The Lorax (2012)

Genre

Animation | Comedy

Director

Chris Renaud

Country

USA

Voice Cast

Zac Efron, Danny DeVito, Ed Helms, Taylor Swift, Betty White, Rob Riggle, Jenny Slate, Nasim Pedrad, Stephen Tobolowsky, Elmarie Wendel, Danny Cooksey

Storyline

In the town of Thneedville, where everything is artificial even the trees and air is a commodity, a young boy named Ted (Zac Efron) goes searching for a real tree to win the heart of his dream girl, Audrey (Taylor Swift). To find it, he must discover the story of the Lorax (Danny DeVito), a creature who fights to protect his world.

Opinion

When it comes to adapting Dr. Seuss' books, Hollywood screws up every single time. Why make an exception this time then? "The Lorax" is a colourful adaptation kids might like, but will bore adults to death.

The first thing I'd like to point out is that Hollywood modernized the original story. Modernizing something doesn't always mean making it worse, but in this case that's exactly what happened. We are so stuck with two stories, one of which completely ruined the film for me.

The Once-ler's tale is the story carried over from the book and it quite well done, even though the tones are soften a bit. But how could a film possibly be successful without a romantic side-plot? So the boy without a name, an origin, or a reason for coming to see the Once-ler, becomes a boy named Ted, living in the artificial town of Thneedville, whose only reason for seeking out the Once-ler is to impress the girl of his dreams. Not to mention the over the top, one-dimensional eco-villain. And that is how you kill the potential.

The film deals with themes such as love for nature, environmental protection and capitalism that suffocates society - metaphorically and non since in the town where the film takes place air is for a price. These issues have been exploited a lot recently, and the film does not manage to propose them effectively and in a funny way, and the message gets lost because Thneedville is absolutely perfect, every need is satisfied, and all Ted cares about is not the environment but winning the heart of his dream girl. Also the film makes you believe dancing and singing can solve all the problems. 

Kids will enjoy the wonderful and colourful animation, and the cute characters, especially the little bear and the singing fishes. 

The actual character of the Lorax is done brilliantly and credit has to go to Danny DeVito who did a great job and the parts of the story focusing on the Lorax were the most enjoyable because of him. Ed Helms is a bit charming as the Once-ler, and Betty White is quite enjoyable as Grammy Norma. Zac Efron and Taylor Swift are in here only because they are famous. 

Mention-Worthy Quotes

Once-ler: Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it's not.