Noah's Ark Review

Hey to my fellow Veggie-Heads! A new chapter of VeggieTales has begun and I'm incredibly excited to be bringing you my review on the fantastic new episode Noah's Ark! Now, let's get on board! (I couldn't resist.)

(Also: thanks to DWA TV for the advance copy!)

The first thing you might notice is the new reincarnation of the intro. It's overall very similar to the 2010-2014 one, but now Bob and Larry are going it solo. I'll admit, I've gotten used to Jimmy and Jerry coming in on the second verse, but the intro is no less enjoyable. Seeing Bob and Larry with their new looks is really cool, and the fact they're doing this on their own reminds me a lot of the original intro. But perhaps the best thing about the new intro is that, instead of a clip show, they show off a variety of "photos" of each episode's cover art throughout the years, which makes me so nostalgic. It's a lovely reminder of how far they've come, and how many wonderful episodes they've made! I'm guessing once they get some more episodes under their belt in the new style, they'll go back to the clip show format, but this is definitely a preferred method over just using clips from this episode alone.

We also get to see the new countertop! I just adore how Bob and Larry subtly comment on each other's new looks. Larry did mention on an interview with NewReleaseTuesday.com that working out brought out the color in his eyes :) Oh, and Qwerty hasn't changed a bit! But the elephant in the room isn't all of the new looks, it actually is an elephant -- because the first episode of this new era is Noah's Ark! And it's the only Noah's Ark retelling thus far to be told from Shem's point of view and to involve a giant squid and several flying machines. (I do like how they get it off the bat real fast that these things are all Larry's additions. Smart plan when you want to avoid confusing younger viewers.) Anyhow, off the countertop and onto the story itself!

While Bob and Larry being on the cover seems to make this episode appear to be about them, it's actually Shem who's at center stage. Shem, played by the awesome Wayne Brady, has big plans. Having just come off his honeymoon with his new wife, Sadie, Shem is full of ideas for their new home. But he doesn't expect to find that his dad built an ark while they were gone. This new perspective is absolutely a breath of fresh air and is one of the most original concepts I've ever seen. Shem reacts a lot like we would in this situation. Noah and the rest of the family just go with what God says, but Shem can't help but wonder if maybe his plan would be better. Throughout the story, Shem finds himself having doubts one way or another, and it's only when he allows himself to trust God that he's able to understand why His plan is perfect. Aside from the excellent storytelling method Shem helps execute, he is absolutely hilarious. He's witty, real, and appropriately sarcastic at times. Honestly, I would not mind if Shem became a permanent character on the show :)

And of course, it would be wrong of me not to talk more about Shem's better half, Sadie, played by the awesome Jaci Velasquez. Sadie is a constant source of support and encouragement for Shem. She's sweet-natured, bubbly, and trusting -- but she can be tough when she needs to be! I love that VT decided to give the unnamed wives of Noah's sons some real personality and make them more than just a few supporting characters.

Thinking about characters, I was very interested in seeing how the rest of the roles would be filled. After watching In the House for a while, I've gotten used to each character's new, unique personality, which can make it sort of hard to visualize what it would look like for them to don new personalities and costumes for their characters. Ultimately, each veggie stays pretty true to his or her ITH characterization, but Big Idea has sprinkled in some new personality traits to make them uniquely the characters of Noah and his family. It will definitely be interesting to see over time how some characters might play certain roles, like the next time Larry plays a hero-type character, after being his playful, silly self so much lately. But really, the differences are minute and don't take away for a second the joy, creativity, and excellent storytelling VT has always brought to the table.

Then there's the music! There's an ark-load of songs in this one, and each one of them is fantastic. And when you throw in Mr. Brady and Miss Velasquez's singing voices, you've got something super special. The songs, written by Drew Fornarola and Marshall Pailet, are so well done and really give a unique sound to this episode. The overall musical stylings of this one really feels like a throwback to the classic VT Bible stories. I can't help but love that VeggieTales hasn't let go of their musical roots! :D

Speaking of songs, we also are getting the new era's first Silly Song, My Golden Egg! Only Larry would take an Easter egg hunt this seriously, as he goes all Indiana-Jones on it as he searches for that prized golden egg. The song has a great rhythm, clever lyrics, and of course, a few well-placed Indy nods -- like with the French Peas as background-singer jungle tribesmen! But Larry just might let that treasure slip out from under his nose amidst the catchy song... or will he? Either way, I really want a chocolate egg right now, and Easter's not for another month!

Fact is, there's a lot I could go on and on about; the adorable animals, the fantastic character animation, all of the effects, the funny gags and one-liners... but I don't want to forget to talk about the beautiful truth of this episode.

Image credit: DWA TV PR

Between being stuck in the rain for forty days and being stuck on the ark a year afterward, Shem finds himself desperate to chart his own course. But when he actually listens to God and allows himself to trust His promises, he finds himself playing an unexpected role in God's plan. In the end, Shem finally understands what it means to embrace what God wants for his future. I think it's safe to say we all have times in our lives when we'd rather be in control, and when we don't understand the hardships and frustrations around us. But isn't it amazing just how much God loves us, and how perfect the course He charts for us is? Noah's Ark is a beautiful reminder of both those truths, and it's an absolutely no-questions five-star episode! Well done, Big Idea! 

You'll never see the story the same way again... and that's not a bad thing!

GMUS & <3sUVM,
- Chandler

10 Reasons To Love VeggieTales In The House!

Most of you are probably aware by now that a new chapter in the history of VeggieTales is starting this Wednesday on Netflix. It's a sad thing to me that many people have mixed opinions on the new series. But having myself seen the first episode (thanks, DWA TV!), I can reassure you that if you love VT (and I know you do), you will still love In the House! And I'm here to present my review as a spoiler-free top ten list to show you why!

Image credit: DWA TV PR

1. The Character Designs
I know, I know... this is what people are having mixed opinions about! But as I stated on my previous post on In the House, the designs, while different, are actually really fun and charming! My favorite redesigns belong to Jerry, Petunia, Junior, and Pa. It wouldn't have normally thought eyes would look good on Pa Grape, but his new design is adorable! He reminds me of The Mayor in The Powerpuff Girls! :D 

All of the designs are delightful and well thought-out, and tied together with the great voice acting and beautiful animation, it makes for a seriously amazing show! I understand it'll take some getting used to for some, but it most likely won't take long for these "fresh" veggies to steal our hearts the way they have for decades.

Image credit: my own DVD

 

2. The Music
Songs and VeggieTales go together like baby carrots and ranch dip, and if you were worried that they would skimp on that in ITH, you have nothing to worry about! Every episode has a fun, Silly Song-worthy tune that still maintains the charm of the classic episodes' songs!

Oh, and the new theme song -- talk about catchy! The ITH theme is upbeat and a whole lot of fun, delivering an new sound to the show that still holds to its roots. Plus, Scott Krippayne worked on it, so that should be enough to get you excited! (What... just me?) 

Anyway, the new musicians at the helm, Terry Scott Taylor and Robert Watson, really capture the spirit and sound of the Veggies we've always known in a whole new way!

Image credit: my own DVD

 

3. The Art Direction Overall
There is so much detail in the big, big world our Veggies call home! The new artists, with Joe Spadaford's guidance and supervision, have created a whole new world surrounding the countertop that is just too amazing, right down to building the house's exterior itself! All of the locales are just loaded with attention to detail -- Pa Grape's shop being one of the most detailed of the bunch. And not a single prop has been reused from the original series; it's quite the feat to build everything from scratch! 

And if we need any more reasons to love it, the design overall calls back to the earliest VT episodes, with a wonky, slightly lopsided charm that one might remember from Junior's bedroom or LarryBoy's mansion. Along with the character designs, the artists on this show have made it truly a visual delight!

Image credit: my own DVD

 

4. The Laughs
The trailer showcased on the Beauty and the Beet DVD was chock-full of comic action and hilarious slapstick humor. But if you were worried that the physical humor would tilt the balance between slapstick and one-liners, that is far from the case! One of the funniest lines I've ever heard in recent VeggieTales history was in the first five minutes of the first episode! The humor remains as it always has with VT, just a little faster-paced and bringing in a very wacky sense of comic action that kids (as well as adults) will love!

Image credit: my own DVD

 

5. The New Characters
It may not seem that the VT cast has changed much, but a few new faces have already made their debut thus far. Aside from a very colorful array of background characters, with some corn and broccoli in the mix, in the first two episodes, we mainly meet Ichabeezer and Rooney. 

