Open Season spins the tale of Boog (Martin Lawrence), a domesticated bear who was found as a cub by Beth (Debra Messing), a park ranger. Now Boog makes his home in Beth's garage, spending his evenings cuddling with his teddy-bear and watching Wheel of Fortune. Enter Elliot (Ashton Kutcher), a one-antlered outcast mule deer, who shakes Elliot's life up a bit. The two meet one day in town where Elliot wakes to discover he is tied to the hood of the vicious hunter Shaw's truck, having been intentionally struck by Shaw (Gary Sinise), because after all, Open Season hasn't started yet. Elliot begs Boog to set him free and Boog does, only to find Elliot tapping on his window later that night in a rescue attempt. As Boog explains to Elliot that he loves his settled life, Elliot shares with Boog the joys of being a wild and crazy animal. The two wreak havoc in town at a convenience store and after some other mishaps, the local authorities convince Beth that Boog belongs in the forest and not in town. The only problem with releasing Boog now is that Open Season is just days away!

Beth decides to set Boog down high above the falls where he should be safe. However, when Boog wakes, his mind is set on getting home and he sets off to do so with Elliot's "help". Along the way, they meet a number of quirky and hilarious woodland creatures and in the process, manage to cause lots of trouble for them as well. Soon, the group of forest critters, Boog and Elliot included, find themselves smack in the middle of a heavily hunted area teeming with hunters - and on the first day of Open Season. They must all band together to defend themselves from the hunters and in doing so, Boog has quite a journey of self-discovery.

Martin Lawrence and Ashton Kutcher play off of each other very well and throw the audience a number of laughs. Debra Messing is very convincing as Beth, the park ranger and Gary Sinise is perfectly hate-able as the evil Shaw. Rounding out the excellent voice-work are the various creatures the pair meet along the way. The funniest of all is a militant Scottish squirrel named McSquizzy. Oh, how I laughed during his scenes!

There are a number of nice features including commentaries, storyboards, a short featuring Boog and Elliot, a sneak peek at the summer '07 release of "Surf's Up!" and some games and activities. Plenty to keep your young ones busy.

Open Season is a movie that will please both young and old. It's chock full of humor and good lessons and is definitely one to be added to your collection. Highly recommended.