Over the Hedge (Film)

I was able to see this latest computer generated animated confection digitally projected in all its candy coated glory. I read an article a few years back about why fellow critic Roger Ebert strongly disliked digitally projected films. It was around the time Attack of the Clones came out, I think. It was his contention that the human brain interprets digital projection differently than film projection. He claims that people's brains when watching digital, act the same way as when watching television, namely in a passive mode. However, when watching film, the human brain becomes a much more reactive participant because the brain is operating in active mode. I don't know whether to believe him or not. I've only seen, including this one, a total of 3 films projected digitally: Signs and Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. Both of those times, it was the second time watching the movie, the first being on film. The clarity, even during the trailers, was amazing. So clear, crystal clear, nary a smudge or unsightly blemish to be found. But is this tradeoff worth it? I'm not sure. I think I come to expect the physical imperfections of film and when they're not there, it seems off somehow. Perhaps given enough time and future viewings, this won't seem such a bother. As for the film, it was okay. Some laughs. At least this Dreamworks CGI film didn't have as many pop culture referenced works as Shrek 2 or (ugghh) Shark Tale. I am eagerly looking forward to the next Pixar film, Cars. I get the sense that these particular Dreamworks animated things will become dated in a way the Pixar ones won't. Pixar has been able to tell amazingly solid classical stories with a lot of heart and laughs. I expect the same for their next one.