"VeggieTales: Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Noah's Umbrella" [Film Review] (2009)

VeggieTales:
Minnesota Cuke and the Search
For Noah's Umbrella

Film Details:

Starring:
Mike Nawrocki, Phil Vischer & Cydney Trent

Written by:
Mike Nawrocki

Directed by:
Mike Nawrocki

Rated: NR

[Release Date: August 1, 2009] (Big Idea / Boomerang Media)

In a day and age where cartoons have become increasingly violent and offer young
viewers adult-like humor in the form of double entendres, it’s good to know that there
are still wholesome and unadulterated cartoons out there for children to enjoy. One such
instance of this is the Big Idea series, VeggieTales, which introduces its newest direct-to-
video title, “Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Noah’s Umbrella” which releases August
1st in Christian retailers and August 4th everywhere else is a great new release for those
kids who like those action-adventure type cartoons. This is the sequel to Minnesota
Cuke and the Search for Samson’s Hairbrush.

In the story, Minnesota Cuke (portrayed by Larry the Cucumber) is off in search of
Noah’s Umbrella. Teaming up with Minnesota is his best friend Julia and his once sworn
enemy, Professor Rattan. The quest takes them on a trip around the world in such
locations as Central America and Turkey (where Noah’s ark is believed to still remain).
While on the trip, Julia is kidnapped by a peculiar looking ‘potato thug’. Minnesota later
finds out that she was kidnapped by Professor Rattan’s evil twin brother, Wicker.
Wicker, who is also in search of Noah’s Umbrella forces Minnesota and Julia to find it
for him.

In the middle of the story, the episode breaks off for one of the VeggieTales famous Silly
Songs, featuring the new song “Sippy Cup”, which is both silly (as previous described)
and funny!

The moral of the story, although simple is one I think children could benefit from
learning. It’s one of having confidence. The plot of this DVD focuses on how God had
plans for Noah (see the story of Noah in the Book of Genesis) in regards to the ark and
how everyone ridiculed and made fun of him. Noah, being the true man of God he was,
didn’t question it, although I think he may have wanted to. Instead, Noah put his full
confidence in the Lord that He must have had a reason for this. This Biblical story
relates to this episode with Minnesota Cuke not being afraid of being laughed in his quest
and having the confidence to follow God’s plan, no matter what people thought.

It’s cartoons like this that I encourage my kids to watch. It teaches them values while it
entertains and that’s the sole goal and motivation behind Big Idea’s brand of titles. I like
that.

Closing Thoughts:
“I watched Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Noah’s Umbrella with my two year-old
and she absolutely loved it! It was funny, silly and downright entertaining to watch! If
you haven’t sat down and watched it yet, I suggest taking some time and doing so. It’s
good to pretend to be a kid again – even if it’s only for a half hour!”

Additional Recommendations:
Check out the prequel to this story with Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Samson's
Hairbrush, available on DVD here.

Review Written By: Jay Heilman [j ay.heilman @christianmusicreview.org] Date Written: July 30, 2009 (DVD)

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