This ain't 'Pirates of the Caribbean'. So you can't expect it to be as absurd, insanely fun, and brilliant. BUT. Fret
not. It is still silly, fun, and clever. This isn't a follow up film to 'Jonah' a couple of years back, but it's by the
same people with the same....characters? Vegetables.
What's interesting
about VeggieTales is that the films tend to be silly and sugary, yet at the same time masterfully clever. The films might
be geared towards kids, but there are enough pop culture references and quirky little puns to keep adults happy. And it does
this in an intelligent way, without every really becomming a parody. It doesn't parody or spoof anything; rather, it does
things homage, while dolling out some well-learned lessons about life and God at the same time. This is the first film that
doesn't have any real lesson (except for the small one that you really can do anything, anyone can be a hero, and even the
most insignificant person is worth something). and it doesn't have any religious message either. Whereas 'Jonah' was based
on a Bible story, this film isn't, and I can see why they would leave out religion here: it's a mainstream film like 'Jonah'
but based on history (sort of) and secular; you can't just randomly throw in a Bible verse or religious bit here like you
can with the half-hour shows. People would freak out and claim to be insulted and get mad. Which is absolutely ridiculous,
but that is what they would do. As such, this film doesn't have the meat that 'Jonah' had, and it doesn't prove a point or
give a valuable moral lesson, but in exchange it is much more fun and more lighthearted.
It's
a simple film, with a simple plot: three deadbeats who have major debilitating flaws (no confidence, laziness, extreme fears)
are thrown back in time (now who doesn't wish they could do that every now and then?) and try to rescue a princess and her
brother from an evil pirate uncle. Of course they succeed; it's a kids film. The characters are familiar (or rather, the
'actors'); we don't have Bob the tomato or Junior asparagus, or Laura carrot, but we have Larry, Mr. Lunt, and Archibald.
The interesting thing about these films is that the veggies also act as actors; they play different roles in different films,
but always coming back to their normal selves by the end. Here, it's as if they really are actors and this is their new film.
I admit it's a little weird, but there you go. Another thing that kind of threw me: the vegetables have girlfriends. Of
course it's completely innocent, but the thought is a little unnerving. These are kids films after all.
The
film, while a lot of fun, is also a little boring. It's a little too simple for adults, although kids might love it. It's
thankfully not very long (hour and a half) but it begins to wear on you; one can only take talking veggies, as cute as they
are, for so long. And those mutant evil cheese curls were a little weird. When the movie does give it's lesson in the end
it feels slightly cheesy, but not enough to ruin anything. But it's all in good fun. But there are some moments which are
just hysterical and all too brilliant. I am thinking first and foremost of the rock monster song at the end. Yes, rock monster,
sung to the tune (and a very close parody) of 'Rock Lobster' by the B-52s. Observe also the girl veggies B-52 80s style hair.
All too perfect. This is what makes VeggieTales so sublimely witty. The musical numbers in the film are quite catchy and
fun, particularly the pirate song in Jolly Joe's (hold your rootbeers high, my friend). There are also some nice quotes as
well (one that comes to mind is 'Say hello to my little friend!', although sadly I no longer remember which part of the movie
this was in). And then there is the greatest movie homage ever, one which made me smile with love and pride and want to sing
aloud: the maelstrom. Oh yes, there is one here. And it's presented in much the same way the one in 'Pirates 3' is presented:
the veggies are trying to get to an island and are sailing through the sea, when suddenly, before them, a maelstrom starts
to form. There is panic! There is protest! They cannot go through it! But the captain insists. They must! They have
to! And so they do. To make it even better it even looks a lot like the 'Pirates' maelstrom. Lauds and praises on high,
veggiefilmmakers!
If you like VeggieTales then this is a must see.
But if you don't then don't go. It might be worth it if you fancy pirate films as well, but this isn't as good as Mr. Verbinski's
creation. Never fear; if you are looking for a rollicking good time or a good clean family film with absolutely nothing objectionable
in it except for a little peril, then go at once. Aye, ye Caribbean pirates never had this much fun tryin' to stop evil,
nor did they have ye rock monsters. These pirates do prove that they do somethin', and somethin' grand indeed.
Best
quote: 'We're going around in circles. That's not a metaphor. I mean literally.'
Best moment: the maelstrom......
Worst
moment: the cheese curls seemed a little weird and out of place.
Why you should see it: it's VeggieTales! And it's
funny. And fun. Plus it's probably the only kids film out there that has no hidden innuendos and has absolutely nothing
objectionable about it, no hidden meanings or subtle sexual jokes, nothing dirty or raunchy in it. How many films can claim
that? I don't count any.
Why you shouldn't: it IS a kids film, and while it maintains some levels of intelligence
it's still geared towards kids and might be a bit boring to adults. It's also a little different from traditional VeggieTales
films, and while this is not a bad thing, some people might go in thinking it's something that it's not. Also, those expecting
to see a film similar to 'Pirates of the Caribbean' best be looking elsewhere. This is VeggieTales, mate. Something different.