Do not be confused, Ichabeezer isn't Mr. Nezzer, despite the resemblance. He's a bit more of a grumpy old man than Nezzer is -- though I could definitely see them being related. If he sounds a lot like Mr. Beet, that's because he is indeed voiced by the great Rob Paulsen! Ichabeezer is very practical, kinda gruff, and good at nailing the occasional bit of sarcasm (nothing VT wouldn't do already, of course). I do miss seeing Nezzer around, but Ichabeezer's an easy character to love (even if he doesn't want to come off that way). We also get to meet his olive-hound Rooney! I can't help but adore the concept they came up with, and they made quite the endearing character out of him! Boy, does that Rooney love fetch... a little too much, perhaps, for Ichabeezer, as you will see XD

And while other new characters are currently unknown, we do get some new approaches to the original cast with new voices, including Petunia, Laura, and Madame Blueberry, who all happen to be voiced by the great Tress MacNeille!

Petunia still keeps her roots as a very confident but kind girl, and I love the way she's played out in these first two episodes. She comes off in a way that makes her seem like she'd got it all together, but that trailer proves that she'll have a few off-moments :P I could talk more about Laura, but she overall hasn't changed as much, except that she's a bit more bubbly and excitable, which makes her all the more adorable. Madame Blueberry, however, has perhaps changed the most. Ms. MacNeille has made Madame a bit less French and more of a high-society lady, which is still very in touch with her character. Her role has been one of the most enjoyable to watch, especially since she's one of the main characters in the second episode.

All in all, the characters may have changed in looks and in voice, but they are still true to who they've been since '95, '98, and '05, and I can't help but love them.

Image credit: my own DVD

 

6. The Animation
I know I've already mentioned this, but the animation really is great! It's very fluid, fast-paced, and dripping with charm and personality. What you might not've thought about concerning the new character designs is that they're actually made to animate a bit more realistically in some ways. Not that the original models weren't realistic at all, but the characters were also built differently back then. Larry's super bouncy personality is accentuated perfectly with the "bounciness" of the character animation! This dynamic, cartoony feel just suits VeggieTales to a T!

Image credit: my own DVD

 

7. The Pacing
ITH's faster pace is really a great thing. Not that there was anything wrong with the 45-minuters, of course. But ITH's pace works well for the shorter episode lengths, as well as for the overall feel of the show. That cartoony, or as Phil Vischer described in a video posted on the official VT Facebook, Tom and Jerry-like, vibe just makes the show all the more fun, and will definitely appeal to kids and parents alike. While some longtime VT fans may need to get used to this zippy approach, I think you'll get a feel for it after a couple episodes.

Plus, did I mention the well-placed goofy sound effects they use? Like that bit in the trailer where Bob and Larry's scream is a chicken squawk? I'm sorry, but I think that's pretty hilarious!

Image credit: my own DVD

 

8. The Heart
Of course, all this great comedy, art, and storytelling would be nothing without the heart. And ITH does not skimp! The first two episodes artfully teach about responsibility and the power of words in a way that only VT can do. They weave these truths into each episode masterfully and oh-so-originally! And there is no shortage of Bible verses, which I know we're all glad for after VeggieTales on TV tended to cut them out. These moments of honesty mixed in amidst the laughs make for a truly strong-hearted cartoon, not just your everyday Looney Tunes fare. Not that there's anything wrong with comedy for comedy's sake, of course... but we need our "veggies", too!

Image credit: my own DVD

 

9. The Exposure
Just think about this for a second: ITH is a Netflix exclusive right now. One of a handful of Christian-value-based programs on the service. Imagine how much exposure the show will get! How many kids and parents who may've never seen or heard of VT who will see it! How many lives just might be changed, even in a small way, because of this! Wow! ITH's new home on Netflix is the perfect place for it to be :)

Image credit: DWA TV PR

 

10. The Quintessential Truth
Even though the show is structured differently than the 45-minuters, they always end with the most important truth, the one that VT has been saying since its beginning: 

"God made you special, and He loves you very much!" 

That is awesome.

