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First up -- in May 2006 -- is Over the Hedge. This CG feature is actually sort of a prequel to Michael Fry & T. Lewis' popular comic strip. In that this film reveals how R.J. and Verne actually became friends.

Last week, I got to see a few work-in-progress sequences from Over the Hedge as well as some storyboards. And -- based on that material -- DreamWorks Animation looks like it may have another winner on its hands. One scene in particular had Willis seeming to channel his old Moonlighting character, David Addison. As Bruce barreled through page after page of rapid-fire dialogue, pointing out what a "movable feast" the suburbs really are.

Luckily, the film's visuals seem to be just as strong as its voice cast. I can't help but think that Over the Hedge will be well worth checking out when it hits theaters on May 19, 2006.

Next up is Flushed Away. AKA The big experiment. To explain: This is an Aardman Animation film, done in the style of Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run. Only this animated feature isn't being done with clay figures. But -- rather -- it's being produced in CG.

To date, I've only been able to see several character camera tests, some storyboards and a few work-in-progress scenes. But -- that said -- Flushed Away still has that trademark Aardman look & feel. And even though it's in CG, this film has the same quirky quality, the same sort of clever staging that made Chicken Run and those Wallace & Gromit shorts so much fun to watch. Which is why it will probably be worth your while to go see Flushed Away when it finally flows into theaters on November 3, 2006.

And then -- on May 18, 2007 -- here comes the big one. The animated sequel that everyone has been waiting for, Shrek III.

This DreamWorks Animation film pretty much picks up where Shrek II left off. With Prince Harold now turned into a frog. Which basically makes him ineligable to rule the Kingdom of Far Far Away. So who does this duty fall to now? You guessed it. Princess Fiona and her husband, Shrek.

At the end -- on the trip back to Far Far Away -- the ogre learned that he's actually pretty good with kids. Which was a skill that Shrek had previously thought he lacked.

Hearing her husband say this, Fiona smiles and says: That's great news. That you're comfortable with kids and all.

Puzzled, Shrek turns to his bride. Why would you say that?, the ogre asks.

Because I'm pregnant, answers Fiona.

The camera zooms in on Shrek's dumbfounded face just before the credits rolls ... And to learn what happens next ... Well, movie-goers will just have to wait 'til May of 2010. When Shrek IV is expected to roll into theaters.

Beyond that ... Only thing that's really worth noting is that DreamWorks has persuaded the entire original cast to return & do voice work for Shrek III.

After Shrek III cleans up at the box office all summer long, next up from DreamWorks Animation is Bee Movie.

Kirk Wise wound up at DreamWorks. Where he is currently working on Kung Fu Panda, a 2008 release for the studio.

Source: Jim Hill Media