| Lowest Recommended Age: | Preschool |
| MPAA Rating: | G |
| Profanity: | None |
| Nudity/Sex: | None |
| Alcohol/Drugs: | None |
| Violence/Scariness: | Mild comic peril |
| Diversity Issues: | Different species of vegetable |
| Movie Release Date: | 2002 |
| DVD Release Date: | 2002 |
“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. However, crucifix imagery does feature in the film.
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 see the movie should 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.
Families who enjoy this movie will enjoy the Veggie Tales 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 Veggie Tales video, The End of Silliness.
posted August 17, 2008 at 4:42 am
Although most of the Veggie Tales we have seen so far do indeed present non-denominational Godly values, Jonah is different in that the cross features very prominently in more than one scene. I think that is worthy of noting in a review and when comparing it to other Veggie Tales.
Also, since I did not see any negative criticism above, I am curious what about this movie used it not to get an A rating?
posted August 17, 2008 at 8:20 am
Thanks for the comment, urbanmom! You are right about the appearance of the cross and I will amend the review. And i try to reserve the A rating for those few films each year that are truly superior in script, scope, and execution. This is a fine, enjoyable film, but not up to the level of, for example, “Findng Nemo.”