DR. SEUSS’ THE LORAX (Chris Renaud, Kyle Balda). 94 minutes. Opens Friday (March 2). For venues and times, see Movies. Rating: NNN
Another week, another pop-culture-infused CGI family flick.
In the latest feature-length adaptation of a Dr. Seuss story, a young boy tries to impress a girl by planting trees in a filthy town where even fresh air is for sale. The oddly dark fantasy takes a turn when the boy meets a crusty old hermit who explains that he once ruined the formerly lush forest despite warnings from the Lorax, who speaks for the trees.
Those who grew up with the book will appreciate the nod to Seuss’s classic illustrations but may have problems with the unnecessary additions. That shouldn’t bother kids new to the material, though. And the book’s environmental theme is sound.
Though Seuss’s name is over the title, the film’s true author is Chris Renaud, co-director of Despicable Me. Like that movie, The Lorax is filled with silent slapstick, celebrity voice cameos (Danny DeVito is perfect in the title role), pop culture references and overlong musical numbers.
Seuss won’t roll over in his grave – just shudder slightly.
