Dr. Seuss' The Lorax Review

'The Lorax' is not a film that you cannot watch. It is just that the storyline here isn't the kind that would fetch children by the dozen and make them queue up to wear those 3D glasses and watch all the action unfold. Reason being that despite an adventure treatment, noble theme and promise of a joy filled ride, 'The Lorax' doesn't quite end up creating the same universal impact as a Disney or a Pixar film specialises in. While kids may end up finding the overall plot along with its characters a little too overwhelming, for adults too there is fun element only in limited dose.

The film is set in the times when the world is all synthetic with no real greenery or plantation. With even it's air being corrupted (in addition to water of course), the inhabitants continue to live life as if this was indeed the real world that was always meant for them. In the middle of this all a young boy (Ted Wiggins) falls for a girl (Audrey) who wishes to see a real tree. Ted picks up the challenge and in this journey of his, he comes across characters like The Lorax (who was once a guardian of trees) and a man (Once-ler) who was responsible for the extinction of trees but now ends up regretting his folly.

Of course there is a villain of the piece as well but Ted sets out on a journey to gain hold of the seeds that could grow a forest all over again. This indeed happens and the world is a greener (and happier) place to live.

With an environmental message at the core of it, 'The Lorax' does succeed in throwing enough colours on screen that don't fail to dazzle you. The 3D only helps the cause further as the rich colours with popping visuals make the film a quick 90 odd minute journey into a different world. However one has to admit that while the animation is indeed good, it isn't really the kind that makes for blockbuster films belonging to this genre. Reason being that neither does the film boast of such action sequences that entice young ones enough nor does it boast of the humour quotient that would have cut the ice with seniors.

Still, there is no denying the fact that the film has its moments where you do get awed by the imagery at display. Also, if one has to dig deep down into the messaging in the offing, the thought around environmental preservation does come across pretty loud and clear. However the very fact that the central character (Lorax) by itself isn't as hugely popular as many out there that dominate the world of animation coupled with the limited appeal of the very subject means that the film ends up being a decent, and not quite a must watch entertainer.

Rating: **1/2