Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Doing good deeds is focus of less overtly religious tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
Toto, a little flobbit in a kingdom of elves, magic, and warriors, has been given the gift of a bean, perhaps the most powerful bean in all the realm. Encouraged by some to use his gift to gain fame, fortune, and a life of ease, Toto decides instead to find out why he's been given the wonderful bean, and then to use it wisely. To his dismay, he discovers that only the Elders of the Razzberry Forest have an answer for him; the journey there would be difficult and fraught with danger. Undaunted, Toto sets out, accompanied by the Fellowship of The Bean -- a team of vegetables-at-arms who are eager to help the brave little flobbit on his quest.
Is It Any Good?
Consistently very funny, clever, and warm-hearted, this tribute to J.R.R. Tolkien provides the VeggieTales family with a terrific platform from which to deliver this episode's relevant message. The appearance of the basic story and iconic characters from The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Hobbit -- "Billboy Baggypants," "Randalf," "Ahem" (a great "Gollum" character) and all the little "flobbits" -- should entertain everyone on a variety of levels. For those familiar with The Ring Trilogy, it's a hoot.
Less religious than most of the entries in the VeggieTales franchise, this parable about wisely using the gifts we have been given goes down very easily.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about using one's gifts to help others. What gifts do you have? How do you use your gifts? What gifts do your friends or family have and how do they use them?
Do you think certain types of happiness are better than others? What makes you most happy? When you think back on all your experiences, what are some of the best ones and why?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 1, 2005
- Cast : Lisa Vischer , Mike Nawrocki , Phil Vischer
- Director : Mike Nawrocki
- Studio : Big Idea
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Book Characters
- Run time : 51 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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