Most times you'd want to run for your life if a bear was in your garage, but not in Open Season. Martin Lawrence voices the lovable Boog in the film; he's the partner of Beth (voiced by Debra Messing) at the local zoo. Boog even has his stuffed animal and sleeping friend, Dunkleman.

They have a great life together doing shows for the fans. But that's before Elliot shows up, the hapless deer who's been captured by the evil Shaw (Gary Sinise). When Boog helps Elliot escape, he comes and makes Boog's and Beth's life miserable; he forces 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. 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 will have you laughing in the isles - it's a film you can take the whole family to! And don't forget, you can also check out the film in IMAX 3D, opening at major theaters across the country.