See more movie reviews

VeggieTales: Pistachio: The Little Boy That Woodn't (NR)

common sense media says

Funny Pinocchio spoof teaches kids to listen to parents.

parents & educators say
See all 3 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that VeggieTales is a series of animated movies and TV shows for kids based on Christian beliefs. This VeggieTales DVD is inspired by Ephesians 6:1-3, or "honor your father and mother." The DVD contains some very mild scary situations and some humorous product placement, but otherwise it's fine for preschoolers. Happily, the humor is often geared toward adults so that families can enjoy together. Non-Christians are invited too; the Bible quote comes only in the epilogue, and otherwise, the religious aspect is not discussed in the story itself.

Educational value: Not applicable.
Positive messages: Pistachio learns that doing whatever he feels like can lead to trouble. He learns that even though it may not always make sense, his father Gelato's advice and commands are all issued out of love. Gelato only has Pistachio's best interests at heart.
Positive role models: Pistachio starts off with an attitude, questioning his father's wishes, but eventually learns that his father has his best interests at heart; in one scene he proves his newfound responsibility, trust, loyalty.
Violence & scariness: Some mean characters try to cheat Pistachio out of his gold coins. A whale swallows Pistachio and his father. During a "musical interlude," a stapler jumps up and snarls at the audience.
Sexy stuff: During the "Office Supplies" musical number, the male and female singers cuddle a bit.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Mentions of Sharpies, Stick-it notes, and the Monopoly game. The DVD contains ads for more VeggieTales DVDs.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on VeggieTales: Pistachio: The Little Boy That Woodn't

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about the idea of honoring their mother and father. What does this mean? Will listening to a parent's wisdom, advice, and commands make someone a better or smarter person?

  • At what age is it OK for children not to listen to their father (or mother's) advice?

  • Is it hard for kids to believe that their parents may have things to teach them? Did you always feel that way?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Kindly but lonely old Gelato receives an enchanted chunk of pistachio tree wood. With it, he carves a boy named "Pistachio," who promptly comes to life. Pistachio immediately ignores his father's advice, lies, and goes out into the world by himself, where a couple of swindlers try to cheat Pistachio out of his money. Pistachio learns his lesson, but too late; his father has been swallowed by a whale! Will Pistachio and his little friend Cricket the caterpillar ever find Gelato again, and if they do, will Pistachio learn to listen?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Though the "listen to your father" message may come on a bit strong for parents, PISTACHIO: THE LITTLE BOY THAT WOODN'T, is actually a charming, funny DVD with good animated production values and some cute songs. A good portion of the humor is geared toward an adult level, including a hilarious parody of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and a musical number called "Where Have All the Staplers Gone?" Those already familiar with the Pinocchio story will get an extra kick out of the parody aspect.

While the songs are short and catchy, they can be a little too obvious on the "honor your father and mother" lesson. (However, all religious references and Bible quotes are saved until the epilogue.) Interestingly, one of the main themes of Pinocchio is learning to tell the truth, and this DVD doesn't really exploit this theme.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Big Idea
Director: Mike Nawrocki
Cast: Lisa Vischer, Mike Nawrocki, Phil Vischer
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 50 minutes
DVD release: March 2, 2010
MPAA Rating: NR
This review was written by Jeffrey M. Anderson
 
 

Review It

 

Review VeggieTales: Pistachio: The Little Boy That Woodn't

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

Most useful reviews by all members

Christian_girl
teen, 17 years old
2
 
Maybe the best Veggietales yet!
I've loved Veggietales since I was 3 years old. I've got every one of their movies sitting on my shelf. There are none of those "hidden dirty jokes" you normally see in G-rated films and they all talk about how much Jesus loves us. They're great for adults and safe for newborns. I love them for their Christian morals and their hilarity. They've made over 35 Veggietales movies and this one's in my top 2! It's one of the funniest movies I've ever seen in my life! If you don't have a copy, I suggest getting one as soon as you finish this review. Or sooner.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (8) | had useful details (8) | read my mind (8)
CucumberInTheS ...
teen, 18 years old
5
 
TEENS & ADULTS LOVE it MORE!!
Has to be my FAVORITE VeggieTale...even though it isn't one of the old, classic 30min ones I grew up watching...the adults and teens laughed so hard while watching this, while the 3-10 age range...only understood the more slapstick humor (understandably). (While you don't HAVE to, having already seen "Jonah" adds even more humor to this one) I say 5&up for 'appropriate' rating, but 14ish&up to 'get' all the humor :D
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (4) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (4)
me-sara
parent of 18 year old
17
 
?????? ??????? ????? ??????? ????? ???????? ?? ????? ????? ????? ????? ????? ???? ??????
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (4) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (4)

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you see VeggieTales: Pistachio: The Little Boy That Woodn't?

Won't miss it
On the fence
No way

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

More VeggieTales
Browse more movies
About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines