Genre: Adventure/Comedy/Animation
Director: Genndy Tartakovsky
Writer: Jacob Jones
Cast: Adam Sandler, Elijah Wood, Wayne Brady, Keegan Michael-Key, Alec Baldwin, Tress MacNeille, Miranda Cosgrove
Plot: Morning falls within the forest as all the animals begin to wake up. Upon a group of deer, one of them feels the sunlight beam across their eyes as he struggles to wake up. As Daniel Deer (Elijah Wood) glances around the area, he realizes that something about today feels special. Like it only comes about twice a week. Judging from the lack of clouds in the sky and the peaceful breeze from the wind, it would appear that today would be the beginning of the weekend! Excited, Daniel Deer takes a light shower by licking himself. Realizing he’s doing it in public, he sheepishly apologizes and hurries off to a more private area. Several minutes later he is shown eating some grass for breakfast when he sees his good friends Bob Buckshire (Adam Sandler) and One Antler Andy (Wayne Brady) come by him, playfully teasing him for his licking incident earlier. The three greet each other with some playful antler wrestling before the three begin to discuss plans for the weekend. Andy appears confused by something though. Why is it called a weekend. Bob tells him that this is when the week comes to an end. Andy tries to follow it up with a question on where weeks go, but Bob declares it a question no one's gonna know. After Andy reveals his plans to play around in the forest and try and wrestle a few bears (in which Bob justifies Andy's nickname of One Antler given how reckless he can be). Daniel admits all he was planning to do was to take a walk towards the lake and enjoy nature at it's finest.
Bob laughs off Daniel's ideas as boring and reveals his intent to find the perfect berry bush. The one animals had only heard about in fables. Daniel doubts the idea of a perfect berry bush, but the more Bob describes the bush, the more intrigued the two become. The three agree to forgo their plans and go off in search of the perfect berry bush, assuming such a thing exists.
"Oh, but it does!" brays Bob Buckshire. "At the sunniest spot of the forest. Away from all the trees and wildlife. The edge between animal civilization and human civilization lives the Beautiful Berry Bush. Containing only the very best berries" Andy and Daniel stare at Bob in confusion before he tells them that this marks the last time he'll ever say something that pretentious and rambles on about farting squirrels.
The three begin to head off in their trip to find the Beautiful Berry Bush, Bob leading the charge with very little success. The afternoon comes and a tired Daniel and Andy beg for Bob to let them rest. All of a sudden, the three begin to hear some rattling noises and begin to look around, curious and afraid to know what it is that is making the noise. Andy then steps on something and it cries out in pain. It jumps onto Andy in a fit of anger, slithering all around him and trying to tangle him up. It only ends up making him laugh instead, feeling like he's been tickled. Taking a closer look, Daniel finds that it's a rattlesnake. A rattlesnake that's upset over not being taken seriously. As she pouts, Daniel apologizes for disturbing her but says that they heard her hissing and wanted to know what was going on.
She reveals that she was practicing for when she took down a bigger animal, like a cardinal or a grizzly bear finding the competition in the 'Reptile Wrestling Federation' to be lacking. She declares herself to be Hissin' Hayley (Tress MacNeille), the wiliest snake in the forest, and perhaps the most dangerous. For justification, she showcases her championship belt. Daniel looks on in sheer bewilderment, while Andy tries to convince a cowering Bob that she's nothing to be afraid of. Daniel and Andy then tell her about their search for the 'Beautiful Berry Bush', which intrigues Hissin' Hayley. Despite not being the most fond of berries, she feels this would be a feather in her cap if she were to find something like that. She offers to join them, feeling that she can help take on predators and anyone who dares to threaten them. Bob is hesitant at first, but eventually warms up to the idea. The four make their way onto the forest, Hayley climbing on top of Andy to get a better view of everything.
