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"BARNYARD: THE ORIGINAL PARTY ANIMALS" (2006) (voices of Kevin James, Courteney Cox) (PG) Alcohol/ Drugs Blood/Gore Disrespectful/ Bad Attitude Frightening/ Tense Scenes Guns/ Weapons *Moderate Minor Extreme *Heavy None Imitative Behavior Jump Scenes Music (Scary/Tense) Music (Inappropriate) Profanity Moderate Mild Extreme None None Sex/ Nudity Smoking Tense Family Scenes Topics To Talk About Violence Mild Minor Heavy Heavy Heavy QUICK TAKE: Comedy: In a barnyard where farm animals act like people whenever humans aren't around, a male cow must contend with being the group's new leader, particularly in contending with a pack of hungry coyotes. PLOT: Otis (voice of KEVIN JAMES) is a fun-loving cow who'd rather be partying with his friends -- Pip the mouse (voice of JEFF GARCIA), Pig (voice of TINO INSANA) and Freddy the ferret (voice of CAM CLARKE) who can't help but see his pal, Peck the rooster (voice of ROB PAULSEN), as a potential meal -- than taking his turn watching over the barnyard. That's disappointing to his adoptive father and lead cow on the farm, Ben (voice of SAM ELLIOT), who knows his son has a lot of growing up to do, especially if he's to protect the likes of newcomer cows Bessy (voice of WANDA SYKES) and her pregnant friend Daisy (voice of COURTENEY COX) from the hungry coyote pack led by the ferocious Dag (voice of DAVID KOECHNER). When Ben is removed from the picture, Otis must step up to take his place, but isn't sure he can, particularly since Dag makes it clear who's ruling the roost now and that he and his kind will freely take hens from the henhouse run by matriarch Etta (voice of ANDIE MacDOWELL). With the help of his friends as well as older advisor, Miles the mule (voice of DANNY GLOVER), Otis must not only come to grips with his new role on the farm, but also his dealings with Dag and the other coyotes. WILL KIDS WANT TO SEE IT? If they like computer animated films featuring talking animals, they just might. WHY THE MPAA RATED IT: PG For some mild peril and rude humor. CAST AS ROLE MODELS: It's debatable whether kids view animated characters -- particularly non-human ones -- as role models, but here's a quick look at the main characters' characteristics: OTIS is the young adult cow who's yet to grow up and would rather party with his friends than stand guard over the farm like his father expects. When he's unexpectedly thrown into the leader role, he must contend with his loss as well as insecurities and doubts regarding whether he can do the job. DAISY is a pregnant cow who's arrived on the farm with Bessy and becomes Otis' friend. BESSY is her straight-shooting friend who says it like she sees it. BEN is Otis' adoptive father, the leader of the farm who wishes his son would grow up and assume some responsibility for his role there. MILES is the wise old donkey who becomes something of a mentor to Otis. ETTA is the head of the henhouse who must contend with Dag's repeated attempts at taking and eating her charges. PIP is the mouse who's Otis' best friend. FREDDY is the juvenile ferret who can't stop thinking about eating his friend Peck. PECK is the rooster who must contend with that. PIG is the pig who likes to party with Otis and the others. DAG is the ferocious coyote leader who brings about Ben's downfall and then threatens Otis and the others. CAST, CREW, & TECHNICAL INFO HOW OTHERS RATED THIS MOVIE Curious if this title is entertaining, any good, and/or has any artistic merit? Then read OUR TAKE of this film. (Note: The "Our Take" review of this title examines the film's artistic merits and does not take into account any of the possibly objectionable material listed below). OUR WORD TO PARENTS: The following is a brief summary of the content found in this PG-rated, animated comedy. No profanity is present, but some colorful phrases are, as is some other potentially imitative behavior. The top of a human boy's butt crack is briefly seen, while a female cow's udder is briefly used in a bit of sexualized imagery. Violence consists of coyotes attacking male cows (resulting in the death of one), while other animal on animal fighting occurs (some played for action and/or comedy rather than ferocity or realism). Some of that material (and the sight of monstrous coyotes) could be quite unsettling, suspenseful or even scary to some younger viewers, while some slapstick style material (including a donkey repeatedly kicking a human unconscious) is also present. The film's villains (coyotes) have bad attitudes, as do some other characters. Various characters drink milk in a makeshift bar and while driving in manners striking similar to the same using beer (one even acts inebriated after having too much). A character must deal with the