Customer Reviews

Jonah - A VeggieTales Movie

5 star:		(132)
4 star:		(23)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

Being a member of the more (as Eddie Izzard would say) "Relaxed and groovy" sect of Christianity, it is not surprising that the wonderful VeggieTales series appeals to me, even at the ripe old age of eighteen. The videos not only give God's message in a way that little children can swallow, but sometimes as a young adult with a past of staunch religiousness to live up to, it helps me to understand my faith better to see it through the eyes of a child (or indeed, an asparagus).

So when the first feature by these marvelous people came out, I was among the first to see it. (And if you think I was embarrassed buying a ticket to "Jonah" the weekend that "Red Dragon" opened, well then...you're right) The film was stunning. It holds true to the unique (although some call it Pythonesque) style of the videos but does not depend on the videos for enjoyment. It is original, charming, bright, and Sherlock Holmes couldn't find a hint of dysfunction in the whole eighty-some minutes.

On the way to a concert, the car breaks down and driver Bob the Tomato and navigator Dad Asparagus get help in a nearby seafood restaurant. But the real tragedy is Laura Carrot has lost the backstage pass she won out the car window. Now, Junior thinks this is great because she was being mean and flaunting it. At any rate, Junior encounters three "questionable" characters who call themselves "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" (See "Very Silly Songs" or "The Ultimate Silly Song Countdown") played by Pa Grape, Larry the Cucumber and Mr. Lunt. They tell a story about "that time when [they] did that one thing with that one guy." This turns out to be Jonah (played to perfection by that green fleshed rival to Sir Lawrnece Olivier, Archibald Asparagus) who is adamantly against delivering God's message to the Ninevites who sin and curse, and even slap people with fish! (A Python reference? Most definitely) So he and the Pirates sail in very much the oposite direction, until a storm makes it apparent that God is very upset with one of them. So Jonah heroically hurls himself into the sea where he is promptly eaten by a whale. The theme is Compassion and Mercy and to remind you that no matter who you are or what kind of aquatic animal you like to slap people with, God says you are deserving of a second chance. I won't tell you how the concert goes because that'll ruin the movie, and I won't tell you how Jonah gets out of the whale because...well, frankly, you should know. It's a very well known story.

What struck me the most was the sheer scale of the project. It wasn't just like watching two and a half Veggie videos back to back (which is not a bad way to spend an afternoon). It was instead marvelously independent of the tapes. With camera sweeps and set designs that wouldn't feel out of place in the latest Pixar/Disney joint. Film students would find nothing wrong with the structure and pace of this cinematic marvel. The characters filled their parts the way we say sitcom actors embody their characters (and maybe it's stupid to say that the performances were good when the "performances" were just voice actors and cartoons, but every slight detail on Archibald's face was carefully designed by the animators to convey a specific emotion and I think the mission was meliphluously accomplished...unless I spelled it wrong). The music was not merely up to Veggie standards, it was simply marvelous. From the childish medley about "Billy Joe McGuffrey" to the Gospel choir (for my money the first reference to African-American culture in the series. Correct me if I'm wrong) singing about a God of "Second Chances" to the "Silly Songs with Larry" vein of "The Credits Song" it was all I could do to run to a shop and buy the soundtrack (a college man has to eat, you know). The end credits also featured a song called "In the Belly of the Whale" performed by Christian rock group Newsboy, which is probably a nod to the Disney tradition of an End Credits Theme. Even the presence of the clearly one hundred percent clownish character of Khalil the half caterpillar/half worm salesman with a regional accent that makes Babbu Bhatt from Seinfeld look like an Oxford English scholar could not take away from the quality of the experience.

So I urge you, Protestants, Catholics, Methodists, Christians, Baptists, Quakers, the lot to take your children, your wives or your sheep to see this movie. (You probably won't enjoy it if you aren't of the faith, because it does come pretty directly from the Bible, but if you can be patient through the religous references and stick around for the fun, go for it!) Don't just go because your kids want to go. Go because it's a funny movie, it's a good movie, it's got a good message and you'll leave feeling pretty good about a thing or two. This is the kind of movie that people need to be making more of and it's the kind of movie people need to be watching more of. I'd see it again in a minute.

I just love those veggies!

I saw a premier showing of Jonah and I could not believe the quality of the animation, the incredible music, and a very well told story. I thought every aspect was outstanding. My kids are 6 & 9 and they loved it and were singing the songs afterwards. As a dad I thought it provided positive messages I want reinforced in my children. I cannot recommend it highly enough. It is certainly one of the the best kids movies I have seen. In fact, if I did not have kids I would have loved it too.

Bob the Tomato and Dad Asparagus are taking a group of kids to a concert. When they're waylaid by porcupines, they find themselves waiting at an unusual restaurant. There, they meet the Pirates Who Don't Do Anything. Sensing that the group needs a lesson, they proceed to tell the story about the one time they did do something.

