Review of Barnyard (2006) by Janine R — 20 Aug 2010

An elderely vegan keeps a collection of anthropomorphic farm animals in his barnyard. Some are cannibalistic (the pig loves bacon) while others want to eat their friends (the vegetarian ferret wants to eat his chicken friends). The animals have meetings and massive raves, but spend most of their lives willingly and joyfully caging or containing themselves, and producing milk or eggs for human consumption. Some die of old age, and some willingly give themselves over as Thanksgiving dinner for humans.

The movie uses the Animal House metaphor to tell the animal monarchy morality tale of the Lion King. Male hyenas are replaced with male coyotes, a wise old mandrill is replaced with a wise old mule, and male lion patriarchs are replaced with transgendered pre-op "male cow" patriarchs who produce milk at leisure, drink milk in excess and have udders without ever getting pregnant. Being anthropomorphic, these transgendered bovines are capable of driving cars and motorbikes, performing complex fight moves to Tom Petty songs, standing on hind legs for extended periods and talking in convincingly male voices. [There are also "bulls" in this movie, and they also have udders and produce milk.].