The four travel throughout the night, trees having long been abandoned for a more picturesque view. Andy hails this fact, believing they're almost at the location. Bob denies this, saying that he follows the law of 'bad things happening to good animals in the middle of their journey', declaring that something bad will happen very soon. That bad thing happens to be Daniel wandering off to search further and coming across some mischievous raccoons, looking to have a midnight snack. The three rush over to find him, doing so by hearing the cries for help. Hissin' Hayley leaps into action, tying up one of the raccoons' arms and attempting to bite on their neck. One Armed Andy ends up wrestling around the other raccoon. The two raccoons then flee for their lives. Bob, having covered his eyes praying that the worst is over takes pride on 'doing his part'. A loud roar immediately shakes the four even further and the two look upon a menacing shadowy figure lurking over them. Andy and Hayley stand firm, ready to confront the bear...
The bear then asks in a concerned tone if everything's alright, taking everyone back. Bob, trying to be the bigger buck apologizes to the bear, saying they were having a friendly disagreement with some raccoons and says they'll be leaving. But the bear insists they stay over at his cave for the night, saying that it's awfully late and they could use some nourishment. He then introduces himself as Grizzly D (Keegan Michael-Key). Andy takes a liking to his name and begins to think up of a poem as they walk over to his cave.
Inside the cave, it's found to be a bit of a party atmosphere with several other bears talking to each other, dancing to some 'bear bones bossa nova' and making very bad bear puns. When introduced to the others, the bears give them a positive response. The four are then treated to some delectable insects. Something Hayley loves to death. The deer are not sure what to think, but after seeing Hayley enjoy them, they decide to take a shot. They wind up liking it as well. After several minutes of them enjoying the atmosphere, Daniel then explains their story to Grizzly D. Excited by the idea of finding a berry bush and fueled by his love of berries, he offers to join the group, citing his excellent nose. That said, he does ask for one favor...
"Keep this party a roaring!"
Bob agrees as the four toast each other to some more insects.
The next morning Grizzly D awakens the sleepy group with some leftover plants from last. As they nibble away, Hayley and Andy begin to talk about a type of animal they'd like to tussle with, they both agree they'd love to take on Bob and the two decide to plan a surprise assault, seeing him still be asleep. Sneaking up towards Bob, Andy steps on his tail while Hayley leaps down from Andy and begins to slither around Bob, aiming for the legs and gnawing at them. Unappreciative of their trick, Bob chases after Andy while Daniel and Grizzly D look on in hysterics. All of a sudden, Bob crashes hard into a tree and goes down. When he's awakened, he begins to rail on to his 'ma' that the walnut brigade have stolen his peanut brittle. Daniel and Andy help him up as they go walking. As they do so, Bob breaks out into a bombastic version of Under the Sea, causing Daniel to mutter under his breath that a mouse from California will be 'so happy' to hear he did this.
As they tread onward, they come across a fox stalking over a tree trying to convince a crow holding a piece of cheese that she's a very talented singer. Having seen this act before, Grizzly D tells the fox stop his shenanigans. The fox tells Grizzly D to back off as he's in the middle of something. The two argue for a bit before the fox calls his mother 'a growler'. This is enough to spark an uncharacteristic fit of rage from Grizzly D, frightening the crow and causing her to eat the cheese and fly away. The deer and Hayley restrain Grizzly D long enough, leaving the fox to chuckle, saying that he's no match for the likes of Foxy Jamie (Alec Baldwin). He claims he didn't even want the cheese anyway, preferring something more grand and delectable. Sensing an opportunity, Andy tells him about the Beautiful Berry Bush. This intrigues Jamie, as he's wanted to get his paws on something beautiful for quite some time. After some debate, Grizzly D permits the idea of letting Jamie join, saying he can't be angry at someone forever. Especially someone who loves berries. And thus another addition is added to the team. The six proceed to spend most, if not all of the day roaming across the forest, actually making some good progress. Bob is unsatisfied though, fearing that inviting all the animals along has slowed them down to the point where they will not able to finish their mission by the end of the weekend. Not that anyone seems to mind, as they seem to be enjoying each other's company.
