Not many children’s animated films can entertain both youngsters and adults, but Dr. Seuss’ “Horton Hears a Who!” is the exception. The bright animation and heartwarming story of Horton the elephant and the town of Whoville captures the hearts of viewers of all ages.
In collaboration with 20th Century Fox’s Blue Sky Studios, directors Jimmy Hayward and Steve Martino, who brought us the “Ice Age” movies, create a film that is vivid and beguiling while still appealing to true Seuss fans, all the while encompassing Horton’s mantra, “Everyone’s a person, no matter how small.”
The film begins in the Jungle of Nool, the colorfully enchanted home of Horton, voiced by Jim Carrey. The elephant’s giant ears discover faint cries coming from a speck, and with further investigation Horton is convinced that there is another world living on this speck, Whoville. Horton’s all-loving, compassionate nature instructs him to serve as Whoville’s protector.
After building a relationship with Whoville’s mayor, voiced by Steve Carell, Horton learns of the dangers Jane Kangaroo, prime jungle bureaucrat, and her crew impose on the residents of Whoville. The mayor is the father of 96 daughters, with whom he only has time to spend 12 seconds each a day. His relationship with his gothic, emo son, JoJo, develops throughout the film, strengthened by their common goal of helping Horton save Whoville.
The movie runs almost parallel to Seuss’ beloved 1954 children’s story. The central change in narrative occurs when the mayor of Whoville stands in for the resident scientist, Dr. Hoovey. Less drastic changes come in the form of characters and relationship-building for the purposes of extending the story to feature-film length.
Narrated by Charles Osgood of CBS News “Sunday Morning,” along with the vocal talents of Carrey, Carell, Carol Burnett, Seth Rogen, Will Arnett and others, the movie proves stimulating for both children and their parents. Although Carrey does a worthy job as Horton, his voice fails to embody the gentle kindness with which readers associate the gigantic elephant.
The movie does well at telling the courageous and sympathetic story of Horton, but the real achievement is the animation. A chase scene through fields of pink clover in the Jungle of Nool and the teetering, tall buildings that make up Whoville exemplify the brilliance of the movie. The film adaptation of a dearly loved Seuss story finally comes to life on screen after failed attempts with “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “The Cat in the Hat.”
Dr. Seuss’ “Horton Hears a Who!” will have audiences laughing at the silliness made famous by Seuss himself and rooting for the compassionate Horton to save all the Whos in Whoville.