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Moe and the Big Exit is sort of a sequel to The Ballad of Little Joe. Set against a backdrop of the Old West, it portrays a group of hard working families in Dodgeball City who are forced into working much harder than they'd like. As penalty for their defiance, babies are "sent up the river", one of who grows up to be Moe (Larry the Cucumber). One day Moe intervenes on behalf of a co-worker, has an altercation with a local official, and ends up sending that official up the river. He then is forced into exile. 

He takes on a new identity, and endures many hardships, including being trapped in a well by a bear. He is rescued by Sally, a native girl. He then fights off the bear with a small stick. Keeping the stick, he dubs it "Sliver". Love blooms between Moe and Sally... 

One day, a burning tumblewood appears to Moe, and gives him his mission. Armed with Sliver, he jumps on his buffalo, Zippy, and heads back to Dodgeball City to free the people from their hard labor. He meets with the mayor (Mr. Nezzer) several times, but the mayor will not bend. And as in the Bible account, plagues, freedom, and a chase ensue. And so does the whining of the people he rescued. 

There is also the usual Silly Song - the only thing I'll reveal here is that the BackSink Boys return with their own version of Moe's tale.

As always, Big Idea's writers do amazingly well at balancing humor with truth, and in keeping it interesting enough for adult watchers (at least the first time). Moe and the Big Exit is clever, well written, and enjoyable for all ages. Kind of sets it aprt from most "Christian film" in that regard, don'tcha think? 

Brian A. Smith
5 May 2007