unexpected death of a parent, and the death of a spouse character is mentioned. Finally, some crude behavior is also present. If you're still concerned about the film and its appropriateness for yourself or anyone else in your home who may be interested in seeing it, we suggest that you take a closer look at our detailed listings for more specific information regarding the film's content. For those prone to visually induced motion sickness, some of the point of view chase footage might induce that reaction. ALCOHOL OR DRUG USE While no actual alcohol is present, please note the following in its place. The animals drink mugs of milk in their makeshift bar as if it's beer. Freddy drinks a lot of milk and honey (standing in for beer) and then falls down as if intoxicated. A human woman says she's medicated for a chemical imbalance, but her farmer husband says her mind is gone and that he doesn't know where it went. We see that Otis and three other cows have bottles of milk in a car and drive along that way (in a manner that might not sit well with people concerned about the idea of drinking and driving -- particularly since the milk here is portrayed as something along the lines of beer). BLOOD/GORE When Duke the dog says he'll be the new leader of the barnyard, Pip says he doesn't want a leader who licks himself. Duke tries to defend that, saying it was a one-time thing, but the others chime in that he also drinks toilet water. A human boy has a booger or something related hanging from his nose. Small mouse pellets (excrement) fall down from Pip onto Pig when the former is scared. DISRESPECTFUL/BAD ATTITUDE Otis would rather play with his friends than assume his responsibility of watching over the barnyard and protecting the animals there. Otis taunts a human mailman behind his back when he's not looking (going back to normal when he turns around), including shaking his butt at him. Some viewers might be offended by some of the ethnic stereotypes present in the film (for the animal characters). Dag and the other coyotes are the film's villains, wanting to raid the henhouse (they also kill a major character and threaten others). When their human farmer discovers them acting like people, Miles kicks him in the head to knock him out so that he doesn't see anything more (and then does this several times in a row - played for comedy). Otis and three other cows steal a car to follow some cow-tipping boys. We see that Otis and three other cows have bottles of milk in a car and drive along that way (in a manner that might not sit well with people concerned about the idea of drinking and driving -- particularly since the milk here is portrayed as something along the lines of beer). A human boy mocks his mother (out of her earshot). While chasing a fleeing car (not realizing cows are in it), a human cop mentions that it's nothing that a little strip search wouldn't take care of. Dag says that Otis is fat. FRIGHTENING SCENES The following could be unsettling, suspenseful, or downright scary to younger viewers, while older ones will likely have less of such a reaction, if at all. The sight of Dag and the other coyotes (sharp teeth, drooling, mean eyes, etc.) may be unsettling or scary to younger viewers. Otis and others "hill surf" on a surfboard tied to a block of ice. As they prepare to go, we see an overhead shot that shows how high up they are (thus, those with vertigo might be affected). They then careen down the hill, hit a rock, and go airborne, looking like ski jumpers until they crash down into a chicken farm (but all are okay). During a thunderstorm at night, we see the menacing coyotes in motion (just glimpses of parts of them as they make their way toward the henhouse). Dag then grabs one by the neck and says they're going to take six (as he shows chicken feet on a key ring). Ben then shows up and uses various things to hit the coyotes (directly and indirectly), but they jump on him in and out of the henhouse (with some biting, including to his leg), and it looks bad for him. But he manages to get up, peels them off, hits some, and pins Dag to a tree by the neck, nearly punching him but then letting go. They run off, but Ben then collapses on the ground, mortally wounded. A coyote lunges out at a bunny that then flees from it and other coyotes (we see some point of view footage of the chase). Otis then rushes up to take them on, but is suddenly unsure of himself. One coyote knocks him over, another nips at him, and he's then surrounded, with Dag telling him how things will be from now on (that they'll come back, and if he causes any trouble, they'll slaughter every animal in sight). The animals inform Otis that the coyotes came in the middle of the day and took various hens, including a young one. We see that