As Good For Old-Folk as Young

This video is a MUST-SEE for everyone. Too bad "entertainment" today doesn't encompass the same level of quality in writing, acting, scenery, message content, musical score or filming that the Veggie Tales series has.

Rack, Shack and Benny (short for the actual Bible characters whose names ARE actually stated in the story at least twice) demonstrate how peer pressure (for the children) and authority pressure (in the form of the boss - good for adult situations) have a tremendous influence and impact on our lives and test our daily decisions.

The plot takes twists and turns while remaining faithful to the true Bible story that it references. Initially, the boss, Mr. Nezzer, is "gracious" by allowing all workers to eat as much of the chocolate (almost EVERY kid's favorite goody - it is my kids' biggest temptation) bunnies in the manufacturing plant as they want. Rack, Shack & Benny begin to indulge, but then remember a lullaby that Jr. Asparagus' mom sung "...Think of me every day; hold tight to what I say; and I'll be close to you even from far away. Know that wherever you are; it is never too far; if you think of me I'll be with you..." and it triggers the fact that they aren't supposed to be indulging. So, they spit it out.

Mr. Nezzer appears to find everyone on the floor in pain from all the chocolate except for the trio. He decides to "reward" their "loyalty" by making them Jr. Executives over the "little people". When he requests them to sing "The Bunny Song" (by far, one of THE CATCHIEST TUNES you'll ever hear!) in allegiance to the bunny idol, they faithfully, but respectfully refuse. The rest you know - the fiery furnace which they survive with a fourth person assisting them within.

Mr. Nezzer reminds me of SOOOOO many bosses I've either had to report to directly, indirectly or had to "deal" with. From the children's prospective, they are torn between obeying their parents/God and going against authority/yielding to peer pressure/not fitting in. Thus, the theme is so appropriate for young and old alike. Young will relate to it and it will provide a forum for communication regarding the increasing peer pressure that kids face today - unlike any other time.

You don't have to be "religious" or read - or even believe in- the Bible to get a LOT out of this video. If you want to raise decent kids and utilize a variety of forums and avenues to illustrate principles, or open communication or reinforce what is already instilled, this series is for you. I have seen all of them, but I prefer this one the most because of the subject (peer pressure - which is instrumental in many of youth's downfalls in behavior) and the great, catchy tunes. (Also, the characters - especially the boss and his crony - are soo real and depicted so humorously).