Jonah-A Veggietales Movie

Human Events, Oct 21, 2002

JONAH-A VEGGIETALES MOVIE Quality: **** Acceptability: +4

RATING: G

STARRING THE VOICES OF: Kristin Blegen, Tim Hodge, Mike Nawrocki, Lisa Vischer, and Phil Vischer

DIRECTOR: Mike Nawrocki and Phil Vischer

PRODUCER: Ameake Owens

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Phil Vischer, Terry Botwick and Dan Philips

WRITER: Phil Vischer and Mike Nawrocki

BASED ON THE BIBLE BOOK: "Jonah"

DISTRIBUTOR: Artisan Entertainment

GENRE: Animated/Musical Comedy

INTENDED AUDIENCE: All ages

SUMMARY: Jonah - A Veggietales Movie tells the time-honored Bible story of Jonah and the Whale in a fun, silly, delightful, and entertaining story starring Bob the Tomato, Archibald Asparagus and the Pirates Who Do Nothing. The veggies meet the do nothing Pirates, who tell them the story of Jonah to teach the veggies mercy and compassion. Clearly plotted turning points, wonderful songs and terrific animation all build to tell this meaningful tale of mercy and compassion.

The interesting thing about Jonah is that its humor and entertainment value come from very careful construction. Right at the beginning, the audience knows where Jonah is going AND what Jonah is supposed to learn: mercy and compassion. The jeopardy is clear and intense from the first moment. Selfishness, pride and sibling rivalry conspire against the premise. Obstacles confront the heroes in the present day, as well as Jonah in the past, as they try to fulfill the premise. Clearly plotted turning points, wonderful songs and terrific animation all build to tell the story.

CONTENT: Very strong Christian worldview with many very strong moral, spiritual, biblical lessons; no foul language; slapstick violence, such as character hit each other with fish, car careens down hillside toward lake, car hits dock, and several other moments; no sex; no nudity; and, they drink root beer.