Recently, we had the opportunity to
watch and review the latest release from VeggieTales, MacLarry and the Stinky Cheese Battle (out today!) I'll start off by saying that
I've been a big fan of VeggieTales ever since I heard Mr Lunt
crooning about a cheeseburger, so you won't see much of a critical
review here. If you're looking for that, I'll give you my mother in
law's phone number! Just kidding. ;-) (But seriously, I don't know
anyone else who says things like "how is he putting the quarter
in that thing {said of King George trying to get a glimpse of the
forbidden ducky through the coin operated viewer}?! Nobody in this
show has any arms or hands!" (Never a dull moment while watching
television with that one. Ahem!)
"MacSon" and "MacDaughter" really had a
great time watching MacLarry and the Stinky Cheese Battle, while
"MacMommy" watched along and tended to "MacToddler". "MacGrammy" came to
visit toward the end of the movie, and she enjoyed what she saw as
well (shh, don't tell her I said that!) I have to wonder if we are
the only ones who underwent name-changes after this movie (ie MacBob
and MacLarry, MacTunia). I think it is particularly telling that "MacSon" used one
of his "Mac-TV tokens" to watch MacLarry the next day. With
their downloadable coloring and activity sheets, this would also make a
great MacChildren's Ministry lesson too! (I'm going to have to keep
that in mind next time I'm asked to help out.)
 | |
| MacLarry and the Stinky Cheese Battle and some popcorn (of the non-cheese variety). |
Review time! MacLarry is the son of
Chog Norrius, a revered Scottish warrior who happens to be in the
middle of a seemingly permanent battle with the Romans. Pranks abound
in this tale, with the Scots being "Barber-barians" who
seek out opportunities to administer bad hair cuts to their Roman
enemies. Enter MacLarry. His father supposes that he will follow suit
and become a Barber-barian as well, but MacLarry's heart longs to
invent things. In my opinion, he might have actually "made the
cut" if his father allowed him to try his Flowbee-like invention
to give an acceptable bad haircut during his test. MacLarry fails to
deliver yet again and just can't seem to fit in, and ends up leaving
on a journey to meet and become apprentice to an inventor hero of
his.
MacLarry's plans go awry and he ends up
in the hands of his enemy, meanwhile Chog Norrius and the other Scots
are on a mission to find the Cheese of Attila to force the Romans to
finally call a truce. Long (ish) story short, both sides are
threatened by the stinky cheese and MacLarry and his inventive mind
save the day!
What I especially like about this
video:
References to real places- As a
homeschooler, I embrace any opportunity to teach my children about
the world they live in. Every time we see a real-life place mentioned
on screen or in a book, I show them where it is located on a giant
map of the world in our living room. As a result, my six year old is
aware that Downton Abbey and Call the Midwife (a couple of my current
favorite shows) take place in England (parenting win, I say!), as
well as the fact that much of the literature we've read lately comes
from that area too. I'm sure "MacSon" will be delighted to
realize that MacLarry and friends inhabit the same big island as
Winnie the Pooh, and James and his giant peach and other literary
friends (as well as some of mommy's fictional friends.) Rome and
Greece are referenced as well (though not quite accurately
location-wise).
References to scientific stuff-
MacLarry's passion for inventions leads him to talk about simple
machines like levers- things my children have already been exposed to
from other sources. I think that they will enjoy seeing them in
action elsewhere. MacLarry uses his science smarts to ultimately
bring peace to the people.
Laughs for the grown-ups-
Seriously? Chog Norrius? Though I will say I was really expecting
them to take this joke a little further. That would've been so
awesome! The Flock of Seagulls hair cut given to one of the Romans
during a raid amuses my inner 80's child. There's a lot more, but you
have to watch!
Relatability to real life-
How many times in the Body of Christ have any of us felt that our
gifts were of little value? We feel that we are urged to act or look
a certain way, and feel like we should conform to the "standard".
This story shows us the importance of having differing gifts. One
never knows when your difference ministers to someone and wins them
to Jesus (and that's the ultimate goal for any Christian, right?)
MacLarry and the Stinky Cheese Battle says to little ones and big
ones alike "be who God made you to be! You have a purpose in the
Body of Christ, and it may not look like what everyone else is doing-
and appreciate the differences in others!" While I relate a
little more to an underdog like MacLarry than the other characters,
I'm also challenged to value the strengths of those who are not like
me- we all
have our place. I think this movie will help children to cherish their
emerging gifts and talents and unique personalities, as well as those
of other people.
What
could be improved on:
Seriously,
more Chog Norrius jokes-
the end.
*Disclosure:
I was provided with a free copy of this DVD, but all opinions are my
own, and no other compensation was received.*
