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Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie (G, 2002)

common sense media says

Entertaining, humorous take on biblical story.

parents & educators say
  • 38% say there are positive messages
See all 12 reviews | Review it

What parents need to 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.

Violence & scariness: Mild comic peril.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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.

What's the story?

What's the story?
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.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
The Veggie Tales series features computer-animated vegetables and gentle morals that create opportunities for families to talk to kids about the issues that matter most. Though Christian in origin, the values they communicate are universal. The references to God are explicit but non-denominational.

The movie may be a little long for the youngest fans of the videos, 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.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Big Idea
Director: Mike Nawrocki, Phil Vischer
Cast: Lisa Vischer, Mike Nawrocki, Tim Hodge
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 83 minutes
Theatrical release: October 4, 2002
DVD release: March 4, 2003
MPAA Rating: G
This review was written by Nell Minow
 
 

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What parents & educators say

4
Based on 8 parent & educator reviews:
  • 38% say there are positive messages
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

mr. movie
teen, 15 years old
 
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MarioMii
teen, 15 years old
4
 
Slapping people with fish is not a good role model
In one scene, the veggie people were slapping each other with fishes and that was not a good role model. Slapping other people isnot a good idea at all. My nanny did not like some parts of that movie because of that.
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Joan1969
parent of and 3 , 6 , 7 , 10 year old
6
 
Great in English for almost all viewers; poor in Spanish.
A very good, funny and solid movie for the family to enjoy together. An exception might be sensitive children- watch the whale scene if your kid is like this. Should be easy enough to have them leave the room or hit fast forward to get around that. I saw a couple of very unfair reviews of this movie, but most will find themselves delighted by the entire film. Special warning: very poor Spanish dubbing; no effort made to do a good job. Do not give/present this movie to anyone who can't listen to the original English.
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Ashnak
adult
2
 
Great Cartoon Movie about Jonah
This is a very funny and entertaining story about the biblical prophet.
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Cautious Mother
parent of 6 year old
2
 
Classic bibical lesson appropriate for all ages
Love it!! My two year old daughter and four year old son are both big fans of this movie. We need more movies like this one!
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stan
adult
 
Must see movie for kids
This is a must see movie for kids.... I feel it makes religion fun for kids. My family enjoyed this movie. My kids were telling there friends about it. Go see the movie!
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CRD
teen, 15 years old
 
SPLENDID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WOW!!!!!!!!!!! I love this stuff!!!!!!!!IT's great!!!!! I still watch it!!!!!!!!
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Meli B.
parent of and 2 , 4 , 5 year old
4
 
Longer than the tv series, but not longer than other kid movies
This is another family favorite in our house. Especially the singing, umm...asparagus'. They were hilarius!
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Justino4
teen, 14 years old
2
 
Practically Nothing
Though this movie has some scary and perilous moments, it teaches kids about Jonah and God, so it's practically nothing.
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djnjo
adult
 
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garfield2711
adult
 
Great Film for all ages.
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dark rose
adult
 
the cutest
another veggie twist on a great story
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (1)

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