So yes, I am more than excited now to be a part of this new era of VeggieTales! I can hardly wait to see more episodes in the near future as Bob and Larry take over their house... and houses all over the world! I hope I've helped in getting you truly excited for this seriously fun show! That's all the time I have for today, so remember...

GMUS & <3sUVM,
- Chandler

Beauty And The Beet Review

Hey to all my fellow Veggie fans out there! I'm thrilled to be coming to you today with my first VT review!

Today is the everywhere release date of the newest episode Beauty and the Beet, and I'm here to give you the [spoiler-free] dish on this modern take on a "tale as old as time"!

(Thanks, DWA TV, for the advance copy!)

Image credit: DreamWorks TV PR

This episode introduces to us a family band known as The VeggieTones, whose road to fame hits a bump and lands them stuck in an old hotel run by a beast of a guy named Mr. Beet. But I'm getting ahead of myself... let's talk about the VeggieTones, and of course, our lead, Mirabelle.

 

I adore the VeggieTones' pop-country vibe, something unique and fun to add to VT's long list of musical styles. And I'm not sure they would've had that vibe without the band's lead singer -- and manager Larry Dill's youngest daughter -- Mirabelle, voiced by Kellie Pickler. I'd never heard Kellie Pickler's musical stylings prior to this, but clearly she's super talented both as a singer and actress. She not only brings an amazing amount of heart and soul to the wonderful songs, but also to Mirabelle's character. The opening number, "Show You Love", is a really fun, catchy-but-honest tune, paving the path for the story to come as we watch the VeggieTones go from hometown hits to rising stars at Vegetable Square Garden. (Don't you just love those puns? This episode has a ton of produce puns in the first few minutes alone!)

 

The first time we see Mirabelle off-stage, it's clear that she's indeed "strange but special" in the eyes of most (cookies for whoever picks up on all the Disney references in this review). While her sisters let the stagehands do the work of moving their instruments, Mirabelle readily lends a hand. But this is far from the only thing that makes this sweet potato such a sweetheart. Her character is just so genuine and real, which is especially seen as she continually shows kindness to Mr. Beet throughout the story. At the same time, she's not made out to be impossibly perfect. This might sound kind of weird, but I love that she and Mr. Beet have an argument. Mirabelle's honest and direct about her feelings on Mr. Beet's attitude, but she never once renounces the love she shows him, even in the midst of that frustrating confrontation. She makes it clear that she's not perfect, and because God loves her despite her imperfections, she's able to love others despite their imperfections. Mirabelle is a role model, y'all!

 

Then there's that beet, Finnegan J. Beet III. I had no idea what to expect of him -- after all, what would a Veggie variation of such a ferocious character as The Beast look like? But I was hugely impressed by the character they put together! When the VeggieTones are stuck at the old hotel, low on funds and their bus out of commission, the employees welcome them openly. But their manager, Mr. Beet, is not in a mood to listen, not interested in giving handouts, and pretty much makes it clear the only way the family's staying is if they work. He comes off so unlikable at first, just not having it, not caring, and only his cleverly timed sarcasm makes his personality at all appealing (well, his awesome voice actor, the great Rob Paulsen, helps too). But then Mirabelle comes along, convincing Mr. Beet to take a couple of singing lessons from her. And from there on, things slowly start to change -- the Beet's attitude, Mirabelle's impression of him, and even the run-down hotel itself!

Image credit: DreamWorks TV PR

 

I really love how Big Idea put their own unique spin on this familiar tale and the truth at the heart of it. Without hopefully giving too much away, Beauty and the Beet doesn't center around romantic love specifically (not that there's anything wrong with that), but a broader kind of love that is relatable to all of us. The bond that ultimately forms between Mirabelle and Finnegan is honest and real, and it gives me some serious warm fuzzies. With the episode's thrilling climax and heartfelt ending, its message of real, unconditional love is absolutely beautiful. There's nothing I can do to not give this episode a full-on five star review. Well done, Big Idea, well done. 

 

Yes, this episode truly has it all. The set pieces and lighting are just gorgeous; the character animation could not be more perfect; the songs are truly top-notch ("Love is the Song" is perhaps my favorite); there are some outrageously funny moments and lines... just the usual VeggieTales awesomeness! And as an extra musical bonus, we also get a pop-rockin' VeggieTones take on "Deck the Halls" to get us excited for the Christmas season!

 

Oh and speaking of songs, I have to talk about the new Silly Song, "Mac and Cheese"! It's a delightfully bouncy opera of Larry's grandparents, whose accidental meet-cute gave us the cheesy pasta dish we have today. Larry gets dressed up in a lot of historical outfits in this goodie as he portrays his grandfather -- and almost everyone else in his cucumber family! It's a lovely little Romeo-and-Juliet tale told with VT-style silliness, as two warring families come together with macaroni, cheese, and true love. (Bet you never thought you'd hear that sentence, did you?) I say it's a pretty grate addition to the Silly Song roster! Sorry, that was pretty... cheesy! 

 

(I could really go for some blue-box Kraft right about now...)

 

But in all seriousness, Beauty and the Beet is super fun and a sweet reminder of how we can love others as God loves us. So, go buy it now if you haven't yet -- I'm "certain as the sun rising in the east" that you'll love it! 

 

(OK, that last reference was a little over-the-top...)

 

GMUS & <3sUVM,

- Chandler

New Trailer for The League of Incredible Vegetables

I didn't expect it to come until later this summer, but surprisingly enough, we have the first trailer for the first LarryBoy episode in six years, The League of Incredible Vegetables. Which, as another surprise, doesn't have the word LarryBoy in the title.

It looks amazing, doesn't it? I'm going to give it a quick review here.

0:05-0:13 Dr. Flurry looks really cool (no pun intended). He seems like the typical mad scientist kind of villain, but that's not something we've seen before in VeggieTales (except for in the 2D LarryBoy videos, perhaps). And he has penguin henchmen! How neat is that?

0:20-0:36 I really like these superhero costumes. They're pretty simple, but I guess I should have expected that. It seems like it would be difficult to design anything more complicated for a vegetable. And it wouldn't really be necessary anyway. The names of the superheros are pretty imaginative as well. I expected Bob to just be called The Red Wonder or Bobin like he called himself in LarryBoy and the Bad Apple. But nope, they decided to come up with something more creative and decided on the name Thingamabob, which was just genius.

0:37-0:39 The super vehicles. Let's see, we've got the LarryMobile, a helicopter thing which I'm assuming is Bob's, a shoe-car thing that is obviously Petunia's, and little car that could belong to either Junior or Lunt. Cool stuff. But where's the fifth one? It seems like the LarryCave is keeping its design from Bad Apple, which is good.

0:44-0:48 Wow, that logo looks awesome! And that is really all I can say about it.

Are you excited yet? Because I definitely am! This looks to be the best thing that the veggies have done in several years. And its coming to a store near you October 2012.

Podcast #1: Leap Year, Bubble Rap and More

Today, I'm very excited to announce our brand new Countertop Podcast! In Episode 1, I talk about several new things, including the new short Larry's Leapin' Leap Year and the new Silly Song. You'll also have the pleasure of hearing me ramble about how much VeggieTales has changed over the past few years.

Click here to listen to and download this episode.

Larry's Leapin' Leap Year

Bubble Rap

Review of The Princess and the Popstar

Summary from VeggieTales.com:

Princess Poppyseed’s life on her family’s farm is far from the glamorous world of her favorite pop singer Vanna Banana. While Princess milks the cows and dreams of a life on stage, Vanna has her own dreams of a life far from the hectic pace of stardom that leaves her feeling alone and lonely. On a chance meeting at a playground, Vanna and Princess cross paths and realize they look almost exactly alike, which leads to the crazy notion that maybe they could switch lives! In a flash, the girls’ secret plan is launched and Princess is whisked to her new life as a pop star while Vanna gets to live her dream of a life away from the pressure of fame! As Princess tries to live up to the demands of being a diva and Vanna learns how to milk the cows, things don’t go as smoothly as they would like! As each girl realizes the life they longed for doesn’t fulfill all their dreams, they learn that the life God gave them is the one for which they were uniquely and lovingly designed.

You can be a rockstar. Follow your dreams and you can be famous. Believe in yourself.

That's what so much of our culture is constantly telling us. A friend of mine came up with a term for phrases such as the ones stated above: "Disneychannelisms." And it fits very well. Kids turn on the TV to nearly any kid's channel and they're told that they have to be famous in order to be special.