The night falls and everyone decides to sleep outside for the night. Throughout the night however, Hissin' Hayley hears someone hooting within the distance. She slithers around, trying to find the sound. Awakened by Hayley's search, Daniel Deer comes to join her. Hayley whispers to Daniel, calling this the best time to strike. In the night, when no one is looking. The trouble is that neither of them seem able to find the creature. That is, until Daniel notices someone up a tree. Daniel shakes the tree lightly, forcing the creature off the tree. The creature glances and finds the two animals that took her off the tree and speeds after them, trying to attack. Daniel runs off, taking Hayley with him. When they return to the others and warn them of the danger, Andy goes to try and defend them, saying this is all a misunderstanding. The owl tells them that you don't just go up to a tree and force an owl off a tree. Daniel profusely apologizes for the mistake, but ends up getting pecked by the owl in the process. She calls them even, making her ready to forgive him. She introduces herself as Scooter Hoot (Miranda Cosgrove) and asks why the others are out here at night. Grizzly D excitedly tells her about the Beautiful Berry Bush and how it contains the best berries. Scooter says she's a carnivore, preferring to eat other animals. Hayley asks if she would like to join the Reptile Wrestling Federation, leaving her to be threatened to be eaten by Scooter. Hayley smiles, calling her a keeper. Daniel asks Scooter if she would be interested in joining anyway. Feeling a want to explore the outside world during the day time, Scooter accepts their offer and also suggests getting some sleep. Exactly what they do.
The next day comes along and as the gang continues on their journey, they come across a running river. Bob suggests they cross over it, but the others find the river too wide. Daniel suggests they create something to help them travel, he isn't sure what but maybe they can think of something. Receptive to the idea, Scooter suggests garnering some lumber and wood. The animals all search around, looking for someplace where they can find some wood for their transportation when Daniel comes across what looks like an unlit bonfire pit. He laments his disappointment, calling it unsafe and cruel to destroy their habitat by setting off wildfires. He gathers the others and they collect all the wood and sticks from what was once a bonfire and begin to build something that can get them through the river. In the end, they create something that resembles a boat. Despite being unsure of what it is at first, Grizzly D says he's seen them in oceans before from peaking in cities. After confirming it is a boat, the animals carefully push the boat into the river and climb aboard (with Foxy Jamie being the last as he ends up hitting on a female beaver to no success).
Sailing off on the river, they sing some quick sea shanties made up by themselves. The only one that isn't joining in is Bob. When Daniel notices, he comes up to him and asks what's wrong. After some resistance, Bob admits that he preferred looking for the Beautiful Berry Bush when the other animals didn't tag along. It was supposed to be their weekend, and now it's getting way out of hand. It's probably not even the weekend anymore. Daniel doesn't see what the problem is, finding them all to be charming and fun in their own way. Bob just says that it just doesn't feel the same is all. Daniel tries to think of a way to respond his friend's laments when Foxy warns everyone to huddle closer together as he's seeing some dark clouds. The two deer look up and express concern that a storm may be on the way.
Scooter Hoot keeps a look out on the river's path and where it leads. Seeing how nervous Bob looks, Foxy Jamie comes up to him and asks if he wants some to keep him comfortable. Bob quietly says no to him. Despite this, Jamie sparks up a quick conversation on how uncertain life can be sometimes. Before today, they were just normal animals, now? They're all together looking for that Beautiful Berry Bush. He then asks Bob how he'll know where the bush. After a quick silence, and some thunder, Bob admits he doesn't know if they'll be able to find the bush at this point. All of a sudden, the rain starts to pour hard and the winds begin to rise. Scooter flies off the boat so she can take a closer look, leaving Daniel and Andy to pilot. Scooter warns the others of rapids and urges them to hold on tight. Through several sharp dips, turns and bumps, the animals desperately hold on. But on one turn, the boat nearly tips over, sending Foxy Jamie and One Antler Andy overboard. Seeing this, Grizzly D offers his paw for Foxy Jamie while Hayley leaps up and onto a nearby tree, stretching herself and trying to hold onto the boat with her fangs. She yells out for Andy to try and jump on the boat. Thankfully both Jamie and Andy are able to get back on the boat just before Hayley's body gives out. Scooter grabs onto Hayley and places her on top of Andy. Though Andy is grateful, Jamie is stunned that Grizzly D saved him even though he was so callous towards him. Grizzly D only smiles, saying that you can't stay mad at someone forever. Jamie then apologizes for earlier, earning Grizzly D's forgiveness.
