Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie Review

Educational value: Jonah is designed to promote values rather than provide information. The terms "prophet," "compassion," and "mercy" are clearly defined. Some geographical locations are shown, specifically Biblical cities in Israel. The visuals include animated characterizations of Middle Eastern terrain, ancient dress, architecture, and music.   

Messages: Primarily advances the virtues of compassion (when you see someone in need and you want to help) and mercy (when you give someone a second chance even if they don’t deserve it). These two concepts are introduced and cleverly repeated in multiple situations with a variety of characters. Along the way other positive-values messages are delivered: do not fight, do not cheat, do what’s right, don’t provoke, and many more. 

Role models: Leading characters are intelligent, resourceful, courageous, and forgiving. Jonah, the prophet-hero, makes a mistake, realizes it, and seeks forgiveness. Even the meanest people learn the lessons that are being taught and "accept God’s message." An early scene contains some very poor driving skills and irresponsible behavior: looking at a map and being distracted by passengers. 

Violence and scariness: Cartoon action and suspense throughout. The movie opens with a wild ride in which a van and its passengers careen down a hillside, crash through barriers, nearly run over a porcupine family, and hover on the edge of a cliff. No one is injured. Jonah and his shipmates are caught in a violent storm, but as the ship tosses and turns, all on board play Go Fish and don’t appear panicky. Finally, the mythic whale swallows Jonah (among others), and the prophet does fear for his life. 

Sexy stuff: Not an issue

Language: Not an issue

Consumerism: One funny reference to Ho-Ho's and Ding-Dongs.

Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue