By A3H9X9EQCKXQTX on 2007-04-29
It started with the Pursuit of Happiness: a brand-new movie that was unplayable on the Harman Kardon DVD 25. In reviewing the Amazon online reviews, I was not the only one whom had the problem.
Wife went to Blockbuster (who was about tO deny our request for a movie exchange) and rented Open Season - another Sony film. No dice.
Too bad: like Pursuit of Happiness, I heard Open Season was a good film. I can gaurantee this - my next DVD player and/or next generation player won't be Sony.
- Lame
By A11LX12GWZ1RUA on 2007-11-08
The main character and his friend get drunk, break into a convenience store, and completely trash the place. This is all supposed to be hilarious good fun. Does any responsible adult actually vet this garbage before the filmmakers shovel it out?
- More annoying, talking animals.....Anyone?????
By A5VI800QMKE8 on 2006-10-20
Oh come on, give us a break... "The wild", "Madagascar", "Chicken little", "Barnyard"...and now "Open season". The only thing all these movies got is annoying, talking animals and same old stale humour, which audiences are sick of watching over and over again. No wonder all these movies bombed.
Its time for the animation studios to come up with something new and original, rather than torturing the audiences with same old concepts and stale gags. Its high time.
- Well, at Least the Kids Liked It
By A3F3B6HY9RJI04 on 2006-12-30
This is most definitely a movie for the kids. Sure, I enjoy a good cartoon/animation, but this hardly fit the bill. The story was simple, the ending was predictable, the humor wasn't that fantastic (but kid friendly, I appreciate that), and I never really understood why anybody would consider Ashton Kutcher's selfish character could become somebody's friend.
But, the kids enjoyed it and can't wait for it to hit DVD. So, adults should avoid this movie unless they are bringing the little ones to the theater.
- fun for kid, adult & beast
By A1TK6R2JSC97HL on 2006-10-11
Two things I should probably say before I get any deeper: 1) saw it in iMax & 2) I missed the onslaught of cookie-cutter animal-CGI cartoons that have supposedly been recycling each other shamelessly. While we here at "The Rotten Review" instantly spotted parallels between this flick and "Toy Story" (odd couple heroes who begin in a safe area from which they are exiled; psychotic and destructive villain; messianic owner/protector) which we DID see, "Open Season" was careless, exciting, oft-senseless (if forgettable) fun. The "heroes" are Boog, a tamed Grizzly bear voiced by Martin Lawrence, and Elliot, an irritating deer who looks like a cross between deer and donkey. In fact, Elliot looks like something of a cross between any number of sidekicks - including "Donkey" from "Shreck" - and Ashton Kutcher. Unsurprisingly, Elliot IS voiced by Ashton Kutcher, while Boog is the streetwise/forest-dumb Boog. Early in the film, Boog saves Elliot - who's been banned from his herd for reasons undetermined, and subsequently run down by Shaw, the ostensible villain. Elliot insists on returning the favor, a course which will see Boog exiled from a cozy experience with the ever-goody-goody Beth (Deborah Messing). Beth has raised Boog for years, eventually having him star in a "wilderness" show she runs for the small number of non-hunting tourists who come to her small northwestern town of Timberline. When finally forced to "release" Boog to the wild, the bear must fend for himself - which means he'll have to team up with the ineffectual Elliot as well as contend with a forest filled with animals who know that Boog is all growl/no maul. Not unlike Boog, "Open Season" is more growl then maul, but it's still a lethally fun. It's darker than most of these CGI animal fests (there's a great fight scene in the backwoods redoubt of the film's villain/hunter; the flick climaxes in a battle scene that sends up the epic Hollywood flicks of the recent era - from "The Patriot" to "Narnia", and manages to match those films in looking lively). Even if you can predict how it'll end up, "Open Season" has enough firepower to make you at least feel surprised.
FOR KIDS!?!? There are many scenes in which serious assault appear imminent; knives and guns are ever present, and rabbits are repeatedly exploited by man and beast (more by beast, actually). There's a fast-moving scene set in a flash-flood (likely included for iMax screenings, and possibly to nail the flick a ride at Disney) which may be fast for many younger viewers. HOWEVER, The Rotten Review lab-tested this flick on a 3-year older who sat through the entire thing.
