I understand that realism is not the main goal in an animated movie about anthropomorphized farm animals, but, seriously, what's with the male cows in "Barnyard"?

Barnyard (PG, 83 minutes) August 4, 2006. Barnyard (PG, 83 minutes) Kids 8 and older may laugh now and again at this ill-conceived animated comic fable about barnyard animals who party like frat ...

She also wrote about independent, foreign and studio movies and occasionally TV and theater stories. Born in East Orange, N.J., she received her master’s degree in film history and criticism at USC.

"Barnyard: The Original Party Animals," a Paramount Pictures release, is rated PG for some mild peril and rude humor. Running time: 83 minutes. Two and a half stars out of four.

'Barnyard' is smarter than your average kid movie CHRISTY LEMIRE AP Movie Critic They're all essentially interchangeable by now, you know — these animated movies with talking animals.