Dr Seuss' The Lorax gets the animated treatment, courtesy of the team behind Despicable Me.
Here’s Ron’s review…
In the town of Thneedville, everything is artificial.
Even the trees in Thneedville are fake, and thats what troubles young Ted (Zac Efron).
Not a plastic tree with disco lights, but an actual truffula tree.
Theres only one major problem with that.
All the truffula trees have been chopped down.
Still, the message is there, and it is obvious.
The story itself isnt great, but it works better than it should and was very cute.
Its a story within a story (featuring a third story).
The movie looks like a Dr. Seuss book come to life, and thats why it works.
The little animal friends have a whole lot of charm, and Thneedville looks appropriately whimsical.
The voice cast is good.
Danny DeVito makes a great Lorax, even if he doesnt have a whole lot go do.
Ed Helms is pretty brilliant, though.
You have to give him credit for his expressive voice and his ability (and willingness) to sing.
Strangely, Taylor Swift (a legitimate musical superstar) never sings a note.
Rob Riggle and Betty White, while supporting players, are also very fun, especially White.
Still, when it works, it works pretty well.
Its just a shame they couldnt bring it all together consistently throughout the picture.
US Correspondent Ron Hogan has a serious case of Lorax mustache envy, despite having a full beard.
Find more by Ron daily atShaktronicsandPopFi.
Rating:
3 out of 5
