You may be wondering...
(pause)
Are you wondering?
IDK. But I'm wondering when Big Idea would give us another feature-length film. Yeah, it's been a while, right? I mean, the last theatrical movie they gave us was The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything... in 2008. So, basically, it's been more than 6 years now.
Now before we go any further, it's best to talk about Veggietales' theatrical releases. Now, I know I reviewed both of these movies already... even though I broke a promise on not reviewing Jonah... but the reviews are there. So, let's begin.
Jonah was the dramatic retelling of the Biblical story about a prophet that disobeys God and gets punished by being swallowed by a whale until finally repenting.
-SPOILER ALERT: Jonah still didn't get the point of the movie's quest (purpose).
I remember saying in my review that I was indifferent about this movie. To me, it wasn't bad, but it had some kind of awkwardness when it came to the characters, the comedic delivery, and... the awkward moments. Other than that, the animation was great, as well as the voice acting.
So, how did everyone else like this movie? Well, there was really no consensus. You either loved it or hated it. Well, I saw why people loved it or hated it. So, I agree. There really was no consensus.
The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything... that one, on the other hand...
Well, let's get the premise out of the way: The movie was about three friends that end up in a different scenario (due to unusual circumstances), and are mistaken as heroes...
-Yeah. Familiar? It's like another version of Three Amigos... but with pirates and princesses!
Well, in my review, I criticized the movie for reaching out to only the younger audience the majority of the film, instead of speaking to everyone, like a family film would. I also criticized the fact that there were so many things in the movie that were never explained. Aside from those criticisms, though, the soundtrack wasn't bad; the animation was awesome, as well. Yeah, for all its problems, I think the animation and soundtrack may have gave this movie some kind of value.
Okay, so now that we went through the movies, let's talk about the history.
Once upon a time, near 2000, Big Idea was preparing their first feature-length film, which was a huge jump out of their comfort zone, which was being a video series. Up until 2002, the first movie Jonah was promoted through a sing-along video, as well as in VHS and DVD trailers.
It was reported that it took $14 million to create this movie. Was the movie successful? Well, it made at least $25 million at the box office. But keep in mind that Veggietales wasn't the only kids' show that released its own feature-length film during that year: there was also Hey Arnold! The Movie, The Powerpuff Girls Movie, and The Wild Thornberrys Movie. Plus, know that this was the year when Disney decided to make less animated movies (ex. Lilo and Stitch, Return To Never Land, and Treasure Planet). Also, keep in mind that Dreamworks and Blue Sky Studios were just stepping out of Disney's shadow as their own animation studios (ex. Ice Age and Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron), while other animation studios gave us movie bombs like Eight Crazy Nights. In summary, the movies that made most of the profit was anything non-Disney.
This, of course, brought Big Idea some success on the big screen. And it wouldn't be until 2008 that they decide to give us another film.
When word went out that The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything was going to be Big Idea's next movie, I remember that the movie was promoted through Christian stores, and... maybe during kids' shows.
-Well, let's face it. Jonah was promoted more than this one.
On the week of its premiere, The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything was (I think) the only kids' movie that was out there. But it would be a week later than movies like Cloverfield would either intrigue or scare kids away from this movie; and movies like Rambo (or Rambo IV) and Jumper would pose the same threat, while Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert would show no mercy in its own way.
To make matters worse, it took $15 million to make this movie- a million dollars more than Jonah- but only made at least $13 million in the box office. This estimated $2 million deficit may have had Big Idea running back for cover.
Maybe that was why we haven't had a movie from them yet.
But can Big Idea still make another movie?
Honestly, I believe they can.
First of all, it's been at least 6 years since their last feature-length film. So, they ought to give it a shot.
Second, I truly believe that Big Idea has the creativity to give us another film. They just need to look in the right direction...
LOOK! THERE'S A CUCUMBER SUPERHERO THAT FANS AND NON-FANS MAY BE INTERESTED IN SEEING ON THE BIG SCREEN. PERHAPS YOU LIKE TO MAKE IT HAPPEN?
Lastly, I know that Big Idea can learn from their mistakes, because they have made mistakes before (ex. refer to "The Bunny Song" from Rack, Shack, and Benny, and its history to know what I mean).
Whatsoever Critic
Sources:
Veggietales
Wikipedia
Courtesy: Big Idea Entertainment
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