And that's why it's so refreshing to see VeggieTales teaching that fame isn't everything- that God has made each and every life special.

Review of Pistachio- The Little Boy That Woodn't

From the Cover
Once upon a time, a lonely toymaker named Gelato decided to carve a little boy out of wood. Imagine his surprise when he learned that his little toy boy could walk... and talk... and definitely had a mind of his own! When Pistachio tries to do things his way he lands in a"whale" of a situation! Will he decide to listen to the wisdom of a loving father in time enough to save his whole family from becoming fish food?

I have to say, Pistachio is probably one of Junior's best (and cutest) roles ever. I thouroghly enjoyed how childlike he was, and he did well in the role of the rebelious son. Gelato is a nice character as well. Some say that Dad Asparagus would have fit the part better, but personally I think Larry was a better choice. We don't get to see him in a father role very often, and it was fun to see that in this show. Khalil made a return in this episode as the character of Cricket. He provides much of the humor.

Review of Bob and Larry Sing the 80s

Track List:
Gourds Just Want to Have Fun
La Bamba
Everybody Have Fun Tonight
Walking On Sunshine
Footloose
That's What Friends Are For
We Got The Beat
Walk Like An Egyptian
The Power of Love
Don't Worry Be Happy

Following the success of the 2006 release of Bob and Larry Sing the 70s, this new album covering songs from the 80s was released last fall. Since I received my copy several months ago, it has become one of my favorite VeggieTales music albums. The songs are great, and the "veggietized" versions of some of the lyrics are funny.

Review of 'Twas the Night Before Easter

From the Cover:
"It's Easter time in Crisper County and cable news reporter Marlee Meade (Petunia Rhubarb) is hunting for a way to help others. On a tip that the old town theater will be shut down, Marlee cooks up a plan to save the stage. Despite all her schemes, will she discover the true meaning of Easter and what helping others is really about?"

I believe the best word to describe this new episode is classic. The character's roles really match their personalities, and the show overall feels like one of the old episodes that we all love. Their are so many great moments and songs. The only thing that I could almost complain about is the fact that the storyline is very similar to The Star of Christmas, but its different enough to where I don't think its a big deal.

Share YOUR Reviews

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Review of Happy Together

From the Cover:
"What makes you happy? Join Larry and his Veggie pals on a quest to find out what true happiness is all about! Featuring 3 classic stories with lessons on forgiveness, courage and friendship! PLUS... funny and thought-provoking moments from the Veggie Kids (as voiced by real children) sharing their take on what true happiness really means!"


Even though Happy Together is a compilation of three already released episodes, the twenty minutes or so of all-new animation will probably make it worth you 10-12 bucks, especially if you like cute little kids talking about happiness.

Review of Sweetpea Beauty: A Girl After God's Own Heart

From the Cover:
"Sweetpea Beauty know that what's on the inside is what matters most, but insecure Queen Blueberry can't see past her own reflection! Will Sweetpea save the Queen from the lies of the tricky mirror and help her understand she's special just the way God made her? Find out in the fairy "Veggie" tale about the real meaning of true beauty."
  
As I said in a previous review, Sweetpea Beauty is painful to watch. I once heard someone say that it looks unfinished, and I totally agree. The Snoodlerella story for the most part looked better than the rest of the show though.

Review of It's A Meaingingful Life

From the Cover:
"It was the biggest football game of his life, and Stewart (Larry the Cucumber) had a chance to win it all. Injured in one bad play, his hopes of playing in the Salad Bowl- and living a life of fame and fortune- are dashed forever. Years later, silly-but-sweet Stewart loves his family, friends and job at the toy train factory, but still wonders "what if" things had been different. When he meets a mysterious train conductor who can turn back time, Stewart gets a chance to have the life he always wanted. Will he finally find all he's been looking for? And what does this mean for those he loves most? Find out in this story of wonder and a lesson in being content."
 
It's A Meaningful Life is an episode that, in most ways, does not disappoint. I say "in most ways" because of a somewhat minor problem, namely the technical quality. Ever since they stopped using the animation house in Canada, the quality of the animation has slowly been going down. This show isn't as bad as Sweetpea Beauty (that one was just painful to watch), but I did notice some issues such as some of the character's bouncing looking rather unnatural, some objects being a little too shiny, and several other things.