The rapids soon come to an end, and the animals believe the worst is over. But Scooter reveals that up ahead is a waterfall. Foxy Jamie is able to jump off before they reach the waterfall, but the others are not as lucky. Realizing the situation, Grizzly D jumps off the boat and tries to keep it from going off the edge so the deer can hop off as well. Only one deer fails to jump off, Bob Buckshire. In a panic, the other animals scramble to save him and just barely manage to do so when the animals all form a rope just as Bob nearly falls off. Daniel being the animal in the back so he can pull everyone back up. With Bob saved, everyone looks at the edge of the waterfall and assumes the boat has been destroyed. Bob doesn't care as he happily kisses the ground and expresses relief on being alive, thanking everyone for helping.
The gang decide to continue further away from the river, the storm having cleared up by this point. Sensing a lack of anything, Daniel confirms they've made it to the far ends of the forest. Everyone looks around, searching for the bush. Everyone that is, except for Bob who just takes it all in, watching everyone work together and trying to find the bush. He nods, walking in a straight distance and taking several glances at the other, his smile only growing wider. All of a sudden he bumps into what looks like a bush. After backing up and taking a better look at it, he looks at a small sign that says:
'Nature has blessed you upon this day. For at the sunniest spot of the forest, away from the trees and wildlife and standing at the edge between animal kind and human civilization, you have found the Beautiful Berry Bush' he becomes overjubilant, hollering to the others that he found the Beautiful Berry Bush. Being the first to hear it, Daniel leads the others to where Bob is and he introduces them all to the Beautiful Berry Bush and offers everyone to help themselves to some tasty berries. They do so and for a while they enjoy the berries at the bush...until Andy realizes something.
"Wait a minute...why do these berries taste like every other berry?"
The deer soon realize that even though this bush is indeed beautiful and it is full of berries. It is still just a normal bush full of berries. Despondent over this fact, Bob apologizes to the other deer. All this and it turns out it's just the same as the others. But to his surprise, Daniel tells him not to as this has been the best weekend of his entire life! He's gotten to do things no other animal has dreamt of doing and has gotten to explore parts of the forest he's never explored. But most importantly, they've all gotten to meet some new and great friends along the way. Bob glances over, seeing the others enjoy their berries, he tells Daniel he understands what he meant earlier about them.
He then comes up to them, making a heartfelt speech thanking everyone for joining the journey with them. Admitting that it started out as just a weekend exhibition with he and his friends, but as time went on it grew to something even better. He got to see what the world was like, and not only that: They met them. And without them, it's likely they never would have found the Beautiful Berry Bush. Hissin' Hayley for her courage, Grizzly D for his kindness, Foxy Jamie for his cunning wit and Scooter Owl for her navigation. He declares a toast, to the Beautiful Berry Bush and the friendships they've all created. Everyone celebrates, toasting to Bob's speech, eating berries and enjoying their time together as friends.
Post-Credits Scene: As the deer head for home, Bob gets a mischievous smirk on his face and asking his friends if they want to find the 'Luscious Lemon Tree' next week. After Daniel and Andy shoot down the idea, Bob says he was just kidding. The three laugh it off together as the sun sets within the distance.
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