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Film Gecko

Review: The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything - A VeggieTales Movie

by Jane Boursaw on January 23rd, 2008

Rating: G	Theatrical Release:	January 11, 2008
Running Time: 84 minutes	Film Gecko Rating:

The VeggieTales clan has been around since 1993, and while not all that exciting for adults (they don’t pass the “snore test”), they’re still tops when it come to innocent movies with a message for kids.

Working at the Pieces of Ate Dinner Theatre is less than exciting when you’re a busboy. For three moping misfits, it’s just a stop on the path to stardom. They dream of the day they can ditch the dishrags and take to the stage to star in the big pirate show.

But here’s the deal. They’re not exactly motivated. Sedgewick (played by Mr. Lunt, who’s voiced by Phil Vischer) is a gourd who’d rather be home watching “The Love Boat” and eating cheese curls. Dragged along against his will, he eventually realizes that life is better when he interacts with other people, er, veggies…now and then.

Elliot (played by Larry the Cucumber, who’s voiced by Mike Nawrocki) is afraid of just about everything. In fact, he even keeps a list – spiders, snakes and wicker furniture (yes, really), to name a few. He realizes that he must be brave when people he loves are in danger.

George (played by Pa Grape, who’s voiced by Phil Vischer) just, basically, has no backbone. Always willing to let others take the lead, his pivotal moment comes when he stands up and says, “Even cabin boys can do what’s right!”

The adventure begins when a mysterious ball drops from the sky and straight into the Veggies’ lives. It’s a “Helpseeker,” sent from the past in search of heroes, and it drags the friends back to the 17th century and into a sea of danger. The trio must face their fears to rescue a royal family — Princess Eloise (voiced by Laura Gerow), Prince Alexander (voiced by Yuri Lowenthal), and The King (voiced by Cam Clarke) – from an evil tyrant, Robert the Terrible (also voiced by Cam Clarke).

While it’s no “Finding Nemo,” this colorful movie will appeal to preschoolers, who won’t even realize they’re learning valuable lessons about love and courage. Oh, and it’s also a musical! The characters break into song every now and then.

Parents Should Know: This tame movie contains no sex/nudity or profanity, and only mild comic peril. The heroes must deal with an evil pirate and a rock monster (a giant creature made out of rocks). But it’s all done in a gentle, preschool-friendly way. Unlike other VeggieTales offerings, this movie doesn’t stress the “faith” part of the faith-based values equation.