The latest animated film from Dreamworks Studio, and the newest Dr. Seuss children's book adaptation, The Lorax, was a half-cheerful, half-depressing movie with a very strong message about the environment. Ted, voiced by Zac Efron, has fallen for a girl in his city of Thneed-Ville, named Audrey (in an actual enjoyable performance by Taylor Swift). Audrey's greatest wish is to have an actual tree, which are now non-existent. So, Ted travels out of the city limits to visit The Once-Ler, an old man who is the only person who knows the story of the trees, and the only person who can give Ted a tree for Audrey. Then the story of the title character, The Lorax, begins. The Lorax, voiced by Danny DeVito, is an enjoyable character who conveys a strong message about protecting the environment. In the end, the boy gets the girl, the girl gets the tree, and the Once-Ler is forgiven of his misdeeds by his old pal, The Lorax. The movie is very well-paced, alternating between past and present segments, and interspersed with various musical numbers that are characteristic of this type of film. There are some great supporting roles, mainly by Ted's Grandmother, voiced by the hilarious Betty White. Overall, a very well-adapted representation of the Dr. Seuss classic, that combines comedy, music, and a message about the importance of preserving our environment. Even if the kid's don't understand what the movie is trying to convey, the adults who take them should. It may get a little too dark for a children's movie, but the book did as well. An entertaining and thoughtful adaptation.
Rating: A-
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