VeggieTales: The Ballad of Little Joe

Taking their cue from the reverently funny musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, the Veggie Tales bunch tackles the "tricky" question, "If God loves me, why do bad things happen?" Larry the Cucumber stars as Jacob's favorite son, whose “great organizational ability” and vest of many colors arouses the jealousy of his brothers (portrayed by the French-accented peas). Joseph is abandoned by his scheming siblings, bought by desperados ("you'd better come to your senses," an Eagles-savvy Joseph inevitably cautions), and betrayed by a jealous pizza parlor singer in Dodge Ball City. But his faith never wavers. It wouldn't be VeggieTales without silly songs, and this one offers a ditty with the lyric, "If life gives you a lemon, have some more root beer," as well as a number entitled "Belly Button," featuring Larry as part of a boy band called Boyz in the Sink. DVD extras include an audio commentary, "How to Draw the Characters" feature, interactive storybook, and more. Another bonanza of faith-based food for thought, this is recommended. Aud: P. (K. Lee Benson)