Film Forum

Episode Recap

Episode 7

May 23, 2006

Films Reviewed: Over the Hedge and Mission: Impossible III

Commentary: Tom Cruise: what should he do next?

Featurette: Behind the scenes of Over the Hedge

Regarding Over the Hedge:

Matt: This is Dreamworks Animation’s best feature that didn’t involve Shrek nor clay figures.  The story of critters taking on suburbia has its share of fun moments.  A good choice to take the small fry to.  Three stars.

Aron: You’re only giving this three stars, Matt?  I thought this movie was hilarious!  All the voices are perfectly cast, but William Shatner steals the film as a possum who specializes in playing dead.  Go see this film right now!  Four stars!

Average Rating: ***1/2 (out of ****)

Regarding Mission: Impossible III:

Aron: When did the world of “Mission: Impossible” turn from being an ensemble piece to being a showcase for Tom Cruise?  The movie works on Tom Cruise overload and that isn’t exactly the makings of a good movie.  The action scenes work thanks to director J.J. Abrams, but less Tom and more of the IM team for the next one, please!  I’m being quite generous by giving this film two and a half stars.

Matt: While I watched this, I thought of three things.  First, I would love to see “Mission: Impossible” return to series television so I could watch the action of the IMF every week.  Second, J.J. Abrams (of “Alias” and “Lost”) fame should be responsible for the show.  And third, if the show were to return to TV thanks to Mr. Abrams, we wouldn’t have to see Tom Cruise every week.  Two and a half stars from me, as well.

Average Rating: **1/2 (out of ****)

Commentary: The past 12 months have featured a lot of Tom Cruise in the news.  Whether he’s jumping on furniture or purchasing a sonogram for his fiancée, we can’t escape what the world’s most famous Scientologist is doing.  We took a few minutes to look at his resume for suggestions of future public actions.  No, wait, do we really want to see him do any of those things?

Featurette: Behind the scenes of Over the Hedge, featuring the talents of Bruce Willis, Garry Shandling, Wanda Sykes, Steve Carrell and many other funny voices.