Hunting for a fun family film? Shoot for "Open Season"

"Open Season" is a heartwarming and adorable film. It is not, however, original or thought-provoking. "Open Season" is the tale of a domesticated bear named Boog (Martin Lawrence) led astray by a high-strung, one-antlered deer named Elliot (Ashton Kutcher).

Boog was living in the lap of luxury - more specifically, in the garage of a park-ranger named Beth (Debra Messing) - until Elliot (who reminds us all of Donkey from "Shrek") takes him out for a night on the town that ends with them trashing a mini-mart. Banished to the woods just before hunting season begins, the pair tries to find their way back to town before the hunters can find them.

A whole host of secondary, but interesting and entertaining, characters pop out of the woods as Boog and Elliot traverse through. Irritable Scottish squirrels led by McSquizzy (the perfect role for Billy Connolly), a sweet but clueless porcupine who only says "buddy," and shell-shocked ducks are some of the highlights. An overzealous hunter named Shaw (Gary Sinise) has a vendetta against Elliot. All of the animals fear this overly enthusiastic hunter and his gun, which is named Lorraine. Despite being terribly over-the-top, Shaw is a great villain. Everyone loves to hate him and enjoys laughing at him even more.

Eventually, a battle of creatures versus hunters ensues. This fight provides plenty of amusement, but nothing beats a beaver with a chainsaw, as hilarious as it is outrageous. While the story of new friends on a whirlwind adventure trying to find their way home isn't new, it doesn't need to be. "Open Season" is sweet and funny, even if that includes toilet humor. Perhaps Elliot has a bit more personality than Boog, but you really want both of them to make it back to safety.

In this Sony Pictures Animations film, the animated characters are wonderful and detailed. Though some of the scenery seems a bit lifeless, especially the mountains, the characters come through magnificently. Music moves the film along and the 80-minute feature flies by. Rated PG for some rude humor, mild action, and brief language, "Open Season" is appropriate and fun for all but the youngest members of the family. Worth a trip to the matinee with your kids or younger relatives, "Open Season" is fun for your inner child as well.

Originally published in The Chronicle in October 2006 as Jade Lee Culberson.