Seems a number of years ago, they met up with the prophet Jonah. When he didn't want to follow an assignment from God, he tries to run away on their boat. But will God let him off the hook that easily?

Once again, the guys at Big Idea have created a wonderful film that everyone can enjoy. Heck, I saw it twice in the theater myself. They stick pretty close to the Biblical story while still throwing in the silliness that we've come to expect. While one or two parts may appear over the top, they work for this movie aimed at pre-school kids. Especially effective in getting their message across is the ending. By including the entire Biblical story, they make an excellent point about compassion and mercy that we all need to remember. Their animation, while not up to the bigger budget of Pixar, is the best I've ever seen them do. The water shots are amazing all by themselves. They've certainly come a long way from their first video.

This DVD set is loaded with lots of fun things beside the movie. The first disc features the movie in wide and full screens. Full screen is the default on this disc, but it's easy enough to go into the menu and change it. This disc also features three audio commentaries. Phil and Mike do their usual entertaining job of giving insight into the making of the film. The second commentary from producer Ameake Owens and director of animation Marc Vulcano is just as enlightening. Of course, the third commentary, from Larry the Cucumber and Mr. Lunt, tells us the real story of what happened in the making of this film.

The second disc gets into all kinds of bonus features on the making of the film. Everything is covered from conception to rendering to music. While I have a fairly good idea what goes into something like this, they approached it in a different way that shed new light on it for me. They also have some hilarious features. I was rolling at the outtakes, and the Easter Eggs are well worth finding. They also include the videos and some (but surprisingly not all) of the animation for the Jonah sing along video that came out before the movie.

If you're familiar with past VeggieTales, you'll love this DVD set. It's got another great episode and all the behind the scenes information you could want. You'll enjoy the full 84 minutes.

I saw the film on opening night, and it was FANTASTIC. I don't have kids... so I'm speaking for myself here.

The animation was incredible. The music was outstanding. The story was great... and of course, the Veggie characters were charming, funny, well-done... a pleasure to watch.

I took notice of the many kids in the theater... they were all bouncing, singing and enjoying themselves. They were all having a GREAT time and the film was applauded by the audience at the end. We stayed until the very last note of the credits... and it was worth it! The "Credits Song" is hysterical... we sang it all the way to the car.

For parents who want good, family entertainment... as well as want to build some moral character into their kids, this film is for you! The lessons of compassion, mercy, giving someone who doesn't deserve it second chance... are things we all need to build into our lives.

For those families that are "spiritually minded"... I think the overall story of Jonah should lend discussion to the fact that God is bigger than all of us. And even when we disobey His stated plans for us... He can still do what He wants and can accomplish His purposes.

It was a fantastic film that I'm certain I'll see again and again.

I took my 3 year old daughter who is an avid Veggie fan to see the film. It was her first movie and Jonah was well worth being her inaugural film going experience. But this is far from just a kid's movie. One of the Chicago newspaper reviewers said that this was not a film for adults without children. This would be far from accurate. The movie certainly works for children, but those familiar with the Veggie franchise understand that much in the same way as Bugs Bunny, The Flintstones, and the Muppets, that much of the humor is for the adults. Silliness abounds from the opening car trip sing-a-long right through to the closing credits.

In between the opening and closing sequences Jonah: A Veggietales Movie tells a cohesive story for both the Veghead and the Veggie novice alike. Three of the main characters in the film are the Pirates who don't do anything who have a prominent part in the Veggie sing-a-long videos. However, there is nothing in the film that hinges on previous experience with Bob, Larry et al.

The film entertains and instructs. Veggie Tales are educational. They are meant to be. This film is certainly no exception. The point of this story is to be compassionate and merciful. It makes that point by telling the story of a character who was neither and a God who was both.

The story effectively segues between Veggie present and Bible past to let the modern day characters learn from the Biblical ones. I do not want to leave you with the impression that this film is merely a 90 minute flannel graph (Oooh flannel graph) for church going children. This is a fine and funny film for kids of all ages (Including 38). The animation is crisp. The musical numbers are fun and provocative.

The film is certainly suitable for all ages. My 3 year olds did find some of the sequences a little scary but thats what laps were made for. I have now seen this movie three times and it holds up to repeat viewing. Overall, Big Idea Productions has made an entertaining film that you can certainly go overboard about.

I am a great fan of this series, and with a two-year old son, I have watched almost every VeggieTales tape at least a dozen or more times (it is a daily ritual).

Jonah is a great leap forward - technically. And yet, as storytelling goes, it represents one of Big Idea's most frustrating and haphazard exercises yet.

Clearly, the biblical account of Jonah presented the filmmakers with problems. The depressing ending, the unlikeable protagonist and other components of the story don't exactly make for uplifting kids entertainment.

So- to solve this particular problem- the guys basically sandwiched the meat of the story inside two gigantic pieces of bread- which are the beginning and end of the film.

