Video Review: "VeggieTales: Dave and the Giant Pickle"

Rated: Not Rated (US) / G (Canada)
Starring: Phil Vischer, Lisa Vischer, and Mike Nawrocki
Released: March 1996 (original VHS)

Synopsis: The classic Bible story comes to life in this Veggie adventure! Young Dave (Junior Asparagus) is the smallest of his brothers, and is afraid that he won't amount to anything...but, when the mighty Philistine giant Goliath threatens Dave's people, no one will step up to the task.  Dave decides to trust in God and take on the enormous pickle all by himself.  If Dave wins, he'll save Israel...but, if he loses, his people will be enslaved.  Will Dave be able to slay the giant? Features the classic Silly Song "I Love My Lips".

The Good: The story of David and Goliath is an old Sunday school favorite, so, of course it would get the Veggie treatment.  With great animation, humorous nods to the original Biblical account, and a story of good triumphing over evil, not to mention the hilarious Silly Song, this VeggieTales episode mostly delivers, except...

The Bad: David and Goliath is a rather short story, especially when you leave out the non-kid-friendly bits, which means that there isn't much of a story here.  This almost feels like a video game with only one level; before you know it, it's done.  Maybe Big Idea could have fleshed out the story a bit instead of merely adding filler.

Content Concerns:

• Sex: None. 5/5
• Nudity: None. 5/5
• Language: None. 5/5
• Violence: Mild slapstick. 4/5
• Drugs: None. 5/5
• Frightening/Intense Scenes: Goliath could be scary for some kids. 4/5
• Other: Liberties are taken with the Biblical account. 4/5

Conclusion: Despite being a longtime fan of Christian entertainment, I'm not as well-versed in VeggieTales as I should be.  Most of the early episodes I've been watching recently are brand new to me, except for the Silly Songs.  While Dave and the Giant Pickle is good, it definitely isn't Big Idea's best production.  If you're new to the world of Bob and Larry, I suggest starting with Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie.  Experienced fans probably have already seen this; if you haven't, don't expect to be blown away.

Score: 3.5/5