 | ON: Content is age-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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
VeggieTales: The Wonderful Wizard of Ha's
- Review Date: November 2, 2007
- NR
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2007
Common Sense Media says
Wizard of Oz spoof stands in as prodigal son tale.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that VeggieTales DVDs are Christian-themed stories for children. While the bulk of the Veggie audience is religious, non-Christian families could also enjoy the well-animated, clever stories (but may want to fast-forward the intro and ending parts with Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber, which feature a Bible verse and a "God thinks you're special" message). Their latest show is derived from The Wizard of Oz, but is essentially the parable of the prodigal son. There's nothing objectionable in the material, so even preschoolers can see it.
What's the story?
A send-up of The Wizard of Oz, this VeggieTale illustrates the biblical parable of the prodigal son. Young Darby wants to go to the Wizard of Ha's amusement park with his pet pig Tutu, but his hard-working, dental-floss farming pa doesn't want him to use piggy-bank savings on a fleeting pleasure. So, Darby rebels. Snatching his bank and pet, he heads for roller-coaster heaven. On the way, a tornado lands Darby in magical Munchee land and "fat-free" fairy Splenda shows Darby the way via the Yellow McToad (an old Scottish frog). There are no scary flying monkeys, fields of poppy, or evil green witches. But there is a scarecrow, tin man, and lion, and a desire to go home. Only in this case, Darby thinks he can't go home, because he's disobeyed and disappointed his father. But as anyone familiar with the prodigal son story knows, the father welcomes Darby home with open arms.
Is it any good?
VeggieTales are one of the few Christian entertainment products that cross over to mainstream audiences. Although the majority of the devoted fans are devout, the high production values, catchy songs, and sweet stories appeal to secular families too.
All of the VeggieTales DVDs are cute, but this one lacks some of the clever oomph of previous shows. And the necessity to adhere to the original Oz means the songs and score are more derivative than usual. Still, if you're cool with the message, it's hard to go wrong with this VeggieTales DVD.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about why Darby thinks his father won't accept him. Darby could've saved all his money for the amusement park, but he helps the scarecrow, tin man, and lion instead. What does that say about how Darby was raised? Kids: Do parents only love children when they're well-behaved? Christian families may want to discuss the story of the prodigal son.
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
I'm appalled
When Common Sense talked about the language in this movie, I was shocked, appalled, and very upset. I've never seen this movie, but to think that now Veggie Tales added that f word in it is horrible. It's so sad...
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
A bit heavy for a 3YO.
My 3YO son was sad after watching this and wanted to be comforted. He was scared because a character was sucked into the ground. We talked about how he was saved, but still, he was expecting a fun video and ended up feeling bad afterward. I'm thinking maybe the story was a little old for him, since that's what he took away rather than that God loves him.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
PERFECT FOR EVERYONE
Like Linnea14 said "freakin" is used as in that you are scaring me not a swear. It is a great movie I'm 13 and i love it!!!!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
The term "freakin'" is used to mean "scaring." ("You guys are kind of freakin' me out") It is not used as an expletive or a crude adjective.
This is yet another great VeggieTales movie, cleverly put together and amusing enough to entertain parents as well as children.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Very entertaining for all ages. My husband and I enjoyed this Family Movie Night choice as much as the kids!
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | magic and fantasy |
| Studio: | Big Idea |
| Director: | Brian K. Roberts |
| Cast: | Lisa Vischer, Mike Nawrocki, Phil Vischer |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 49 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | October 2, 2007 |
| DVD release date: | October 2, 2007 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