- A good movie for the family, funny sad, and clean.
By A38QEATH3NODFM on 2007-01-31
As animation has taken a digital turn over the past 10 years, many movies have been turned out, but quite a few have adult humor snuck in to them, ultimately aiming them at an older viewing base. This is one that to me reminded me of a good classic film of the past. Boog the Bear, pet bear to a park ranger Beth, befriends a cast out deer, Elliot, who lead Boog down the wrong path and ultimatly gets Boog sent back to the wild...with Elliot. The fun takes off from their as Boog tries to find his way back to his cozy spot in the ranger Beth's garage. How does a domesticated bear survive? I think this is probably the best family cartoon of last year, right up there with Cars. No adult jokes thrown in, just good clean humor, and great life leason. This is one to buy, good for generations to enjoy.
- Boog is the best
By A3I49HL6XR62DI on 2007-02-07
This is absolutely the best animated feature I have ever seen and I love these things! Martin Lawrence is brilliant as the voice of Boog the Grizzly Bear. He deserves an Oscar for his touching, hilarious vocalizations. And Ashton Kutcher will blow you away as Elliott the buck with one antler. Wait until you hear Gary Sinise as the evil hunter. Incredibly funny. Other performances include Debra Messing as the park ranger who adopted Boog and Patrick Warburton (Puddy from Seinfeld) as the lead buck in the deer herd. Buy it, you will watch it again and again. Super musical soundtrack is also a must have. Highly recommended!
- Disappointing
By A2PNDTQO10W1CN on 2007-02-14
This is a good example of an animation with a very superficail story line and 2 dimensional characters which you never connect with. It clearly shows the incredible difference between the quality of the releases pixar puts out compared to other studios. I seriously would not waste any money purchasing this DVD.
- Good buddy movie, but unfortunately...
By A2W81M4UK59UIU on 2007-02-18
It's a shame, really.
The animation and voice work are quite good.
The parts of the plot about Boog and Eliot's friendship are both funny and touching.
Unfortunately, the storyline is badly marred by typically dishonest stereotypes of hunters.
If you are a anti-hunting zealot and want to indoctrinate your children, than this is the movie for you.
Rational thinking people should be prepared to explain the dishonest propaganda to their children, or skip the movie altogether.
- Open Season makes my son relax before he goes to sleep
By A1JX3F5IISIV7H on 2007-03-13
My Son watches it every night before he goes to sleep I find that it calms him down and it makes him laugh so much so he can get a good nights rest...
- Can't miss
By A1HOAC39XERMJ5 on 2007-03-25
This is a great movie for kids of all ages. Lot's of lessons to learn, and could be used as a great instructional tool. Or, if you just want to have a fun, feel good movie, this is it. If you get a chance to get this movie at a good price, do it. You'll like it.
- A bit generic, nothing Special- good for the kids though
By AVWCDSTES2RZY on 2007-05-03
ANOTHER CGI movie about talking animals- had they added some referecnxes to fairytales they'd be 2 for 2. Although the story is a little cutesy about a domesticated bear trying to find his way home after his deer friend stirs up trouble, and Boog (the bear voiced by Martin Lawrence) gets the blame and the penultimate boot by being drugged and dropped off in the middle of the wilderness. Not realizing it was his owner who dropped him there, he sets off on a journey (uh oh! Filled with potty humor, slapstick comedy, and silliness) Although the Scottish Acorn chucking squirrels did bring up the chuckle, the rest of the movie didn't.
If you're under 12, this movie could actually work as "quality" entertainment- but I was bored out of my mind and can't believed I watched teh whole thing. The alightly more "Adult" jokes (which all CGI films seem to have) won't even set the prudest of people off, but it may be hard for this movie to grab your attention if you're over 18. Even the HUGE cast of Celebrity voices (which always seem more geared to draw adults in than children who, frankly, probably don't even know who Gary Sinise is.
Half hearted effort from Sony's increasingly dissapointing Animation Studio
- My children love this
By AND6UVXSY91Z0 on 2007-05-08
We purchased this after seeing it in the movie theater. My five year old son and six year old daughter love it.
- Great movie
By A21QK92S0YHKCB on 2007-05-10
My son loves this movie and it came before before the due date. That was really great.
- Great Family Movie
By ASINAKF1T9EGQ on 2006-09-30
Highly recommended for people of all ages!! The kids will love it, and you'll enjoy it as well. At the showing I attended tonight, there were tons of kids and they all were cracking up the whole time. Go see it!
- Open Season- Wasted Charecters; Super Film
By on 2006-10-02
This film is good, but is missing something... useable charecters.
Boog (Martin Lawernce) is a pampered bear* that lives an easy life, until ELliot** (Ashton Kutcher) accedintaly makes him get set off into the wild. Lovable Beth (Debra Messing) wants him to stay in timberline, but Gordy (Gordon Tootosisis) insists Boog goes off, after being in Timberline for 18 years. Shaw (Gary Sinise) only adds up to trouble, as he wants Elliot, and soon, Boog.
Well, they're in the woods, and after trashing a suburbian market***, may are glad... except Beth and creepy Shwa. I guess I'm dragging on, so I'll get to the point. Largely used charecter Porcupine (Matt Taylor) is used to give Boog a feel of love and danger (favorite quote; BUDDYYY!!), Reily (Jon Faveriu), is the maker funner for Boog. And after trashing his dam, he starts to think he's a nuisiance. Giselle (Jane Krawkiwisiki) is next. Like antoher reviewer, it's a love triangle, between her, Elliot, and pompus Ian (Patrick Warburton). McSquizzy (Billy Conelly) make life rough, and hams it up, Rabbitts... funniest thing since Dory from Finding Nemo. To help out, are Bob and Bobbie (Georgia Engel), two tourists and owners of Mr. Weenie (Cody Cameron), and Rosie (Nika Futterman) and Maria (Michelle Murdacoa). And, for 15 seconds, Serge and Deni (Danny Mann and Matt Taylor).
Now, Boog has assembled them all to get rid of the hunter right smack dab in the middle of Open Season. They fight back, and Boog stays behind in the forest, even when Beth comes to get him.
Barfing, squeky voices, deer pellets, explosions, and classical Paul Westerberg all abound in Sony Pictures Animations 1st film. Serge and Deni, wasted. Mr. Weenie, over used. Same with skunks. In fact, Porcupine, Reily, Giselle, Ian and Rabbitts are the only fairly treated. However, perfect casting. And Martin Lawernce should more animation voices.
Overall, fine, hillarious, and preety advanced animation. But you think that Jill Culton might have asked for more ducks....
*- Boog is similar to Alex from Madagascar. Star, yet, a sidekick.
**- Elliot is sort of like Marty, again from Madagascar.
***- Trashing a suburb is somewhat like Over The Hedge. A 5-star film from me.
This is Douglas Laman, over and out.
Who-Hoo bars!!!
- 3 1/2. Not a Classic, But Better Than Many
By A3M2WW0PO34B94 on 2006-10-05
***1/2
Boog (Martin Lawrence), a domesticated bear living with a park ranger (Debra Messing) in a small mountain community, is perfectly happy. Living in the ranger's garage, they make the trip into town on a daily basis and Boog performs to the delight of dozens of children. One day, after the show, the ranger pulls up to the Sheriff's office and Boog waits in the back of the Jeep. Shaw (Gary Sinise), a backwoods man who only lives to hunt, shows up with a buck on his hood. As soon as Shaw leaves, Elliot (Ashton Kutcher), the Buck, wakes up and pleads with Boog to help him get free. Boog reluctantly agrees and Shaw watches this from inside the station. Eventually, with just three days to Open Season, Boog and Elliot find themselves out in the wilderness and Boog is desperate to get back to his safe garage. But he meets many animals out there and they form an alliance to protect themselves against the hunters.
"Open Season" is a cute, humorous film that will keep both children and the adults chauffeurs happy. It falls short of becoming a classic, but it is certainly one of the better non-Disney/ Pixar animated offerings out there.
