Barnyard

Finding enjoyable children's films has become easier in resent years, now that there are more companies out there that realize that the market for these movies goes farther than the theater. Most of the movies have some kind of fantasy world that the characters live in, but here the world is ours and the characters that star in this very inventive children's comedy are the farm animals that we all know and love, except maybe Mad Mike. With the idea that the animals have a secret life after dark or when no one is looking is a great concept and within the realm of believability for children. When things down on the farm start to go crazy the joyous and fun loving cow, Otis, jumps in to save the day after his fathers death. The CGI animation that is used gives you the feel that you are watching one of the old claymation stories that most of us have grown up on. The voice acting is very well done and the characters seem to fit the actors, and with seasoned actors like Danny Glover, Kevin James and Sam Elliot the effort from the entire cast was stepped up a notch. One of the fun things about this story is the idea that the farm animals are responsible for some of the strange things that go on around the local farms and towns.
This movie should be one of those films that children should watch; it helps show the ideas about responsibility, loyalty and how to stand up for ones self and for others. Some of the concepts are a little over kids heads, like the farmer is a vegan, and these might need to be explained to them. But the film is funny and enjoyable, and when you're looking at children's films, that's the most important thing. If they learn something from the movie then that's just an added bonus. So sit back, relax, and see whats been going on behind your back when your not looking.