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The dread pirate Robert the Terrible

When fully unpacked, Pirates imparts the Bible-inspired storytelling parents and kids have come to expect from VeggieTales in a less obvious but as-fun-as-always package. Indeed, the freedom of the original story allows for some inventive bits with a song-happy pirate bar, belligerent Cheese Curls (really!), Galaxy Quest-like rock monsters and cameos from Madame Blueberry, Archibald Asparagus and Bob the Tomato (who, sadly, only has one line.) And like in their previous appearances, the three pirates are very very funny.

Unfortunately, the movie's story pacing and energy levels are uneven. Added to some unneeded scenes (like a second ending that almost repeats what happened moments before), the movie can feel too long and allow too much lag time between engaging bits. In fact, the ending credits features a lively and wonderful parody of the B-52s song "Rock Lobster" that made me wish the entire movie had the same energy, spirit and quick pacing. If it had, these pirates would have really done something.

>Talk About It

1. Why do you think George, Elliot and Sedgewick feel that "guys like us will never be more than cabin boys"? Are some people just not cut out to be heroes? Why or why not? What do you think it means to be a hero?
2. If Elliot, Sedgewick and George are supposed to be normal people like us in the story, who does the King represent? Why do you think that?
3. Could the pirates have been victorious without the King? Why or why not? List the ways the King helps them throughout the movie. What do you think this movie says about your ability to do good things without God?
4. Each of the three main characters has a weakness that holds him back. What is a weakness that you feel holds you back? Why would God allow humans to have weaknesses like this to struggle with? Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. What does this mean? How do you see this illustrated in the movie?

The Family Corner

Pirates is rated G, and parents should have no concerns about taking kids. There are some moments of peril, sword fights, cannon-shots and big rock monsters, but it's all done in a "safe," relatively unfrightening way.

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