Directed by: Jimmy Hayward and Steve Martino
Premise: An adaptation of the Dr. Seuss book.
Horton, (voice of Jim Carrey), an idealistic elephant, discovers the microscopic
world of the Whos living on a spec floating on the wind. Horton takes it upon
himself to place the Whos and their world in a safe place while being pursued by
those who think he is a menace.
What Works: Horton Hears a Who! is an
excellent adaptation. The world of Dr. Seuss fits with the computer animation
used by the film, and it is the best translation of Dr. Seuss’ work to the
screen. The story includes narration of the original children’s book but
expands on the plot and uses it to full effect, adding a lot more humor and
filling in the characters and the conflicts. Jim Carrey voices Horton and uses
his talents for imitation and character creation to make the silly elephant a
full-fledged character on par with Marlin, the parental clownfish from Finding
Nemo. Steve Carell voices the mayor of Whoville, bringing his own talent
for fast-talking, awkward characters and it plays well into the existential
crisis that the mayor finds himself in. The story manages to make the danger to
the Whos very real and concrete and this pays off in the climax, which manages
to be gripping while consistent with the tone of the rest of the picture. This
film also successfully taps into the satirical subtext of Seuss’ work,
elevating it in ways that will be thought provoking for adult audience as well
as for children, and remains true to the original text.
What Doesn’t: A few moments betray the film’s
tone with Carrey trying to do some the same kind of pop culture humor that Robin
Williams provided in Aladdin.
It doesn’t quite fit here, but these moments are few and far between.
Bottom Line: Horton Hears a Who! is the best feature length adaptation of a Dr. Seuss book and one of the best animated films of the past few years. It’s a great example of what animated features can achieve when they do indulge their source material and commit to characters and story.