Horton Hears a Review

Everyone loves Dr. Seuss's whimsical little world. Unfortunately, this world has been unsuccessful in translating to film until now. Horton Hears a Who is definitely worth watching if you are a fan of the story or of movies in general. It succeeded, where the Grinch and Cat in the Hat had failed, in expanding the book's story while still staying completely true to it.

Aside from the transition of the book to the movie, I found the humor to be refreshing and relevant. The characters were all special in their own way and with a cast full of funnymen, the movie did not lack laughter. It was interesting to see such a strong comedic duo in the same movie without feeling like they were trying to one up each other. Jim Carrey and Steve Carell are undoubtedly two of the biggest comedic actors of our time but they complemented each other well. Neither over-acted, or should I say over-voiced their characters. I liked the humor because it was relevant to the present day but also true to the child-like rhyming tales of Dr. Seuss.

The huge cast of supporting actors lent itself well to the film. From Arrested Development's Will Arnett to Seth Rogan and Jonah Hill, the cast was rounded out appropriately with everyone adding their own special touch to the movie.

The movie was also excellently created visually, putting the viewer right in the thick of the whimsical world. Several times in the movie, the animation varied to give a slight nod to its more traditional forms like the original Seuss drawings and in one particularly funny interlude, to anime. With a message that everyone could benefit from, the movie is great for kids. As well as the not so young, who are still kids at heart.

The movie ended interestingly, with a song, not unlike how the cast of 40 Year Old Virgin bursts into song when he finally consummates his marriage. It was a little random, and felt maybe slightly out of place, but it wasn't too weird that it couldn't get away with it. In fact, I would say that's one of the least weird things about the movie which had an odd little character named Katie who was not all there and Will Arnett, voicing Ivan the vulture, calling everyone "bro."

Fans of the book won't be disappointed by the way the story came to life and for those not familiar with it, this is a good way to introduce a whole new generation to the classic works of Dr. Seuss and to remind us all that "a person's a person, no matter how small."