 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
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 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
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The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie
- Review Date: January 12, 2008
- G
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2008
Common Sense Media says
Like steamed veggies: Good for you, but bland.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this animated film -- part of a large, Christian-themed film-and-TV franchise -- has a light touch when it comes to sending its feel-good message (which, this time around, is that anyone can be a hero; all it takes is to do what you know is right). Some situations, as when a pirate captures a young man, sound perilous, but they're not that scary. There's no swearing, violence, or sexual innuendo, but several specific products are mentioned by name -- noticeably more than in other VeggieTales titles.
What's the story?
THE PIRATES WHO DON'T DO ANYTHING: A VEGGIETALES MOVIE is self-effacing, all right -- just look at its nondescript title. But don't let that fool you; it has a strong and admirable message: Do the right thing, and don't worry about whether you look the part of anything (in this case, a hero). Will it, live it, have some faith, and you'll be it.
Three "cabin boys" at the Pieces of Ate Dinner Theater dream of the big time, when they'll move up from their lowly busboy positions and join the pirate show on stage. But they're hardly the handsome or muscled type. Elliot (played by Mike Nawrocki voiced Larry the Cucumber, who's one of the mainstays of the VeggieTales series) is sickly and has a long list of things that scare him; Sedgwick (here played by Phil Vischer's Mr. Lunt, a gourd) talks a good game but is more comic than courageous; and George (Vischer's Pa Grape) has no confidence whatsoever. (Even his kids think the dinner theater's pirate is cooler than their dad).
Is it any good?
But then a "help-seeker" -- a magical time-travel device -- calls on the trio to step back to the 17th century to help Princess Eloise (Laura Gerow) save her brother, Prince Alexander (Yuri Lowenthal). He's been abducted by Robert the Terrible (Cam Clarke), the siblings' ambitious uncle -- who happens to be a marauding pirate who longs for the adulation that his brother the king receives. Eloise wishes for heroes, and suddenly, Elliot, Sedgwick, and George appear.
There's never a doubt that the three will realize their potential in the end, but their journey is still enjoyable for the most part. The music, like that of VeggieTales adventures past, is infectious (watch out for the gang's hilarious version of "Rock Lobster," here called "Rock Monster"), and nothing in the storyline is objectionable. Still, it starts out a little too slow for a movie targeted at school-age kids with short attention spans. The jokes can be clunky, and the animation is unsophisticated (except for the Rock Monsters, everything else seems a little flat).
Clearly, this is no Ratatouille -- or any other Pixar masterpiece. Still, there are worse ways to pass the time. And besides, young audiences won't be as critical as the grown-up counterparts who'll be taking them to the Cineplex.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about how this movie is similar to and different from other VeggieTales titles.
What does the VeggieTales brand mean to you and your family?
How is it different from other kids' and family media brands?
Families can also discuss George/Pa Grape's lack of confidence. How does he measure himself at first? Does he see things differently in the end? Why?
What about Elliot/Larry and his many fears? How does he overcome them?
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Kid, 12 years old
March 21, 2009
AGE
I laughed, I cried, it moved me, Bob!
When I saw the first Veggie Tales movie, I was five years old. Six years later, the second one comes out. This is the first Veggie Tales anything that isn't based off a religious tale, but does send out a quite Christian message. Violence is limited to slapstick and swordplay, consumerism is noticeable, no sexual content that occurred, and language is limited to name-calling such as "moron," "loser," and "crazy," but most parents wouldn't find the content disturbing. I think the animation could've been better, but overall it's a five-star movie! No doubt about it! This is a great movie to watch on a family night when you want a good kid's comedy with some brief adult humor with a good message!
What other families should know:
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Parent of 8 year old
August 5, 2009
AGE
This was the first of the Veggie Tales movies I've seen, so I don't know how it compares to others but in this one there are no bible stories, no praying, no being "saved". Only the king, who appears at the end, has any obvious allegorical connection to religion. Generally, it's humorous and fun.
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Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
This was hilarious!
My 5 year old loved this movie! It was hilarious with no iffy content. A parent's dream!
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Parent of 2 and 4 year old
July 13, 2009
AGE
Some Frigtening Scenes
My kids are sensitive to scary things. They were a little frightened, but okay with the scary pirates. What got to them was the monster cheese doodles and the rock monsters. These things REALLY freaked them out during the movie.
