DVD Review: "VeggieTales: Larry-Boy and the Rumor Weed"

Rated: Not Rated (US) / G (Canada)
Starring: Phil Vischer, Mike Nawrocki, and G. Bock
Released: July 27, 1999

Synopsis: Larry may seem like your average, everyday cucumber...but, he has a big secret: By night, he is Larry-Boy, defender of all things right in Bumblyburg! When his butler Alfred (Archibald Asparagus) visits Junior Asparagus and Laura Carrot's class, a misinterpreted remark leads the two young vegetables into thinking that Alfred is a robot! After the nefarious Rumor Weed overhears their conversation, the whole town of Bumblyburg has turned against Alfred! It's up to Larry-Boy to squelch the Rumor Weed once and for all...but, undoing her damage may be too tough for the costumed cucumber!

The Good: This was a really cute episode; I thought the animation was outstanding, and it drives the point home while still having fun with the plot.  With humorous nods to the Batman comics, and a great track by old-school Christian band The W's during the closing credits, this is pretty much fun for everyone; even adult viewers could benefit from the moral of this story!

The Bad: The only serious complaint I have is that there was no Silly Song, which may disappoint some Veggie fans.

Content Concerns: I don't do my usual analysis when it comes to Christian entertainment, but, I will say a scene or two of this film is dark, and the Rumor Weed is mildly scary.  Only very young children would be bothered by that, though.

Conclusion: By now, everyone reading this probably knows what to expect from VeggieTales, and that's just what they'll get; well, minus a Silly Song.  So, I'll just say this: You may despise this series because of its cuteness and kid-friendliness, but the lesson this episode teaches is one that many grownups should take to heart...and that's someone well into his twenties talking.

Score: 4/5