AltWeeklies Wire » Movies+TV » Reviews

Too Violent for Kids

By Cole Smithey
Maui Time | July 31, 2006
Barnyard

Criminal acts and scenes of brutal violence spoil the effect of “Barnyard” as an animated movie for tots. A mythical one-man-operated farm is the setting for a cavalcade of animals to party like it’s 1999 whenever the farmer isn’t looking. Elder cow Ben (Sam Elliott) is the elected leader of the farm animals and he dutifully protects them from the ever-attacking coyotes in search of their next meal. Ben’s irresponsible son Otis (Kevin James) is forced to face up to his inherited role as barnyard leader when Ben is ravaged by the coyotes while Otis and the rest of the animals whoop it up in the barn. Writer/director/producer Steve Oedekerk (“Patch Adams”) smuggles a pro-military subtext into the script that scuttles the already drooping narrative with a sandbag of burden. It’s impossible to enjoy vocal performances by Danny Glover, Courteney Cox and Wanda Sykes because the movie is so skewed toward authoritarian attitudes and fear.

Rated PG, 95 mins. (C-)

-30-
Tags: Steve Oedekerk, Barnyard

Maui Time

Maui Time Weekly provides insightful analysis and in depth reporting. We believe some issues are so important they require thoughtful consideration. We are not a “paper of record”—a daily journal of government meetings, ribbon-cuttings and corporate announcements. We decide what’s...
More »
Contact for Reprint Rights
  • Market Served: Metropolitan Area
  • Address: 33 N. Market St., Suite 201, Wailuku, HI 96793
  • Phone: (808) 244-0777
www.mauitime.com