The Lorax Movie: Would Dr. Seuss Approve or Say ‘Bahooie’?

Last night we sat down for our weekly family movie night to watch Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax. Just as the movie was about to start my daughter informed me that she needed a diaper change.

By the time I finally found the wipes (they perform disappearing acts) the movie was started. As I began to change her diaper it was like my daughter didn’t even know I existed.

She was so engrossed in The Lorax that she never took her eyes off the screen! She has never done that before, although I can’t say I blame her. The Lorax really plays to the senses.

The Lorax Movie Summary

Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax is a candy colored, delightfully whimsical film filled with Cotton Candyesque trees, cuddly teddy bears and one slightly grouchy, but all together loveable Lorax.

From the 1971 children’s classic Chris Meledandri and his team (Despicable Me) bring an imaginative, environmentally conscious journey to your door step.

The story begins with Ted (Zac Efron) a young boy on a quest to win Audrey (Taylor Swift) , the girl of his dreams, by bringing her the one thing her heart desires.

In order to find it, he is going to have to manage to elude his mother and the villian O’Hare – all the while speaking to one obtuse Once-ler.

Although the movie takes place in the present, there are many times where the Once-Ler is telling of his past and that’s were we meet the often grumpy protector of the trees: The Lorax.

What I Like About The Lorax Movie

Would Dr. Seuss approve of ‘The Lorax’ movie? Or would it make him say ‘bahooie’? 

I can’t speak for Dr. Seuss, but I know that we loved The Lorax. 

It was the right blend of funny and sweet with foot tapping, head bobbing musical numbers laced throughout.

My daughter’s favorite movie seat is my husbands lap. Whenever there was a musical number my husband would inevitably get elbowed or kicked as she wiggled around dancing.

It’s these moments that make a movie even more special. I know this movie is going to be one that my daughter will watch again and again.

But even for all of the wonderful qualities of this movie, there were a few things I took issue with.

What I Didn’t Like About The Lorax Movie

If you have ever read Dr. Seuss’ favorite book, then you know The Lorax has an environmentally conscious message and a warning against consumerism.

I felt that they were trying to push that message so hard that at times I found myself rolling my eyes thinking, “OKAY I get it already, let the story progress”.

I was also sad to see that the use of language that Dr. Seuss is so famous for was sadly lacking.

Finally, I wish that they would have used Audrey as the protagonist of this film.

For me, Audrey would have displayed so much more heart and belief in the reasons for her actions than Ted’s character had the ability to display. 

Although I admit, as Ted listens to the tale of the Once-ler’s downfall, he comes realizes that his mission to find a tree has more importance than winning Audrey’s heart.

Conclusion

Overall, Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax is definitely a movie a worth seeing.

The cotton candy trees, the loveable Lorax, the landscape and musical numbers keep your child entertained for the full length.

I hope that other children, and mine included when she gets older, take away the message that Trees are good and we have a responsibility to keep them around. 

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Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax is available on DVD today and includes 3 all new MINI MOVIES –

• Serenade: Two Bar-ba-loots — one love shy and the other suave and confident — battle for the heart of their would-be sweetheart with the help of a colorful cast of characters, including the Humming-Fish and Swomme-Swans.
• Wagon-Ho: Two Bar-ba-loots take The Once-ler’s wagon on a ride they won’t soon forget.
• Forces of Nature: Determined to scare The Once-ler out of Truffula Valley, The Lorax decides to create the illusion of ominous forces of nature.

Thank you to Universal for providing me with a copy of this movie for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and no compensation was received.