Open Season

They have been cracking out animated features like a Pez dispenser; one right after another, all nearly identical, and sweet at first but quickly getting old. That about sums up Open Season. If you have a short term memory like my son, then it will seem fresh and exciting. But if you are a jaded movie goer who has had to sit through the same film/different title hundreds of times like I have then you start to lose the oohs and awes of films long since passed.

Not to say that the film is bad. Martin Lawerence is great as usual, adding his own unique humor and personality to the main character. And even though I detest him like the plague, Ashton Kutcher does an admirable job as a comic relief side-kick. That's all Ashton will side-kick, standing in the shadow of Demi Moore. The closest he'll get to an Oscar is if he makes a guest appearance on Sesame Street (you'll get it on the way home).

The animation is impressive in the movie. There is a very surreal, rich dimension to the environment that makes it more whimsical and fun. The story is strong enough to keep the movie going. The characters for the most part are lovable and funny. It's just the same thing we've seen again and again.

Rating: 5 out of 10