OK for kids 4+
Like steamed veggies: Good for you, but bland.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this animated film -- part of a large, Christian-themed film-and-TV franchise -- has a light touch when it comes to sending its feel-good message (which, this time around, is that anyone can be a hero; all it takes is to do what you know is right). Some situations, as when a pirate captures a young man, sound perilous, but they're not that scary. There's no swearing, violence, or sexual innuendo, but several specific products are mentioned by name -- noticeably more than in other VeggieTales titles.
- Families can talk about how this movie is similar to and different from other VeggieTales titles.
- What does the VeggieTales brand mean to you and your family?
- How is it different from other kids' and family media brands?
- Families can also discuss George/Pa Grape's lack of confidence. How does he measure himself at first? Does he see things differently in the end? Why?
- What about Elliot/Larry and his many fears? How does he overcome them?
The good stuff
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Messages: Three unassuming busboys prove they're heroes when they go back in time and save a prince from a vengeful pirate, who gets his comeuppance. In the end, nearly everyone comes around and learns a good lesson: Do the right thing and be a hero, no matter whether you think you have the makings of one.
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Role models: Not an issue
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: A cartoon pirate who thirsts for fame and power brandishes a sword near a character's head. He also abducts a prince. Some bickering.
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Sexy stuff: Not an issue
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Language: No swearing, though the word "loser" is used a few times.
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Consumerism: Noticeably more mentions of labels and products than standard VeggieTales fare, including TiVo, The Weather Channel, Edward Scissorhands, Love Boat, etc. There are vast arrays of VeggieTales merchandise available.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: One character has a strong penchant for "cheese curls" (i.e. cheese puffs).
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Subtle, but wonderful message by momofcurtis
The message of this movie may not blatantly obvious, but anyone who believes in God and His power, the ending will leave you with tears. I won't spoil the end for those of you who haven't seen yet, but a similar feeling you get at the end of Narnia. The message is clear, God loves you and needs you. This movie doesn't follow the typical VeggieTales format, but I think this may get more non-Christian families to go. My son is five and this movie was a great springboard for us to talk about God, what He is, and what He can do. If nothing else, this is a great children's movie that isn't violent, has some adult humor (that isn't inappropriate--i.e. Edward Scissorhands), good songs, and a good message for everyone (doing what is right). I strongly recommend this movie and I will buy it the day it is released, I may even go to the theater again to see it.
5
The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything - A VeggieTales Movie by SkyHi
ABSOLUTELY amazing! The storyline is ingeniously CLEVER. This hidden message empowers any and every child to know that he/she CAN become a REAL hero. This serving of Veggies is TRULY good for our little ones...and even appeals to parents and grandparents. Big Idea, you've done it again...and even better! Congrats for wrapping a story of what it REALLy means to be a hero in a hilariously wacky and every-minute-jam-packed-full of excitement story of the adventures of these just, plain lovable Veggie pirates! We love you!!!!! Keep 'um coming. We need more.
5
Great Family Film by tdi
In this world of non-values and care less attitude this is a great family film that will entertain not only the children, but also the adults in your group. More studios should invest in value-based stories, congrats to Big Idea for having the courage to step up and lead the way.
5
The Pirates Rock! by bgrumpie2
The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything is a fun family film. It has humor for both children and adults. My children love Veggie Tales. My youngest, age 5, loved playing the drums along with ROCK MONSTER, the fun song at the end of the movie. It gives symbolism of God, our King, and how He always supplies the help we need. We saw it in the big theatre twice. We will anxiously await its arrival on DVD.
5
They got arms! by DadsBuying
Having a technical background, its good to see them branching out with limbs on the new character. Its also good to see that the creators don't take themselces too seriously, it makes the entire package a lot of fun.
The kids loved it. The 7 year-old says its rated 10 in funnyness (spelling?). The 11 year-old is singing the "Rock Monster" lyrics again now that I reminded him of the movie. How do they remember that in one sitting?
The story-moral seemed muddy - unlike the movie "Jonah" or thier half-hour productions. Yes, you get the religous message but they are never heavy about it. The pirate movie seemed like it was going for a heavy message but was backed out by something in a business community; and the analogy made just didn't work for me. Kids were fine with it though. That was a shame. We aren't church-goers but we make sure the kids see all the vegitales because the messages are good, honest, valueable and pertinent.
The movie is solid for kids and we recommend it.
5
Drumroll please! by BobbyM
I am a 16 year old boy. I like movies like rambo and Cloverfield but this movie was amazing. I went to this with my little cousin and i was like i dont want to see this. Then as the movie progessed i love it. I would see this again by myself. Very good Christian Movie.
Great for kids and everything. MUST SEE!!!!
5
Fun, Laughs and Positive Messages! by DawgGrowl
If you're any type of fan of VeggieTales (Larry the Cucumber is my favorite), you will certainly enjoy this feature film! I've seen this film twice. The first time there was light attendance (weekday matinee), but on Saturday afternoon, it was the laughter of the parents & adults which caught my attention during the film. The dialogue has many fun for kids, but humor for adults as well...helping make this a true family film. Positve messages of "doing the right thing" and taking others in consideration prevail. All this is Cheesey Curls, to boot!
5
The Pirates who don't do anything by SFBain1
Great movie. I enjoyed it. Great message of faith in it. My 4 year old loved it.
5
The pirates who don't do anything by Rhoffmans97
Very entertaining, my 2, 4 and 9 year olds all enjoyed the movie.
4
Fun flick by hmm23
My child and I thougth the movie was a lot of fun. More of a new take on the Wizard of Oz theme than biblical - the Veggie Tales' standard plot line basis. Some age appropriate suspense and fun one liners for the parent set. Not as fast paced as a Pixar or Disney animation. Stay for the credits for an added music video which was a riot. One disappointment was that the Veggie Tales' version of the song "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" was not in the movie as my child had hoped and expected.