VeggieTales Review: Dave and the Giant Pickle

Stars: 5 out of 5
Pros: Story and gags will entertain all ages

Cons: Animation shows its low budget and age

The Bottom Line:

A fun retelling

Of classic Bible story

Do big things for God




Root for the Under Asparagus

Since in the early 90's, the VeggieTales series has been offering Christian moral values in a highly entertaining format. They use computer-animated vegetables to retell Bible stores or spoof modern culture, all with an import point. While aimed at kids, kids of all ages can enjoy them.

When Bob the Tomato arrives to introduce the show, he finds his co-host Larry the Cucumber pretending to be a superhero. Larry's tired of being a nobody and wants to be someone with real power. That just happens to tie into today's theme, and Bob introduces their take on the Bible story David and Goliath.

A long time ago, there was a boy named Dave (Jr. Asparagus). His job was helping his brothers look after the family sheep and keeping them from tipping over.

But when the Israelites go to war, Dave's brothers head off to fight. When the Philistines (the French Peas) suggest a fight of champions, the Israelite army quickly agrees. However, they are shocked to see Goliath, the giant pickle emerge. No one wants to fight him.

When Dave shows up to see how his brothers are doing, he hears the challenge from Goliath. Convinced God will help him, Dave volunteers to fight. But can he do defeat the giant pickle?

This early entry in the series was originally released in 1996. As such, the animation isn't up to today's standards. The backgrounds could be better and the characters are still a little stiff. Considering the time and budget, it's not a problem.

Especially since the story moves so fast, you hardly notice. The entire episode is only 30 minutes, so there is little time to dally. Instead, the time is filled with developing the story and gags that kids and their parents will enjoy. They even make a joke about their use of song in the story. To top off the fun, the moral "With God, all things are possible," is rock solid.

This episode is best known for the introduction of Larry's alter ego Larry-Boy during the intro. In addition to the countertop wrap around, this disc contains the silly song "Love My Lips" in which Larry explains just how important his lips are to him.

There's lots to love here, and fans both young and old will enjoy Dave and the Giant Pickle's unique take on a famous Bible story.