The Lorax (2012)

The Lorax is an adaptation of the Doctor Seuss book carrying the same name. Both the movie and the original text follow similar stories however, for obvious reasons the movie has a more detailed plot. The movie also contains songs, which feel like a natural addition to any Seuss story as his rhymes follow a lyrical tone already. That said, at times the songs felt overused and almost like filler for the run time of the movie, which is also seen in some of the dialog and plot points in the film as a whole. Such as when they sent the bed down the river. However, the film's plot stays close to the book's and feels like a good addition to the story, without feeling like a copy.

Overall this film has interesting characters setting and plot; but that all came from the original story. This movie adds little to nothing to what Dr Seuss had already done well, the characters are given motive sure but, it's some of the most selfish motives I have ever seen! Ted for instance, he goes on this entire journey just because he wants a kiss. Not because he is in love, no he specifically wants a kiss from Audrey. I think Seuss has made one of the most interesting kid friendly post apocalyptic worlds out there. But what the movie tries its very hardest to add to it falls flat; because the Lorax was already a strong story on its own; it didn't really need the cringe children's comedy touch. It just needed an accurate and true representation of its story. Only one thing that was added fitted in to the story, that was the addition of Thneedsville and Mr Ohare and his bottled air. This fit perfectly into the narrative and gave it more depth, but everything else just didn't work; because they tried to add just a little to much. Instead of just stopping once there was enough.

Now, my title says that the Lorax is still relevant; why is that? Our climate is rapidly declining, temperatures are rising, air is becoming polluted and our ecosystem appears to have its days numbered; and nobody seems to care. This is contrasted greatly in the character of the Lorax, he is seen as kind and caring of the ecosystem, even after it has all been destroyed. Seuss (when he wrote the book) most likely wasn't thinking of climate change. But under the context of today his story is relevant a and necessary address to society. If I could only rate the film on its message it would be five stars; but everything else lets it down. Seuss was a magnificent wordsmith, ahead of his time. But the script writers at universal aren't they could barely even rhyme.

So Dr Seuss gets five stars, but this movie gets three. (Even Taylor couldn't save this one)

Thank you for reading ;)