When I initially saw the trailers for "Open Season", Martin Lawrence seemed an odd choice to play a cartoon character. The clips featured him providing a very laid back persona for the character. But this actually works very well. Boog is a large Grizzly Bear and he isn't going to be as frantic or fast paced as Elliot, a little hyperactive buck. Because of his size and the nature of his character, he takes a moment or two to figure things out before acting. It is an amusing performance.
From the moment we meet Boog, the filmmakers show his eccentricities. He is a Grizzly Bear, but he has been domesticated. He lives in a garage and sleeps on his bed, with his stuffed teddy bear. Beth, the ranger, has to tuck him in at night and sing "The Teddy Bear's Picnic" to get him to go to sleep. Then, when he is initially exposed to the wilderness, he panics, because he isn't used to it. Gradually, he meets other animals and he and Elliot form a sort of odd couple and help the animals band together.
Ashton Kutcher provides a nice balance to Martin Lawrence. As the hyperactive Elliot, he is initially very happy to show Boog everything he has learned about the outside world. Elliot introduces Boog to candy, sugar and other human delicacies. Then, they both get transported to the wilderness and both are shocked but Elliot realizes Boog will need his help to survive. Throughout, Elliot isn't above playing on the emotions of his fellow animals to get his way. For instance, after they first arrive in the wilderness, Elliot gets stuck and Boog only wants to get home, and feels he will be able to make better time with out the little deer, so he leaves Elliot in his predicament. But Elliot knows the large bear will soon need him and waits it out.
Throughout, they meet a plethora of characters, including a squirrel named McSquizzy (Billy Connolly), leader of an army of squirrels who protect the trees of the forest, Ian (Patrick Warburton), the leader of a herd of deer, Mr. Weenie (Cody Cameron), a little dachshund who escapes from his owners, Bobbie (Georgia Engle) and her husband, and many more. Ducks, porcupines, skunks and rabbits all make appearances and help the animals battle the hunters.
Gary Sinise does a very good job of bringing Shaw to life. This is one twisted dude, who lives in a little shack and relishes the moment he can hunt, and kill animals, and stop the `animal rebellion'. He is a cross between a character from "Deliverance" and some of the villains from recent Disney animated films. It's nice work, but there are a few too many scenes showing Shaw talking to himself about the animals taking over, or the like, in an effort to prove how crazy he is. We get it.
There are a number of funny jokes and references to the animals and their environments. Since Boog is domesticated, he has difficulty going to the bathroom in the woods. Get it? Rabbits frequently pop up in the place of other items, a funny running gag. When Elliot first tries to attract Boog's attention, he throws rabbits at a window and they each flatten out before falling down and running off. Later, Boog tries to dry off and grabs something and it turns out to be rabbits.
The animation in "Open Season" appears to have been influenced by the great Looney Tunes shorts and Chuck Jones in particular. Each of the animals has a distinct personality and frequently break into grins, much like Wile E. Coyote or Sylvester. Each is also slightly off, to varying degrees, making them interesting and clear descendents of the great Looney Tunes. I'm not saying they are as good as these classic cartoons, but the influence is noticeable and enhances this film more than you might imagine.
"Open Season" is not the best animated effort I have ever seen, or even the best this year, but it is enjoyable and will keep both the kids and the parent chauffeurs amused.
- Bambi Gone Wild.
By AXPN8L8QI2Z4A on 2006-10-07
It all depends on what you're looking for. If you want to see adorable fuzzy creatures making the world a better place, if you want deep drama--You're watching a fricken kid's animation.
This movie is the High Octane Bambi. A Pet Bear gangs up with a herd of dear, a town of beavers, and an army of Scottish squirrels. This movie movies so fast it's like a roller coater. We've got skunk strikes, a mad man red-neck hunter, and just a hunk that animals are going to take over the world. The armies of animals meat the hunters in epic battles, sugar and caffeine are consumed in dangerously high levels, and rabbits are abused.
One of the most fastest paced animated movies of all time.
If it's for you: then it's really for you.
|
