Jonah - A VeggieTales Movie (2002)

65% of critics liked it
(55 reviews)
70% of users liked it
(22,812 ratings)

One of the best-known stories from the Bible gets a new and decidedly playful retelling in this animated comedy, the first feature film from the creators of the popular video series VeggieTales. Archibald Asparagus (voice of Phil Vischer) stars as Jonah, who is chosen by God to help spread his… More One of the best-known stories from the Bible gets a new and decidedly playful retelling in this animated comedy, the first feature film from the creators of the popular video series VeggieTales. Archibald Asparagus (voice of Phil Vischer) stars as Jonah, who is chosen by God to help spread his message to the world. Unfortunately, his first stop on his evangelical tour is the city of Nineveh, where the residents while away their days bingeing on cheese snacks and arguing, usually settling a war of words by throwing fish at one another. Circumstances force Jonah to set sail across the ocean, where he's assisted by Khalil (voice of Tim Hodge), a carpet peddler who is half caterpillar and half worm ("but I'm OK with that now"), and "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything," who are led by the well-meaning but lethargic Mr. Lunt, Pa Grape (both voiced by Phil Vischer), and Larry the Cucumber (voice of Mike Nawrocki). However, Jonah's mission gets a bit of a setback when a mammoth whale changes his plans. Phil Vischer and Mike Nawrocki, who provide most of the character voices, also wrote and directed Jonah: A Veggie Tales Movie, and also created the original video series. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: G, 1 hr. 22 min.
Directed By: Phil Vischer, Mike Nawrocki
Written By: Phil Vischer, Mike Nawrocki
Genres: Animation, Faith & Spirituality, Kids & Family, Comedy

In Theaters: Oct 4, 2002 Wide
On DVD: Mar 4, 2003
Studio: Artisan Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Bruce Fretts, Entertainment Weekly
Bouncy animation and catchy songs keep the film from tasting too much like spinach.
C.W. Nevius, San Francisco Chronicle
If a big musical number like 'Praise the Lord, He's the God of Second Chances' doesn't put you off, this will be an enjoyable choice for younger kids.
Janice Page, Boston Globe
The movie's heart is in the right place, but all its messages of tolerance might resonate better if the Spanish-accented pirate didn't get drawn with a gold tooth and the turban-wearing Khalil wasn't an opportunistic rug merchant.
Megan Turner, New York Post
Spears of Afro-topped asparagus singing gospel and French-accented peas working as maitre d's at a seafood restaurant -- what's not to love?
Gene Seymour, Newsday
You and your kids could do worse. You and your kids probably have done worse.
Dave Kehr, New York Times
The animation is competent, and some of the gags are quite funny, but Jonah ... never shakes the oppressive, morally superior good-for-you quality that almost automatically accompanies didactic entertainment.
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Entertaining, humorous take on biblical story.
Jeffrey Overstreet, Looking Closer
The main characters tha us kids know and love disappear. We're introduced to a new cast, and they really aren't very funny or interesting.
Derek Smith, Apollo Guide
A fun-filled adventure story that is certain to keep kids on the edge of their seats while teaching them important life lessons.
Walter Chaw, Film Freak Central
Probably the best case for Christianity since Chesterton and Lewis.
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
Seeing as I'm a 31-year-old Jewish cynic from Philadelphia, it's plainly obvious that I am not the intended audience for Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie. But I know a feature-length advertisement when I see one.
Eric Lurio, Greenwich Village Gazette
The film is a hoot, and is just as good, if not better than much of what's on Saturday morning TV especially the pseudo-educational stuff we all can't stand.
Pete Croatto, Filmcritic.com
The movie is a blast of educational energy, as bouncy animation and catchy songs escort you through the entire 85 minutes.
Joe Leydon, San Francisco Examiner
Even if you're an agnostic carnivore, you can enjoy much of Jonah simply, and gratefully, as laugh-out-loud lunacy with a pronounced Monty Pythonesque flavor.
Mary Kalin-Casey, Reel.com
A whale of a good time for both children and parents seeking Christian-themed fun.
Jim Judy, Screen It!
Despite its obvious agenda, the film moves along at a good clip (clocking in at 80 some minutes) and should entertain adults nearly as much as the kids.
Forrest Hartman, Reno Gazette-Journal
The script, the gags, the characters are all direct-to-video stuff, and that's where this film should have remained.

Read all 17 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Michael E

IT was a very funny film even when I'm all grown up I still enjoy watching it
Thomas B

not big idea's best
danny d

great flick, good family fun and a great message attached
Dillon L

I was babysitting, the kids wanted to watch it... I'm not proud of it.
Juan C

a funny, heartfelt animated film that give moral lessions about compassion and mercy. and showing it the funniest and best way how! the songs are catchy and offbeat, just like this great animated comedy! A+
Anthony V

Good for kids, and Judo-Christian parents, but drags out a bit too long. Some of the songs are also pretty painful. The humorous characters and positive message manage to push it forward.