Bruce Willis' racoon research

Bruce Willis trained for his latest movie by living with a family of racoons.The actor - who is London promoting new animated film 'Over The Hedge' - joked about how he got into character as RJ, the film's furry lead character.He told BANG Showbiz: "I went out and lived with a family of them for about three months."Sadly it didn't really work out because I couldn't understand what they were trying to tell me. They kept giving me bits of pine bark and little pieces of tin foil."He added: "I tell you what I did like, and that was their little racoon paws."When we'd fall asleep at night they'd come over and put their racoon paws all over my face - that felt good."Willis also revealed how he still keeps in touch with his new found friends.

He explained: "There is one that still calls me - all hours of the night. I still can't understand what he's saying though."

Meanwhile, the 51-year-old actor revealed how he knew the film - which has already taken over $140 million in the US - was going be a hit when his children liked it.

He explained: "They gave it six thumbs up... and trust me they let me know when they don't like my movies. They make it very clear."