The Best of Dr. Seuss
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Is it age appropriate?
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Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Classic stories come to life.
Why We Rated This
for Ages 4 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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What Parents Need to Know
This review of The Best of Dr. Seuss was written by Charles Cassady Jr.
Parents need to know that it's arguable whether this collection truly is the "best of" Dr. Seuss; it's comprised of three lesser-known cartoon versions of Theodor Geisel stories. These three tales, combined in a one-hour compilation, range in tone from light-hearted to heavy. Kids who are learning to read and nostalgic parents will like them most; "Horton Hatches the Egg" is the most kid-friendly. Preschoolers should enjoy the simplicity of the stories and the Seussian wordplay, although the dark messages, such as mutual destruction ("The Butter Battle Book"), and loneliness ("Daisy-Headed Mayzie"), will fly over their heads. Kids who have also read the books will get a special kick out of these lesser-known Seuss tales. Preteens have probably outgrown these stories, but can still appreciate them, especially as an animation sampler.
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the meaning behind the animation, if children are old enough. What message is Dr. Seuss sending? How does the end of "The Butter Battle Book" make you feel?
More on The Best of Dr. Seuss
What’s the Story?
Is It Any Good?
"Horton Hatches the Egg" is the real keeper, a lavish piece of animation. In addition to its lesson of honor and determination, it rewards older viewers with some Warners-style satire of then-popular movies: Mayzie the bird occasionally lapses into Scarlett O'Hara mannerisms, and, in a jarringly dark bit of humor, a fish happily commits suicide after glimpsing Horton and announcing "Now I've seen everything!" This behavior is partially explicable; the fish is a ringer for sinister Hollywood star Peter Lorre.
Movie Details
Run time: 60 minutes
Theatrical release: 01/01/2000, DVD release: 11/18/2003
MPAA Rating: NR
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