Dag and his minions have Etta, other hens and one chick tied up in their junkyard. He orders that Etta be cooked while he has the chick as an appetizer and holds it up to eat it, but is interrupted before doing so. Otis shows up, grabs Dag by the neck, and then shoves him backwards. He then hits many coyotes, but there are too many of them, with them biting and jumping on him, eventually in a huge pile. They then get off and Dag tells the injured cow to lie there and watch as they eat his friends. Dag then menacingly approaches the hens, but other animals show up to take on the predators. Pig falls down a series of cars in a junkyard, but lands on several coyotes, while Pip crawls into a coyote's ear, driving him crazy. Otis clotheslines two coyotes, and then bashes their heads together. Gopher ninjas pop up, kick, and otherwise hit various coyotes. Miles kicks various coyotes. After a coyote grabs a hen by the neck, Freddy bites that coyote on its "arm" and then chases him and other coyotes. Some sort of wild, hairy creature attacks a coyote. Dag tries to jump down on Otis, but when the cow is alerted, he spins around, grabs the coyote by the neck, and then bashes him back against a vehicle, breaking the glass. Otis then nearly punches Dag, but holds back. However, he uses a makeshift golf club to whack Dag on the butt and send him flying through the air. GUNS/WEAPONS None. IMITATIVE BEHAVIOR Phrases: "It's go time," "What's up?" "Jeez," "Man-abunga" (instead of cowabunga), "You crazy cow," "You're killing me," "Nifty," "Got it locked in the vault," "What you looking at turkey?" (said jokingly to a turkey), "Dead turkey walking," "Dude," "I'm a no-helpian," "Oh righteous," "Dude, I got an arm," "Have you all lost your mind?" "You're a...party animal," "Let's boogie," "Look at that freaky thing," "This is a cow farm, you're gonna find cows outside" (said in an exasperated fashion), "Talking the talk, walking the walk" (followed by "Walkie-talkie"), "Whatever," "That's called boy tipping," "Oh, milk me," "We're home boys," "I swallowed my cud" and "I smell fear." Otis and others "hill surf" on a surfboard tied to a block of ice. Miles tells Otis that cows have four hooves, but he (Otis) is "going to have an extra one right up your..." (referring to what Ben is likely going to do to Otis for being late to a meeting). Otis taunts a human mailman behind his back when he's not looking (going back to normal when he turns around), including shaking his butt at him. Bessy jokes that she sees an "L" (for "loser") on Otis' head. Animals appear to be playing craps in a makeshift casino. The animals use mannequin arms to pay for and retrieve pizza from a delivery guy (so that he can't see they're talking animals). Some boys do some "cow tipping" at night (sneaking up and pushing over a cow). A human boy shakes his butt in a taunting fashion, and we see the top of his bare butt crack as his pants ride down. Otis and three other cows steal a car (to follow some cow-tipping boys) and later some motorcycles (to get back to the farm). Otis thrusts his udders out (like a taunting pelvic thrust). A human has a tattoo on his arm. JUMP SCENES A coyote lunges out at a bunny. MUSIC (SCARY/TENSE) An extreme amount of ominous and suspenseful music plays in the film. MUSIC (INAPPROPRIATE) None. PROFANITY None. SEX/NUDITY A camera shot of Otis shows Daisy's udders (just them) in the foreground of a shot, almost like a human breast would similarly be used. When Duke the dog says he'll be the new leader of the barnyard, Pip says he doesn't want a leader who licks himself. Duke tries to defend that, saying it was a one-time thing. A human boy shakes his butt in a taunting fashion, and we see the top of his bare butt crack as his pants ride down. While chasing a fleeing car (not realizing cows are in it), a human cop mentions that it's nothing that a little strip search wouldn't take care of. SMOKING A figure of a man (in the place of a mechanical bull that humans ride in bars) has a pipe in its mouth. TENSE FAMILY SCENES Spoiler Alert: After a violent encounter with the coyotes, Ben dies in Otis' arms without saying a thing. We then see a funeral scene for the cow, and Otis is depressed over this turn of events. A human woman says she's medicated for a chemical imbalance, but her farmer husband says her mind is gone and that he doesn't know where it went. Daisy tells Otis that she was married, but only she and Bessy survived from their herd following a bad storm. Unsure of what to do, Otis visits his father's gravesite. TOPICS TO TALK ABOUT The comment that a strong man stands up for himself, and a stronger man stands up for others. Otis would rather play with his friends than assume his responsibility of watching over the barnyard and