“Barnyard” (Paramount Pictures)
Tame Animals Go Wild
“Barnyard” is another animated movie in a summer saturated with animated movies; but what makes this movie stand out is that it is hilarious. And no wonder as the film is written and directed by Steve Oedekerk, the man behind “Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls,” “Bruce Almighty,” and other hit comedies. Now he brings his wild sense of humor to animation.
The movie tells the story of how the farm animals act when the farmer is away. The farmer thinks his animals are just dumb, subservient creatures but in reality they are smart, funny, and entertaining beings. Behind his back they have a system by which they protect each other and also get it going in the barn each night after he has retired.
The head animal is Ben the cow (voiced by Sam Elliott). He is the one who watches over everyone else on the farm. He has high hopes that his son Otis (Kevin James) will take over for him some day but up till now Otis has not shown any responsible traits. Otis spends his time out frolicking with the other animals and making eyes at Daisy (Courtney Cox), the new cow on the farm.
Tragedy strikes when a band of coyotes show up and attack Ben. He fights them off but then dies. There is no blood shown or even any wounds. Ben appears to have died from exhaustion. Now it is up to Otis to step up to the plate and do the things Ben would have done. But is Otis up to it
There is a lot of music in the movie. These animals love to dance and party. They also like to borrow cars and joyride. The only blemishes on their horizon are those pesky coyotes. You know they are going to come back again and make life miserable and dangerous for Otis and his friends.
The voice talent in this movie is great. Wanda Sykes who has been a voice for most of the animated movies this summer is back again in this one as Daisy’s best friend, Bessy. Danny Glover is also a standout as the voice of Miles the Mule.
The movie is rated PG for some slightly adult humor.
I know that animation gives some latitude in creating characters, but do male cows have udders The male cows in this film do. Far be it for me to question the why’s and wherefore’s of a cow’s anatomy. I’ll just accept that things are as they seem and go with the flow.
“Barnyard” is a fun filled movie that will entertain adults as well as kids. That’s the perfect kind of animated movie in my book and so I place “Barnyard” in the winner’s circle.
I scored “Barnyard” an udderly delightful 6 out of 10.
