Open Season (2006)

Director: Jill Culton

Cast: Martin Lawrence as Boog (voice), Ashton Kutcher as Elliot (voice), Gary Sinise as Shaw (voice), Debra Messing as Beth (voice), Billy Connolly as McSquizzy (voice), Georgia Engel as Bobbie (voice), Jon Favreau as Reilly (voice), Jane Krakowski as Giselle (voice), Gordon Tootoosis as Gordy (voice), Patrick Warburton as Ian (voice), Cody Cameron as Mr. Weenie (voice), Nika Futterman as Rosie (voice), Danny Mann as Serge (voice), Jack McGee as Hunter (voice), Michelle Murdocca as Maria (voice)

What's a 'unihorn' you may ask? Well, it's a deer that only has one
antler, of course. And you'll only see one in the new Sony Pictures
Animation film, Open Season, starring Martin Lawrence, Debra Messing,
Ashton Kutcher, Gary Sinise, Jon Favreau, and many more.

Martin voices the lovable Boog in the film; he's the main attraction of
a show at the zoo with his best friend, Beth (Debra Messing). Boog also
lives with Beth, equipped with his stuffed animal, Dunkleman. On a
completely side note, what would a Sony film be without a reference to
one of their own. Before Boog settles in for his comfy night sleep, he
checks out Pat Sajak on Wheel of Fortune.

They have a great life together doing shows for the fans, even
exchanging powerful roars. But that's before Elliot (Ashton Kutcher)
shows up, the hapless one-antlered deer who's been captured by the evil
Shaw (Gary Sinise). Boog helps Elliot escape and makes Boog's and
Beth's life miserable, forcing Beth to send the two animals away into
the forest.

On his own for the first time, Boog now has to rely on himself, or be
stuck with Elliot. And that means figuring out how to go to the
bathroom in the wild. That's when he first runs into McSquizzy, the
squirrel (voiced by Billy Connolly) – McSquizzy is the ruler of the
forest trees, and has a great and powerful squirrel Army to back him
up, equipped with thousand of acorns. Without a doubt, McSquizzy is one
of the highlights of Open Season! He's got wit, humor, and a ton of
Scottish charm.

Boog realizes having Elliot around is the only way he'll get back to
Beth. So they become 'partners,' much to the dismay of Boog – but the
delight of Elliot, who just needs a friend. With hunting season right
around the corner, the two must work together to sneak around the
hunters.

But when Shaw breaks the hunting season date, the animals switch their
thinking – instead of running away, they're going to fight back! And
fight back they do! Trying to run away, Boog crosses a dam;
unfortunately, his 900 pound body crumbles the wood.

That's when Open Season turns into Hill Street Blues! There is one of
the most amazing chase scenes I've ever seen in the movies. Boog,
Elliot, and their porcupine friend try and escape the gun shots of Shaw
– but on water. Bobbing and weaving through the water, under water,
above water, around rocks – great scene! There's even a waterfall at
the end to top it off! I have somewhat of a test for animated movies
I've been giving myself over the past few years – ever since seeing the
water scenes in The Incredibles, and noticing how real it looked, I've
started to take an eye to the screen. If water doesn't look real, than
it doesn't pass the test. Let's just say, Open Season aced my test.
This water chase scene goes on for about 5 minutes, maybe a little
more; but it's so exciting and amazing to watch! It's not just the
water of Open Season, it's the entire field of animation; the animals
really come alive on the screen. I'm a huge fan of animation; I think
it has to do with the fact that anything done with computer fascinates
me. The detailed description of each character, from their eyes, nose,
mouth, walk, and hair – and in this movie, fur; it's just so amazing!
But back to the story - after meeting back up with the group of
beavers, led by Reilly (voiced by Jon Favreau), some of Elliot's former
deer mates (Patrick Warburton and Jane Krakowski), and a few other
animals, Boog and Elliot team up and go on the attack against the
hunters. Bras, plungers, grills, forks, knives, spoons, and basically,
anything they can get their hands on – sorry, whatever they can get
their paws on – they use to charge the hunters with.

Open Season is directed by Jill Culton, Roger Allers, and Tony Stacchi;
each has a number of major credits to their name. Both Tony and Jill
make their feature directorial debut on this film; however, Jill has
worked at Pixar on the character development for Monsters Inc. and Toy
Story. Tony worked on a number of films for ILM including Hook and
Ghost. Roger Allers co-directed The Lion King, and has just recently
completed The Little Match Girl – a short attached to The Little
Mermaid.

Open Season is a fun and very enjoyable film for kids and families.
It's definitely a film you'll be talking about for a long time. And
don't forget, you can also check out the film in IMAX 3D, opening at
major theaters across the country.