BARNYARD

US, 2006, 90 minutes, Colour.
Voices of: Sam Elliot, Danny Glover, Andie Mc Dowell, Courtney Cox, Kevin James, Wanda Sykes, David Koechner.
Directed by Steve Odekerk.

Yet another animated film full of talking animals. Not that this one hasn’t got its merits, but it is rather ordinary in comparison with Open Season or Over the Hedge.

The setting is a simple farm with a great variety of birds and animals. One of the bulls, Ben, is in charge (and voiced with his authoritative drawl by Sam Elliot). His son, Otis (voice of Kevin James), is a carefree tearaway who needs to learn responsibility. When the vicious coyotes attack, Otis has to take charge and makes a mess of things. He has to learn heroism and confront the coyotes and unite the animals. Yes, he does. And a nice cow, Daisy (Courtney Cox infinitely sweeter than her Monica in Friends) gives birth to a lovely calf.

The barnyard animals are a spirited lot. As in Toy Story, as soon as the farmer isn’t looking, they go partying. Which doesn’t help their spirit of unity when the coyotes come. Other voices include Danny Glover as the horse, Andie Mc Dowell as the Hen and David Koechner as the malevolent coyote.

Director Steve Odekerk made Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls.

It’s OK but not startling.