The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything
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Breezy computer-animated children's adventure in which a trio of self-doubting anthropomorphized vegetables (one voiced by Mike Nawrocki, the others by Phil Vischer) who work at a pirate-themed dinner theater get the chance to prove their mettle when they're transported back in time and given the chance to save a prince (Yuri Lowenthal) and princess (Laura Gerow) from the nefarious designs of their power-hungry uncle (Cam Clarke). Nawrocki, who also directed, creates a wholesome, thoroughly enjoyable film which, despite some technical limitations, manages to convey its message about the real nature of heroism quite effectively. Some mild bathroom references. A-I -- general patronage. (G) 2008
A trio of busboys from "The Pieces of Ate," a pirate-themed dinner theater, get the chance to experience the swashbuckling lifestyle firsthand in "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie" (Universal). The result is a breezy, computer-animated children's adventure that promotes positive values.
The three anthropomorphized vegetable friends, timorous Elliot (voiced by Mike Nawrocki), feckless Sedgewick and insecure George (both voiced by Phil Vischer), all long for glory as they observe the hardy adventures enacted on stage. But all remain convinced that they lack the right stuff to become heroes, an assessment reinforced by their disastrous audition.
Things change quite suddenly, however, when an unusual instrument mysteriously appears in their midst. This is a "Helpseeker," sent out by a 17th-century king in need of courageous assistance from across time. Once this device transports them to the past, the aspiring pirates find themselves swept up in an exciting but challenging exploit, one that will test their mettle.
In the temporary absence of the good king who summoned them, his evil, power-hungry brother, Robert the Terrible (voice of Cam Clarke), is bidding for control. He has kidnapped his nephew, Prince Alexander (voice of Yuri Lowenthal) and now hopes to ensnare his niece, Princess Eloise (voice of Laura Gerow). Will three gallant but hapless garden products prove a match for this schemer? Will the good king return in time to set things right?
Nawrocki, who also directed, creates a wholesome, thoroughly enjoyable film. The animation sometimes lacks the depth of field of the best computer-generated offerings and there are a few inconsistencies, such as characters who manage to wield swords without having arms. But the movie conveys its message about true heroism quite effectively.
There is also a subtle but welcome Christian subtext to the film. This is made most apparent during the plot's climax, which we will refrain from spoiling. But parents of faith will appreciate both the story line and the moral values. As for the kids, this is one serving of vegetables they're likely to relish.
The film contains some mild bathroom references. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-I -- general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is G -- general audiences. All ages admitted.
Movies have been evaluated by the U.S. Conference of Catholic
Bishop's Office for Film and Broadcasting according to artistic
merit and moral suitability. The reviews include the USCCB rating,
the Motion Picture Association of America rating, and a brief
synopsis of the movie.
The classifications are as follows:
- A-I -- general patronage;
- A-II -- adults and adolescents;
- A-III -- adults;
- A-IV**
- L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. L replaces the previous classification, A-IV.
- O -- morally offensive.
** Discontinued classification. All archived movies that were originally in the A-IV category are now classified as L.