Jonah - A VeggieTales Movie

2002

Jonah - A VeggieTales Movie

Critics Consensus

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

66%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 56

75%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 23,628
User image

Jonah - A VeggieTales Movie Photos

View All Photos (8)

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 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

Watch it now

Cast

Phil Vischer
as Jonah/Archibald Asparagus/Twippo/Bob the Tomato
Mike Nawrocki
as Larry the Cucumber/Pirate Larry
Tim Hodge
as Khalil
Lisa Vischer
as Junior Asparagus
Dana Anderson
as Dad Asparagus
Dan Anderson
as Dad Asparagus
Kristin Blegen
as Laura Carrot
Jim Poole
as Scooter/Townsperson
Shelby Vischer
as Annie
Ron Smith
as City Official/Crazy Jopponian
Sarah Catherine
as Message from the Lord Choir Member
Paige Brooks
as Message from the Lord Choir Member
Adam Frick
as Message from the Lord Choir Member
Chris Geiger
as Message from the Lord Choir Member
Michael Harrison
as Message from the Lord Choir Member
Amy Howard Wilson
as Message from the Lord Choir Member
Tracy Johnson
as Message from the Lord Choir Member
Paul Kaiser
as Message from the Lord Choir Member
Bob Landon
as Message from the Lord Choir Member
Joshua Lindsay
as Message from the Lord Choir Member
Rebekah Litfin
as Message from the Lord Choir Member
Shari Martin
as Message from the Lord Choir Member
Laura Richey
as Message from the Lord Choir Member
Jon Reich
as Message from the Lord Choir Member
Brian Roberts
as Message from the Lord Choir Member
Ellen Silvestri
as Message from the Lord Choir Member
Christy Sumner
as Message from the Lord Choir Member
John Trauscht
as Message from the Lord Choir Member
Nathan Tungseth
as Message from the Lord Choir Member
Elizabeth West
as Message from the Lord Choir Member
Melissa Abenti
as Townsperson
Jay Elder
as Townsperson
Amanda Fragale
as Townsperson
Ken Greene
as Townsperson
Steve Hullfish
as Townsperson
Lennie Jarrat
as Townsperson
Buddy Lewis
as Townsperson
Alan Millman
as Townsperson
Patty O'Kelley
as Townsperson
Kenya Raichart
as Townsperson
Tim Toll
as Townsperson
Marc Vulcano
as Townsperson
John Wahba
as Townsperson
David Watson
as Townsperson
G. Bock
as Townsperson
View All

Critic Reviews for Jonah - A VeggieTales Movie

All Critics (56) | Top Critics (20)

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

    Oct 24, 2002 | Rating: B- | Full Review…

    Bruce Fretts

    Entertainment Weekly
    Top 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.

    Oct 18, 2002 | Rating: 2/4 | Full Review…

    C.W. Nevius

    San Francisco Chronicle
    Top 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.

    Oct 18, 2002 | Rating: 2.5/4 | Full Review…

    Janice Page

    Boston Globe
    Top 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?

    Oct 18, 2002 | Rating: 2.5/4 | Full Review…

    Megan Turner

    New York Post
    Top Critic

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

    Oct 17, 2002 | Rating: 3/4

    Gene Seymour

    Newsday
    Top 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.

    Oct 17, 2002 | Rating: 2/5

    Dave Kehr

    New York Times
    Top Critic
View All Critic Reviews (56)

Audience Reviews for Jonah - A VeggieTales Movie

  • May 18, 2014
    Jonah is honestly a childhood favorite of mine, a film that sticks true to the fun and source but also gives some great lessons. VeggieTales just knows how to bring out the kid in me.
    Bradley W Super Reviewer
  • Oct 13, 2011
    I was babysitting, the kids wanted to watch it... I'm not proud of it.
    Dillon L Super Reviewer
  • May 21, 2011
    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+
    Juan C Super Reviewer
  • Dec 31, 2010
    IT was a very funny film even when I'm all grown up I still enjoy watching it
    Michael E Super Reviewer
See all Audience reviews

Jonah - A VeggieTales Movie Quotes

View All Quotes

News & Features