But rather than dive deeply into a detailed criticism, let me just say this. This film can not compare with Big Idea's more inspired earlier works- particularly "Rack, Shack and Benny", "Dave and the Giant Pickle" and "Josh and the Big Wall". Those three films set the bar quite high- being both extremely funny (for children and adults)- and featuring some of the catchiest tunes the folks at Big Idea have composed.

It has been suggested that quality has suffered inside the Big Idea factory as quantity has radically increased. The diversification into cartoons, merchandise, 3-2-1 Penguins, and other realms may in part be responsible for this. I do not know what factors might be at work- whether the creators are overworked, overextended, or simply out of inspiration. But I for one hope that if any of those factors are to blame that the creators would have the wisdom and humility to bring in additional writers- for the sake of their customers, and the reputation of BigIdea in the world.

This movie is a MUST SEE for any Veggie Tales fan!!!
The Veggie Tales series has captured the hearts of kids (and adults) with more than a dozen different videos. Each about 30 minutes long, and now Big Idea Productions has gone all out to create the first ever full length Veggie Tale motion picture. And as with all the previous works, this one is full of what fans have come to know and love. State of the art computer design, memorable music, a lesson in faith and general silliness that makes you laugh out loud.

The animation is truly fantastic and a delight to the imagination. This film abounds with cool details and effects, especially with the pirate ship, the storm at sea and movements of the armless veggie characters. Big Idea did a great job in illustrating the story of Jonah. Very thorough, clear and kept consistent to the Biblical story. Expertly telling it with their classic twist of humor, making it unique and a completely unforgettable.

Watching the Veggies on the big screen, in a dark theater with total strangers gave me mixed emotions. To see such a film, in a public setting, that praises God in a "no-bones-about-it" sort of way, did create a weird feeling, but at the same time it was refreshing experience from the norm. Defiantly worth the ticket! And in my opinion it is one to be watched twice. Don't miss the boat! See Jonah: A Veggie Tales Movie while it's in theaters the best place to veiwed it.

Jonah will make you laugh it will make you well it won't make you cry but it's a movie for kids and they'll have a terrific time watching it and you'll love it because they are getting a great message out of it. You'll probably even be singing the Veggie Tale theme with the kids before it's over with and enjoying contemporary Christian music (gasp!)about becoming fish food in the belly of a whale (Trust me, I never thought I'd be listening to contemporary Christian music! Which I don't but I had fun with this with my son)

The characters are great fun - it's made more fun because each of these characters are portrayed by Veggie regulars who have characteristics that shine through the role. It's kind of like John Wayne playing a role as a politician. Even though he might have been able to go through all the actions and do a decent job acting out the part, he still would have been The Duke. Well Jonah is still Archibald the Asparagus, and the pirates are still Larry the Cucumber, Pa Grape, and Mr. Lundt. The only exception is Khalil who is new and isn't even a plant, but we can forgive him for the fun he brings to the show.

The most important aspect of the show as a parent though is that the movie brings a great message to your child. It is definitely Bible based but brings the basic message that people need to forgive and accept each other. This is a message that any child can hear regardless of your religious affiliation. I'm trying to bring my son up on this kind of thing. He couldn't tell you who the Road Runner or Wile E. Coyote is but hopefully he can share some of the messages he has learned from watching the fine entertainment that Big Idea has brought us. My son loves watching these videos he'll laugh, sing, and dance while they play and instead of getting the idea that it is fun to blow each other up with dynamite or other ridiculousness like that, he is learning valuable lessons.

Kudos to Phil Vischer and everybody at Big Idea.

Watch the movie!

We in the East had to wait an extra week for this movie and it was well worth it.

The plot was well done, the songs were very plesant, and the lesson was well taught. (The method of proving Jonah was in the Belly of the whale was worth the price alone.)

The fact that the story didn't compromise the fact that Jonah himself still does't get it at the end make its point even stronger. The lesson is more important than the standard rules of kids movies.

It is interesting to note that as of Today Jonah is beating both Michael Moore and Madona's new picture, who says that virtue doesn't sell?

The one complaint that can be made about this movie is the quality of the graphics compared to other animated features, however this picture has nothing like the budgets of those others and it still flows fine.

This is no movie classic, but it is a classic children's movie with all the right messages for them. Take you kids to this one, twice!

I'm a little prejudiced about the whole Veggie Tales series ....Mike Nawrocki (AKA Larry the Cucumber) is my nephew!! (yes, really!) I have enjoyed everything that Big Idea productions has done because I can say "I knew him when". There are many family jokes hidden in the movies.
As for Jonah, I am so pleased that kids can enjoy it and receive some moral values at the same time; especially great was the fact that the movie competed quite well with the "big boys" of Hollywood. Way to go, Mike, and all the other extremely talented people at Veggie Tales. My favorite Veggie Tale is the one called "Are you my neighbor?"
If you want your kids to see movies that are wholesome and teach (in a non-preachy way) moral values, take 'em to see anything by Veggie Tales.
Keep up the good work, Mike...from Aunt Joyce. (no, I'm not the one with the beard!!)