It’s easy (maybe even fun) to dismiss so-called “value-based media” on the basis that it’s sanctimonious, condescending, and inaccessible to anyone who might gain something from watching it. It’s even easier when it’s aimed at children, who tend to be more forgiving of material that is exceptionally poorly executed. But in a media landscape with clowns to the left and sermonizing to the right, VeggieTales is actually a refreshing addition. While other works of this nature tend to neatly divide its world into the righteous and the damned, VeggieTales endows its characters with a surprising dimension, and allows them to interact with the clearly established morals of the story in a recognizably human way. Even if the animation never quite equals the other talents on display, VeggieTales is a step in the right direction, and Jonah is a solid representation of that.
While driving through the forest en route to a Twippo concert, the VeggieTales characters start rubbing each other the wrong way. Bob the Tomato is trying to drive and read the map simultaneously, Dad Asparagus is swinging a guitar back and forth, and Laura Carrot is bragging about how she’s the only one who actually gets to meet Twippo, much to the chagrin of Junior Asparagus, Percy Pea, and Annie. A car accident predictably ensues, and all are stranded out in the middle of nowhere without a clear direction or anyone to specifically blame. They wander across a seafood restaurant, where Bob Tomato tries to call for assistance. Meanwhile, the VeggieTales stalwarts “the Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything” regale them with the Biblical tale of Jonah, who rejected a direct commandment from the Lord to travel to the town of Nineveh to preach the good word there (people there slap each other with fish), and ends up being swallowed by a whale in his attempt to travel in the opposite direction. The Lord, being merciful, frees Jonah from the whale, and gives him a second attempt to go do his word, suggesting rather clearly that the VeggieTales characters could perhaps give each other second chances as well.
There’s a startling moment in Jonah, where, after having preached the word in Nineveh (that’s not really a spoiler, is it?) and left, Jonah sits down on the hill overlooking the city and prepares to watch the city be destroyed by the vengeful wrath of God (he doesn’t imagine that his words had any effect on the Godless Ninevites, who had previously worshiped only hitting people in the face with fish). Of course, the Ninevites did in fact repent, and were not in God’s crosshairs, and Jonah learned an important lesson about underestimating people. Regardless, this was still an instance in a children’s cartoon in which its lead character looked upon a potential massacre by his Lord and Savior with about as much gravity as one would approach a production of Oklahoma put on by your child’s elementary school. In terms of sheer animated malice, it makes a reasonable comparison with the scene in Toy Story where Woody tries to kill Buzz (something frequently overlooked when that film is remembered). It’s played off for laughs (so it probably won’t scare any kids), but it’s still a remarkable act of faith on the part of the directors, and a strong indication of just how much they’re willing to forgive.
As with any children’s film or Biblical tale, the final act is, to say the least, predictable, but given just how much credit Jonah has given its audience (and allowed all of its main characters to act small, petty, and downright mean), the resolution comes off as considerably more credible that it would had it not allowed scenes such as the one mentioned above. In addition, it does it with an exceptional sense of timing, which is no small feat in a medium where the actors’ faces are never seen. Big Idea is still rough around the edges when it comes to certain facets of animation (the physiology of the characters isn’t very compelling, nor is the dimensionality of their environments), but they know how to make expressions connect, and make scenes of both humor and reconciliation hit the appropriate notes. Given the number of obstacles seemingly determined to stop this from happening, it’s hard not to be impressed.
Blu-ray Bonus Features
The Blu-ray comes with three commentaries: one with Phil Vischer and Mike Nawrocki, one with producer Ameake Owens and director of animation Marc Vulcano, and another with Larry the Cucumber and Mr. Lunt. There are also behind-the scenes featureson “The Studio Process”, “Jonah and the Bible”, “Khalil Auditions”, and a Big Idea with Phil Vischer, as well as a music video. There’s also a DVD with outtakes, digital dailies, extra countertop scenes, and progression reels.
"Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie" is on sale March 8, 2011 and is rated G. Animation, Children & Family, Christian. Directed by Mike Nawrocki, Phil Vischer. Written by Mike Nawrocki, Phil Vischer, Tim Hodge. Starring Mike Nawrocki, Phil Vischer, Tim Hodge, Lisa Vischer, Dan Anderson, Kristin Blegen, Shelby Vischer, Jim Poole, Ron Smith.
