Asparagus and tomatoes and cucumbers, oh my! Big Idea Productions and their beloved Veggie Tales animated characters make their first jump to the big screen with enough inspired zaniness to make Jonah: A VeggieTales Movie an unexpected delight. Positing the familiar characters of Archibald Asparagus, Mr. Lunt, Larry the Cucumber, et al. from the popular Christian values-themed video series into this loose adaptation of the Biblical book of Jonah makes for a seamless transition for the series faithful, while also providing a somewhat intriguing introduction for movie-goers less familiar with the VeggieTales canon. Perhaps the most notable and endearing aspect of this film is its lack of overt preachiness -- which is instead replaced with a healthy dose of good-natured humor and creative embellishment, a must since the Book of Jonah is one of the Bible's shortest. Included in the creative embellishment department are a number of loony musical numbers that vary in hilarity -- the best of which can be found at the end of the movie as the credits roll -- and the addition of such plot points as fish-slapping heathens and a self-help addicted caterpillar, two of the most Monty Pythonesque jokes in a film filled with Monty Pythonesque humor. While certainly aimed at younger family members, Jonah is light and witty enough to entertain all members of the family -- which in and of itself is no small achievement.