Search - Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A Veggie Tales Movie (Widescreen) on DVD

VeggieTales is Cute and Entertaining Fun for the Whole Famil

Justin Heath | Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada | 10/11/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Avast ye maties! This be a tale of pirates, but it isn't the one you're thinking of. That ones over for now. No, this one is about three vegetables who defy all odds to become heroes. In "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie."

George, Sedgewick (both Phil Vischer) and Elliot (Mike Nawrocki) were simple cabin boys working at a pirate-themed restaurant when they find a ball that sends them back in time to the 16th century. While there, they are told by a princess that they must save her brother from an evil pirate. Though they know they're not heroes, they accept and end up on an adventure of nutritious proportions.

In this day of incredible computer-aided animation and scripts written to keep audiences laughing, it is easy to get caught up in the quality of the production and the non-stop barrage of jokes while losing sight of another objective that a good movie for kids might--or even should--attempt to achieve: communicating the value of virtues. It is rare that a movie can pull off all three, and I have to believe that effectively communicating values (without preaching) is the most difficult of the three.

The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything comes close on all three counts. The animation is good, but it does not amaze. The story has moments of laughter and emotion, but you don't end up caring about many of the characters. And it makes it clear that doing the right thing and being willing to make sacrifices for others is important and worth the effort. In the end, kids will have been entertained while having important principles reinforced. This is truly a movie for kids from start to finish, rather than a cute story with mature humor thrown in from time to time to keep things interesting for parents who might not be able set their prurient interests aside for a couple of hours.

Now if I could just get those freaky cheese curls off my mind..."

Best Veggie Tales Yet!

Historical Fiction Fan | Indianapolis, IN USA | 09/29/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a great, fun movie! I enjoyed this Veggie Tales movie so much & so did my 5 yr. old daughter. It has lots of "jokes for the grown ups" as I call them, especially at the end - B52's fans prepare to dance! This movie also manages to work in a spiritual message at the end, but does it so subtly that non-believers won't feel preached at in the least. The spiritual aspect is what I like most about Veggie Tales in general, as a teaching tool for my child, and even my atheist spouse gets some laughs out of most of the shows. This movie is one that will appeal to all types of parents and kids."

"What Kind of B Movie Am I In?"

Mark Baker | Santa Clarita, CA United States | 10/17/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Imagine a world where vegetables sail the seven seas and the most fearsome pirate is the one with arms and legs, albeit mechanical arms and legs. That's the world of the new VeggieTales release. And it's a full length film.

The movie opens in the 17th century. We are on a ship that is being captured by pirates. While brave Prince Alexander tries to fight them off, he is ultimate captured. Unfortunately, the pirates are being led by Robert the Terrible. Not only is he the king's banished brother, but he has also used mechanics to create arms and legs (well, one leg and one peg leg), making him the most fearsome pirate around. The one thing he wants most is his brother's throne, and he intends to use the prince and princess to get it.

Unfortunately for him, Princess Eloise and the butler Willory (Archibald Asparagus) have escaped capture. And they use a contraption the King has created to send a plea for help.

Fast forward to the present day. At the Pieces of Ate Dinner Theater we meet Elliot, Sedgwick, and George (Larry the Cucumber, Mr. Lunt, and Pa Grape.) They work as Cabin Boys (waiters), but long to be in the show. Unfortunately, Elliot has a list of things he is afraid of, Sedgwick is just plain lazy, and George lacks self-confidence.

And these three misfits are the ones the plea for help finds. Before they really know what is happening, they find themselves on board the ship with Willory and Princess Eloise on a quest to rescue Prince Alexander. Can they become heroes to complete the quest? Or will their flaws spell doom for everyone?

Aside from the characters I mentioned, most of the main characters are new. But keep an eye open for blink and you'll miss then cameos from many of the regulars, including Bob the Tomato. Also look for the appearance of the Grape family. I guess they aren't gone for good.

This movie really is a tale of two halves. I found the first half slow and predictable as it set things up. While the second half was still predictable, this is where the fun really started. The jokes came much faster and really hit their target.

This is also the least overt Christian film from the Veggies. There is still a clear moral about what it takes to be a hero and there is a strong allegory to things (although don't take it too far or you'll wind up with very, very bad theology.)

As you would expect, this move is 100% kid friendly. The fearsome pirates drink Root Beer and Ginger Ale. Their sword fights never produce a single wound. Frankly, I got quite a kick out of this.

In keeping with the Veggie's roots, this isn't the top notch animation you would normally see. But it is keeping with their last few efforts, so long time fans will know what to expect.

This is not the best effort from VeggieTales, but it is fun and the franchise's many fans will certainly enjoy it."