Five Reasons Why Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax Will Be Super Awesome

The Lorax
The Lorax even LOOKS like Danny DeVito | Universal Pictures

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

Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax is bounding cheerfully into theaters on March 2, 2012, and I know what some of you are thinking. Universal Pictures is going to take a beloved childhood story and turn it into a soul-crushing movie. But let’s everyone calm down, because I don’t think that’s going to happen.

Here’s what I think will happen. You’ll sit down in the theater with your popcorn and ice-cold beverage and be amazed and overjoyed at the colorful tale that spreads out before you like a cotton candy forest of sweet treats. Here are five reasons why:

1. It’s directed by Chris Renaud. He directed Despicable Me and was the story artist for Horton Hears a Who!, Robots, and Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs. I think Renaud will have a good sense of how best to bring this classic story to life.

2. It’s a timely tale about the environment. Well, is there EVER a time when protecting our planet isn’t timely? I think not. The Lorax follows the journey of 12-year-old Ted (voiced by Zac Efron) as he searches for the one thing that will help him win the affection of Audrey (Taylor Swift), the girl of his dreams. To find it he must discover the story of the Lorax, the grumpy yet charming creature who fights to protect his world.

Dr. Seuss' The Lorax
Ed Helms voices the Once-ler in Dr. Seuss' The Lorax | Universal Pictures

3. The voice cast is amazing. First, Efron and Swift are great voices for the characters of Ted and Audrey (named for Dr. Seuss, whose real name is Theodor Seuss Geisel, and his second wife, Audrey Geisel). We’ve also got Danny DeVito as the Lorax, Ed Helms as the enigmatic Once-ler, Rob Riggle as the financial king O’Hare, and Betty White as Ted’s wise Grammy Norma. Betty White!

4. It’s colorful and fun. Just take a look at the trailer below, and see what I mean. Bright streets! Cheerful trees! Cute animals! Bears who eat marshmallows raining down from the sky!

5. The message of hope and determination is inspiring. Yes, these are troubled times, but one person really CAN make a difference. It just takes a little faith and bravery to shift how things have always been done into something new, exciting and wonderful. The town of Thneedville might be made of plastic, but does that mean it’ll always be made of plastic forever and ever? Not when people care “a whole awful lot.”

Comments

12 responses to “Five Reasons Why Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax Will Be Super Awesome”

  1. Melanie Avatar

    Despicable Me was worth watching, even without any anklebiters around, so I’m sure he’ll do a good job with The Lorax too.

  2. Sheryl Avatar

    How could any Dr. Seuss story be bad? My childhood fave. Still makes me smile…

  3. MyKidsEatSquid Avatar

    Loved Despicable Me, but I must admit I have yet to make it through Horton without falling asleep–just didn’t grab me. Maybe Lorax will do the trick

    1. Jane Boursaw Avatar

      Yeah, agree that Horton was a little sleepy. But at least the trailer for The Lorax seems cute and funny and energetic. Having Danny DeVito voice the character is a good choice.

  4. merr Avatar

    I heart Dr. Seuss…a classic in every format!

  5. Kris Avatar

    “Yes, these are troubled times, but one person really CAN make a difference. It just takes a little faith and bravery to shift how things have always been done into something new, exciting and wonderful. ”

    That is SO true! I love the book – love, love, love it – and I’m anxious to see this film. I hope it strikes a chord with people and they make an effort to implement some changes.

    1. Jane Boursaw Avatar

      Well, if anyone knows that one person — or one small change — can make a difference, it’s you, Attainable Sustainable. Thank you for your awesome site. Thank you for making us think twice about our habits and routines.

  6. Casey Avatar

    The Lorax was one of those books that made me burst into tears by the last page – the poor Lorax! And his futile wish to save the trees! Did anyone else have this reaction?

    1. Jane Boursaw Avatar

      I have to go back and read it again! I’ll report back with an emotional trauma report.

  7. Living Large Avatar

    That’s one of my all-time favorite quotes! Anything Dr. Suess is awesome, how could it *not* be! 🙂

  8. […] sites, publicists and studios.Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax – Bright and cheery, just how I anticipate the movie will be:CliqueClack.com – Always creative and fun. I’m guessing this is from cartoonist […]

  9. sarah henry Avatar

    Dr. Seuss was such a childhood favorite in our house. I’m hoping my teen will come see this movie with a message and a sense of fun with me.

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