What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that the movie's moments of peril are
handled with such a light touch that they are unlikely to scare
children. Jonah may be tossed into the water, but he is wearing
a very reassuring ducky lifesaver ring, and the credits explain
that no vegetables were hurt in the making of the movie.
Families can talk about when we must be obedient and when we think for ourselves. Some parents may be uncomfortable with the references to God and the Bible, but they should use the opportunity to talk about their own spiritual views -- and ask children about theirs.
Common Sense Media Review
"Jonah's" production company, Big Idea, promises "Sunday
morning values, Saturday morning fun," and in my opinion they
have more than delivered on both, with a series of videos that
are right up there with the best in entertainment and humor and
unsurpassed in communicating with kids about honesty,
compassion, sharing, and kindness. Some of the videos are based
on Bible stories and some are original, but all star
computer-animated vegetables and all have gentle morals that
create opportunities for families to talk to kids about the
issues that matter most. Though Christian in origin, the values
in the videos are universal. The references to God are explicit
but non-denominational.
In their first theatrical release, Bob the Tomato and his friend are driving three veggie children to a concert when they meet up with perennial veggie favorites, the Pirates Who Don't Do Anything. The Pirates tell the story of Jonah, a messenger who enjoyed delivering messages from God until God asked him to deliver one to a place he didn't want to go to. So, he ended up swallowed by a whale. Fortunately, God believes in second chances, so Jonah ends up just fine and a little wiser, too.
The movie may be a little long for the youngest fans of the videos, who are used to a brisk 30 minutes, but kids five and up will be delighted with the fast, funny, and touching story. Parents even may find that it goes by quickly, because it has some of the funniest jokes of any movie this year, including those intended for adults.
Parents should know that the moments of peril are handled with such a light touch that they are unlikely to scare children. Jonah may be tossed into the water, but he is wearing a very reassuring ducky lifesaver ring, and the credits explain that no vegetables were hurt in the making of the movie.
Families who enjoy this movie will enjoy the VeggieTales company's latest creation, 3-2-1 Penguins, in Trouble on Planet Wait Your Turn and The Cheating Scales of Bullamanka. They may also want to try my favorite VeggieTales video, The End of Silliness.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
