The Cartoon
Barnyard , 2006
The Plot
A young cow (err, bull) is asked to help protect the farm animals from wild coyotes but he’s too busy having fun and partying. That is,
until his father dies at the hands of the coyotes. Now it’s up to the young cow to save the day. Will he do it?
Starring
Kevin James, Courtney Cox, Danny Glover, Sam Elliott, and more.
Review
This is a coming of age story. All young Otis wants to do is party and shun his responsibilities, despite his father’s urging to help
run the farm and keep the animals safe from predators. The father, Ben, tries his best to help Otis realize the importance and
consequences of his actions (or lack thereof) but he just doesn’t understand.
Like many teenagers, Otis just wants to have fun. He figures he has plenty of time to grow up and be responsible, so why start now. Then
one evening, Ben shares a heartfelt story with Otis about how he was once a carefree bull himself, about Otis’ adoption and why Ben
chose to settle down and raise him. He hoped the story would help Otis realize just how much his father loved him and why it was so
important for him to take over his father’s legacy as protector and leader. But Ben was too excited about the local barnyard play and
acted as though his father’s words went in one ear and out the other.
That evening, the chicken coop is attacked by wild coyotes and Ben gives his life to save them. Guilt-stricken, and ashamed, Otis goes
off to grieve. That’s when he runs into the coyotes, who basically tell him that they’re running the farm now and there’s nothing he can
do about it—after all, Ben couldn’t even protect the farm and he was much older, wiser, and stronger.
Otis felt defeated and was ready to leave the farm and the well-being of the farm animals behind—that is, until one of his friends gets
taken by the coyotes. It’s then that his father’s words make sense and it’s then that he remembers the most important lesson of all, his
father’s last words: Be the stronger man. A strong man stands up for himself. A stronger man stands up for others.
Personally, I thought the film had a cute storyline with a strong message. And my 11-year-old daughter got the message loud and clear.
When the film ended, she looked at me, smiled and said, “That was a good cartoon. I actually learned something.” To which I asked, “What
did you learn?” She replied, “That sometimes you have to do things you don’t want to do to help people you love and that when you stop
thinking about yourself you are a better person.”
That being said, there were a few mildly crude remarks that could have been left out of a child’s film and as for those famous udders
(female milking parts on male cows)—they’re a bit disturbing. Yet, young children don’t seem to care or notice that the udders are
there.
Your Task
This film allows parents the perfect opportunity to start a new family activity. After watching Barnyard, head on down to your local
animal shelter and volunteer. Many animal shelters allow small children to pet and give gentle love to both dogs and cats, provided mom
and dad stay close by and sign an injury waiver.
If volunteering isn’t your cup of tea, why not take this opportunity to go online and research the differences between male and female
cows. It might even be the perfect time to discuss the differences between boys and girls—no this doesn’t have to be a sex talk. It
could be something as simple as helping your growing children understand that there comes a time when boys and girls can’t sleep over
each other’s homes, or how girls are traditionally the ones cooking and baking in the kitchen, but now boys like to do it, too.
Order Barnyard Today!
About The Author:
Alyice Edrich is the author of the highly praised daycare e-book,
Tid-Bits For In-Home Daycare Providers.
If you like small children, want to stay home with your own children, and would like to make a little money in the process,
you could enjoy a career as a home daycare provider.
Visit our e-book store to order your copy today!
* This article is available for your publication, for a F-E-E.
This article may NOT be reprinted without monetary compensation and written permission from the author.
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