Mook Review: The Lorax

The Lorax – Written by Dr. Seuss

via Wikipedia.org

Growing up, I really loved Dr. Seuss.  I was a big fan of the classics: The Foot Book, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, Green Eggs and Ham, and, obviously The Cat in the Hat.  Dr. Seuss created such imaginitive and colorful worlds that were interesting to look at and admire, and all the stories had clever rhymes that made reading them fun.  It wasn’t until I grew older that I understood the strength behind his words and the true meaning some of these books carried.

Enter, The Lorax.  Published in 1971, it is filled with parallels to our culture and the shameless way humans disregard nature.  It is impossible to read the story of the Lorax and the Once-ler and not feel compelled by its truth.  Dr. Seuss describes the world pre-Thneed so wonderfully, which makes watching the greedy Once-ler destroy the Truffula trees and its surrounding environment so upsetting.

This book carries one of the most inspiring Dr. Seuss quotes, that I will leave with you.  I have always felt it encompasses what change really means and, while there is power in numbers, one person can truly make a difference.

“UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot,  nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” – Dr. Seuss

“The Lorax” – Directed by Chris Renaud and Kyle Balda

via IMDB.com

I was so excited for this movie and refused to see it in anything but IMAX 3D.  With vivid colors and incredible animation, “The Lorax” was bound to have that fun, wow-factor that makes this movie enjoyable for both children and adults.  It began with a cute little intro from the Lorax himself (voiced by Danny DeVito) and led us into the world of Thneedville, an artificial community where nothing is naturally made.  This is a new addition to the story, one that was not in the book.

Since The Lorax is limited in it’s text, there was a lot of additional plotline injected with the film, aside from the community of Thneedville.  Instead of this just being a fairytale like story, the movie begins with a young boy named Ted who goes looking for the Once-ler to learn about trees; this, of course, is to impress a girl named Audrey.  As the Once-ler’s story goes into gear, we are shifted from the too-manufactured Thneedville and to a beautiful, naturally growing world where the Truffula trees and the Lorax reside.

Without going into details and spoilers, “The Lorax” had a very clear message rooted in Dr. Seuss’ text.  There is some controversy over how this movie can be seen as propaganda or anti-business.  I can see how some people would want to take that side of the story, but I found “The Lorax” to be more of an eye opener as to how much processed, material items have taken over our natural way of life.  As someone who was born and raised in one of the boroughs, it has always been tragic for me that wildlife was only something I could find in the zoo.  Our manufactured world is rapidly growing and pushing out wildlife and natural resources.  This is something anyone can relate to, regardless of liberal or conservative politics.

I loved “The Lorax.”  It stayed very true to the purpose of Dr. Seuss’ original book, but brought something more to it for the screen.  The story was internally developed in both characters and plot, which I enjoyed a lot.  Everyone should go see this movie, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity.  It was fun and inspirational, and left off with the very quote I loved so much from the book.  You will not be disappointed!

Mook Rating – ★★★★