protecting the animals there. Spoiler Alert: After a violent encounter with the coyotes, Ben dies in Otis' arms without saying a thing. We then see a funeral scene for the cow, and Otis is depressed over this turn of events. We hear that the human farmer is a vegan. A human woman says she's medicated for a chemical imbalance, but her farmer husband says her mind is gone and that he doesn't know where it went. We see that Otis and three other cows have bottles of milk in a car and drive along that way (in a manner that might not sit well with people concerned about the idea of drinking and driving -- particularly since the milk here is portrayed as something along the lines of beer). The fact that Ben is not Otis' biological father. The comment that the best leader isn't the strongest, but the one who cares the most. We hear that Daisy is in labor, and Pig worries if the baby only comes out halfway, but everything turns out okay in the end. Why the male cows have udders just like the female ones. VIOLENCE Otis accidentally hits his head on a fence post. Freddie is shocked when he plugs two extension cords together (played for laughs). Otis trips and falls over a rock (slapstick style). During a thunderstorm at night, we see the menacing coyotes in motion (just glimpses of parts of them as they make their way toward the henhouse). Dag then grabs one by the neck and says they're going to take six (as he shows chicken feet on a key ring). Ben then shows up and uses various things to hit the coyotes (directly and indirectly), but they jump on him in and out of the henhouse (with some biting, including to his leg), and it looks bad for him. But he manages to get up, peels them off, hits some, and pins Dag to a tree by the neck, nearly punching him but then letting go. They run off, but Ben then collapses on the ground, mortally wounded. We see a flashback to young Otis fishing with his dad, accidentally hitting him twice with the fishing rod and then causing him to trip after getting the line around his feet. Pig accidentally knocks over Duke the dog. When their human farmer discovers them acting like people, Miles kicks him in the head to knock him out so that he doesn't see anything more. When he comes to, Miles kicks him again, knocking him out. They then try to set him up to think something fell from a tree and knocked him out. When Otis says an apple is too light, Freddy heaves it at the farmer, bashing him in the head (played for laughs). When the farmer regains consciousness and starts walking along, Miles kicks him once more in the head, knocking him out again. Some boys do some "cow tipping" at night (sneaking up and pushing over a cow). Later, and to get revenge, Otis and some cows shove the boy from his bed as he sleeps. While fleeing the police, Otis and other cows crash the car they're driving (causing damage), but none are harmed. A coyote lunges out at a bunny that then flees from it and other coyotes (we see some point of view footage of the chase). Otis then rushes up to take them on, but is suddenly unsure of himself. One coyote knocks him over, another nips at him, and he's then surrounded, with Dag telling him how things will be from now on (that they'll come back, and if he causes any trouble, they'll slaughter every animal in sight). We see that Dag and his minions have Etta, other hens and one chick tied up in their junkyard. He orders that Etta be cooked while he has the chick as an appetizer and holds it up to eat it, but is interrupted before doing so. Otis shows up, grabs Dag by the neck, and then shoves him backwards. He then hits many coyotes, but there are too many of them, with them biting and jumping on him, eventually in a huge pile. They then get off and Dag tells the injured cow to lie there and watch as they eat his friends. Dag then menacingly approaches the hens, but other animals show up to take on the predators. Pig falls down a series of cars in a junkyard, but lands on several coyotes, while Pip crawls into a coyote's ear, driving him crazy. Otis clotheslines two coyotes, and then bashes their heads together. Gopher ninjas pop up, kick, and otherwise hit various coyotes. Miles kicks various coyotes. After a coyote grabs a hen by the neck, Freddy bites that coyote on its "arm" and then chases him and other coyotes. Some sort of wild, hairy creature attacks a coyote. Dag tries to jump down on Otis, but when the cow is alerted, he spins around, grabs the coyote by the neck, and then bashes him back against a vehicle, breaking the glass. Otis then nearly punches Dag, but holds back. However, he uses a makeshift golf club to whack Dag on the butt and send him flying through the air. Reviewed August 1, 2006 / Posted August 4, 2006

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