Veggie Tales:Pistachio

In typical VeggieTales style, the humour in Pistachio flows as freely as the family values. Obviously from the subtitle, Pistachio's theme is "listening to your parents". Pistachio, exuberantly portrayed by Jr. Asparagus (rendered as carved-but-living-wood) is quick to tell toymaker Gelato (it's Larry under that distinguished mop of hair) "You're not the boss of me!"

Trouble--as well as general hilarity--ensues. Parts of the story seemed like they might be too scary for a sensitive child, but with parental reassurance (and emphasizing the funny bits) it shouldn't be an issue. Most kids wouldn't have a problem. As I recall, the Disney movie Pinocchio was much darker and scarier. (Here's where I confess to not having read the book!)

The writers go to town with the Italian theme. As the story opens, Gelato's three brothers have been lost at sea, en route to deliver meatballs to the island of Boyardee. The brothers' names are Milano, Espresso and Dorito, and one of them looks suspiciously like Marlon Brando. I haven't seen the Godfather movies, but I suspect there are a slew of little insider references for those who have.

Cricket, played by the half-caterpillar Khalil, will be especially funny to those who've seen VeggieTales' Jonah. Suffice it to say, this is not his first time being swallowed by a big fish.

In another inside joke, Cricket proclaims, "I'm no fool, no sirree." Anybody remember Jiminy Cricket doing that number in a Disney short? We also have Madame Blueberry instead of the Blue Fairy, and in general, plenty of groaner jokes. Typical VeggieTales fun.

Gelato loves to teach his adopted ducklings, and now his wooden asparagus. He's a fine example of a parent, if a bit absent-minded at times. He teaches by example as well as by words, and in sharing his wisdom and experience he hopes they'll grow up to be wise parents to their own children.

Kids and adults alike will enjoy the bonus features, which include a discussion guide, a visit to a real marionette theatre, art and commentary and... the traditional Sing Along with Larry. You can also download a Pistachio Family Fun Guide at the Big Idea site.

For anyone unfamiliar with VeggieTales, the standard format is to take a break half-way through the story for a Silly Song. This time it's "Obscure Broadway Show Tunes with Larry," where he and a pretty female vegetable sing "Where Have All the Staplers Gone?" The song claims to be from the unknown musical, Office Supplies, and the writers missed a chance with one: instead of a red Swingline stapler, it was purple. It did, however, develop a delightful set of fangs at the end.

Pistachio was a lot of fun, and it reminds me I've missed out on the last few offerings from the folks at Big Idea. My 13-year-old says the stapler song is one of the best silly songs they've done yet. Of course, that sparked a lively discussion of what is the best VeggieTales silly song. And what is the best VeggieTales song, period?

Note: DVD was provided courtesy of David C Cook and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. in exchange for an honest review.

VeggieTale's has done it again! Pistachio is a great family movie with a wonderful lesson. I loved the way that the movie combined popular culture with fairytale. I was laughing most of the way through it. The best part, for me, was watching and reviewing this video with three young friends. I liked listening to them laugh, and watching them absorb the story of the good shepherd. Here are their reactions to the movie.

K, age 10 - Very Funny!

L, age 8 - Everyone should watch it!

A, age 6 - 300 Thumbs up!

I couldn't have said it better myself!

DVD has been provided courtesy of David C Cook and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your local Christian retailer

Expect a VeggieTales that has changed. Oh! It is the same intro song but the settings have changed. You can see that the years of working on creating these characters are bringing new and improved tools. You can easily spot the differences between the characters from 10 years ago with today's new and improved characters.
As much as the teaching lesson from this DVD is well appreciated in this family - the importance of listening to your parents - I am a bit disappointed with some things. First of all, the story has only a father and no mother in sight. I understand that many families today are single families but isn't God ordained the family to be man-woman-children? So having a Christian company doing a DVD about listening to your parents and having a single father in it makes me wonder what is going on here. Why not creating a story where both parents are present?
You will reconnect with characters met previously in Jonah the movie like the caterpillar who plays the role of the Cricket as well as a snapshot of the whale. As you can realize this new DVD from VeggieTales is based on the popular story of Pinocchio which was previously put in animation by Disney.
My kids quite enjoyed the DVD while we watched it during a family time. In fact, my husband said "Okay kids, now you can watch this DVD every day if you want too!" He was joking obviously but we both approved the lesson that our beloved veggies were trying to pass to the kids. The graphics are fabulous as usual and the lesson will touch many children out there.
Of all the Veggie Tales Songs, there are only two silly-songs that I can't stand and totally don't understand... The first one is the SUV song and the other is the one included in this DVD titled "Where Have All The Staplers Gone?". I understand that the silly songs don't make sense anyways but honestly these two are the ones that I appreciate the less. Mind you, it can probably make others laugh so don't take my word for it.
This review was possible because I received a copy of Pistachio: The Little Boy That Woodn't from Grad-Martin .