Barnyard

2006 Comedy

A cow learns to walk like a man, both literally and figuratively, in this computer-animated comedy written and directed by Steve Oedekerk, the creator of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius. Ben (voice of Sam Elliott) is a cow who for years has been the leader and sober voice of reason among the animals at a farm where the critters are a bit unusual -- they can walk on two legs, talk, swim, and act like humans, though they have the good sense to avoid doing these things while humans are around. Ben has long dreamed that his son Otis (voice of Kevin James) would someday take over his duties on the farm, but Otis is a carefree and irresponsible type who would rather party with his friends and hang out with his girlfriend, Daisy (voice of Courteney Cox). Ben and his friend Miles (voice of Danny Glover), a wise and patient mule, wonder if Otis will ever make anything of himself, while Dasiy's best friend, Bessy (voice of Wanda Sykes), is convinced she can do better. However, one night Otis decides to do something about an obnoxious kid who enjoys tipping his fellow cows, and for the first time in his life he gets a taste of leadership -- and he likes it. Barnyard also features the voice talents of Andie MacDowell, Maria Bamford, and Maurice LaMarche. more..

Director: Steve Oedekerk

Reviews

  • It's a better-than-average animated feature.

    - The Chicago Tribune

    29 November 2012

  • It's a sweet and mildly funny movie that will entertain young audiences, but one aspect is utterly mystifying: The two main characters, father and son bovine creatures, have large, distracting udders.

    Claudia Puig - USA Today

    29 November 2012

  • It feels like Barnyard swipes too much of its plot from "The Lion King."

    - Entertainment Weekly

    29 November 2012

  • An often amusing but also an aimless and forgettable animated comedy that is noteworthy mostly for its random musical numbers and surprising amounts of violence.

    Peter Hartlaub - The San Francisco Chronicle

    29 November 2012

  • While youngsters might enjoy the movie, more discerning tweens, teens and adults will not be as easily amused.

    Luke Sader - The Hollywood Reporter

    29 November 2012

Awards

  • Best Animated Voice-Over Feature Casting

    Casting Society of America (2007)