Back at the Barnyard

As with Jimmy Neutron and his many specials, Steve Oedekerk shows true and under-appreciated comic genius. There are few as good as Oedekerk and company for satire in a cartoon vein, from The Right Stuff to Ocean's Eleven and everything in between, it's spot on farce. The characters are likable and truly individual. I would like to see more live action ensemble comedies as good as this, but I don't think the talent is out there (at least, not since Caddyshack.) Watch this. It's good for you, and it's good for your kids. Laughter is the best medicine. The most hilarious aspect are the comments of KillerKlownFromUranus above. He sounds exactly like Snotty Boy from the show, almost as if that repulsive, fat, oily, greasy, ignorant, loud mouthed, cowardly, ugly little pus head actually existed in real life. Life does imitate art, sometimes, doesn't it? If you don't like it, don't watch it.

This cartoon series is one of the zaniest and enjoyable out there. Most shows based on movies tend to be pale imitations, but the writers behind "Back at the Barnyard" series give it a silly yet entertaining life beyond the silver screen. There's lots of pop references (ranging from "The Dark Knight" to "Survivor" to "Star Trek" and humor that the grown-ups can enjoy, and enough oddball fun and jokes that the younger set can laugh at as well. Like a sophisticated sitcom, this show relies heavily on a strong ensemble effort, so it's carried by all major and minor characters. Not every episode is a laugh riot gem, but enough are that it'll grow on you.

My kids and I miss seeing this show but are hoping they'll release all the episodes on DVD soon.

OK, this isn't Robot Chicken, but it is well written with spot-on pop references and nicely developed characters. Yes, Otis has an udder. No, I don't know why the "totally vegan" farmer keeps a farmyard full of animals (but it's nice to know my little animated friends are safe). The story lines actually keep me guessing, and the CGI is surprisingly sophisticated, especially for a TV show. Watching this show is a little like going to a Bowling for Soup concert - don't go into it expecting a deeply intellectual experience, just prepare for a terrific party!

Nick's new cartoons have been a mixed bag lately, with some uninspired entries (Tak and the Power of Juju) and some terrible ones (The Mighty B). This show is a welcome reminder of just how good Nick can be.

The Second Steve Oedekerk animated series, 9/10, Otis had an udder

This is a good animated show, It's about the animals on the farm doing stuff when the farmer isn't there, WE KNOW WHAT IT IS

But it's really good.

Compared to the film it was based on, it was a major improvement. Very hilarious moments, such as Pig abruptly interrupting each episode to break the fourth wall in a humorous and charming way. Otis' relationship with Abby the cow is very interesting to watch. Plenty of likable characters, such as the main animals: Otis, Abby, Bessy, Pip, Pig, Freddy, Peck and Duke. The theme song is very catchy. Some endings are either really good or very funny. Very intimidating main antagonists, such as Snotty Boy and Mrs. Beady. Original and creative stories and plots, such as Otis, Freddy and Pig dressing up as girls and ending up dating Snotty Boy and his friends in the episode "Some like it Snotty". Talented voice acting, especially from Wanda Sykes, Tino Insana, Cam Clarke and Rob Paulsen. Great jokes. Intelligent and clever writing.