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Jonah - A VeggieTales Movie (2002)

tomatometer

65

Average Rating: 5.8/10
Reviews Counted: 55
Fresh: 36 | Rotten: 19

Jonah teaches wholesome messages to children in a funny, bouncy package.

78

Average Rating: 6.1/10
Critic Reviews: 18
Fresh: 14 | Rotten: 4

Jonah teaches wholesome messages to children in a funny, bouncy package.

audience

70

liked it
Average Rating: 3.4/5
User Ratings: 22,495

My Rating

Movie Info

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

Mar 4, 2003

$25.4M

Artisan Entertainment

Cast

All Critics (60) | Top Critics (20) | Fresh (37) | Rotten (19) | DVD (9)

Bouncy animation and catchy songs keep the film from tasting too much like spinach.

October 24, 2002 Full Review Source: Entertainment Weekly | Comment
Entertainment Weekly
Top Critic IconTop Critic

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.

October 18, 2002 Full Review Source: San Francisco Chronicle | Comment
San Francisco Chronicle
Top Critic IconTop Critic

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.

October 18, 2002 Full Review Source: Boston Globe | Comment
Boston Globe
Top Critic IconTop Critic

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?

October 18, 2002 Full Review Source: New York Post | Comment
New York Post
Top Critic IconTop Critic

You and your kids could do worse. You and your kids probably have done worse.

October 17, 2002 Full Review Source: Newsday | Comment
Newsday
Top Critic IconTop Critic

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.

October 17, 2002 Full Review Source: New York Times | Comment
New York Times
Top Critic IconTop Critic

Entertaining, humorous take on biblical story.

December 24, 2010 Full Review Source: Common Sense Media | Comment
Common Sense Media

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.

December 6, 2004 Comment
Looking Closer

A fun-filled adventure story that is certain to keep kids on the edge of their seats while teaching them important life lessons.

October 15, 2003 Full Review Source: Apollo Guide | Comment
Apollo Guide

Probably the best case for Christianity since Chesterton and Lewis.

March 22, 2003 Full Review Source: Film Freak Central | Comment
Film Freak Central

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.

March 18, 2003 Full Review Source: eFilmCritic.com | Comment
eFilmCritic.com

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.

October 24, 2002 Comment
Greenwich Village Gazette

The movie is a blast of educational energy, as bouncy animation and catchy songs escort you through the entire 85 minutes.

October 24, 2002 Full Review Source: Filmcritic.com | Comment
Filmcritic.com

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.

October 23, 2002 Comment
San Francisco Examiner

A whale of a good time for both children and parents seeking Christian-themed fun.

October 19, 2002 Comment
Reel.com

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.

October 18, 2002 Full Review Source: Screen It! | Comment
Screen It!

The script, the gags, the characters are all direct-to-video stuff, and that's where this film should have remained.

October 18, 2002 Comment
More Critic Reviews

Audience Reviews for Jonah - A VeggieTales Movie

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

December 31, 2010
michael e.
Michael Edwards

Super Reviewer

not big idea's best

August 24, 2009
TomBowler
Thomas Bowler

Super Reviewer

    1. Dad Asparagus: Tree! (Bus swerves out of the way) Rock! (Bus swerves out of the way) Underwear!
    – Submitted by Jacob D (6 months ago)

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