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Parent of 4 and 7 year old
April 9, 2008
AGE
Finally a movie for a whole family!
With children under the age of 10, it is hard to find a movie that we can all go see and enjoy. Veggie Tales had something for all of us. The kids enjoyed all of the funny antics, especially the "evil cheese" (snack foods with teeth). The messages are great, looking at not giving up and doing the right thing. Veggie Tales are Christian based, but unless you know that and are looking for it, you won't find any overt religious references. Just good clean lessons about helping others and trying to do your best. For adults, you can't miss the end credits - the "Rock Monster" video will take you back to the good old days of the 80's, as well as a few of the evil cheese pop up throughout the end credits. This is light hearted entertainment for all!
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Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
My daughter liked it, but I had a hard time staying awake.
This is probably best saved for rental. My daughter (4 1/2) enjoyed this movie, but I could barely stay interested in the story. The only complaint about the movie itself was that it was a little frightening to her to start, but I calmed her fears and she was fine after that.
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Teen, 14 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
Good for all ages.
I didnt think it was that bad of a movie.It was actully kinda funny.This movie is great for all ages.You should wacht this movie if u like funny veggies.
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Parent of 5 year old
October 10, 2009
AGE
the funnest movie
it is pretty good for 4 years
old
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Kid, 7 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
better for 6 years and up
Although this is one of very few movies that is appropriate for children. I felt strongly that it was too violent and too scary for children under 6. Most 4 and 5 year olds didn't even understand the story. The dialogue is rapid and a bit complicated. I think it's great for kids 6 and older.
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Teen, 15 years old
April 19, 2010
AGE
Nothing Better Than Veggies
I'm just going to let you know, I usually rate movies for a higher age than I really think can watch it in case of sensitive kids or strict parents. My one-year-old niece loves this movie as much as I do... and that's saying something. This movie has no violence in it. Sure, the movie starts with a swordfight but no one gets hurt. The prince knocks someone off of the ship with the flat end of his sword, but but you can take this as, maybe, that the point of this fight isn't to chop up some veggies, it's whoever gets knocked off the ship is out!
It's also got a good Christian message. Now, now, don't you go telling me there's nothing Christian in this movie. This is just as Christian as Narnia, which can be found in all Christian bookstores. The King is God, the King of Kings. The King's children are God's children, Christians. The helpseeker, at times, represents prayer. And Robert the Terrible... guess who he is. Notice the Pirates don't really do much by themselves. They hit the button on the helpseeker and the King takes it from there. Everything the Pirates need, they are given by the King, who is God.
Rock monsters? No problem. The King will send something to distract them. ***SPOILER*** Eaten by a mechanical dragon? Just pull the lever. Cornered by a villain? There's a chandelier right above you. **SPOILER OVER** More subtle, if you need a captain because your original cap'n was kidnapped, a hero will be sent to you who just happens to have read a few books on the subject. ***SPOILER*** The King himself hints that he sent the lever to save Elliot from the contraption, the crab to show Sedgewick the cave exit, and the chandelier, too. The King actually is God, so he can do stuff like that. **SPOILER OVER** Sorry that half of this review is a spoiler, I'm just trying to make a point here. This movie has more morals than you might notice.
It says that God will take care of you, if you let Him, and he'll help you do the right thing, if you let Him. (The "if you let Him"s were my own addition, the movie didn't say that.) The path God chooses for you may not be easy but He will guide you safely through anything and everything you face. ***IN THE END,*** the heroes learn their lessons. George learns self-confidence. Sedgewick learns not to be lazy and to never give up. Elliot faces his fears to save his friends, even though he's scared of just about everything. Willory learns not to judge a book by its cover. I, myself, picked up a little something about "tests". When Elliot is on the beach and the helpseeker says he can go home if he wants, even though his friends still need his help, the King says that was a test, which he passed with flying colors. If this doesn't make sense now, it will when you see the movie. SPOILER OVER** Huh, the review's over too. Go figure.
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, adventures, music and sing-along, pirates |
| Studio: | Universal Pictures |
| Director: | Mike Nawrocki |
| Cast: | Cam Clarke, Mike Nawrocki, Phil Vischer |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 84 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | January 11, 2008 |
| DVD release date: | October 13, 2008 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
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