Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dr. Seuss classic is cute, but watch for product tie-ins.
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The Lorax
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 92 parent reviews
Parents say that this movie presents important environmental messages but is deemed unsuitable for children under 10 due to its complex themes and some scary moments. While many appreciate the colorful animation, catchy songs, and humor, some feel it strays too far from the original book, with mixed opinions on its approach to consumerism and violence.
- environmental message
- age appropriateness
- animation quality
- humor and music
- complexity of themes
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 145 kid reviews
Kids say the movie features an engaging storyline with important messages about environmental conservation, although some find it too silly or overly commercialized compared to the original book. While it entertains with catchy songs and humor, it may not be suitable for all children due to moments perceived as scary or confusing, and the character dynamics can spark mixed feelings among viewers.
- environmental messages
- silly humor
- catchy songs
- character dynamics
- age appropriateness
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
THE LORAX takes place in the town of Thneedville, where there are no real trees, or grass, or nature to speak of -- everything is plastic and fake. When young Ted (voiced by Zac Efron) discovers that what his crush, Audrey (Taylor Swift), wants more than anything is to see a real tree, he sets out to find one for her. Advised by his grandmother (Betty White), Ted leaves Thneedville in search of the reclusive Once-ler (Ed Helms), who tells him the story of The Lorax (Danny DeVito). As Ted learns more about the history of the Truffula Trees that the Once-ler chopped down, his life is Thneedville is challenged by the town's bigwig, Mr. O'Hare (Rob Riggle), who profits from the manufactured air that the citizens have been taught to buy and breathe. But if Ted exposes the truth to the people of Thneedville, they'll realize nature isn't the dirty inconvenience they've been taught to believe.
Is It Any Good?
To those who consider the book as Dr. Seuss' magnum opus, this adaptation of The Lorax will be at least somewhat a relief (unlike the miserable The Cat in the Hat). It's light and sweet and frames the original story in an easy-to-understand plot about a boy who wants to impress his tree-obsessed crush. The star-studded voice cast does a fine job (the main characters are even named after Dr. Seuss -- Theodore Geisel -- and his widow, Audrey), and the songs are all upbeat, if not Randy Newman-memorable. If it weren't an adaptation, The Lorax would make for a fun, message-filled movie with a charming set of characters.
The problem is that passionate lovers of The Lorax will expect more; they'll hope for a movie as timeless and important as Seuss' subversive commentary on the perils of conspicuous consumption and forsaking the environment to benefit the almighty dollar. But the studio has already marred that idea with its constant parading of various Lorax-approved products. Having the Lorax shill for an SUV or themed breakfasts is counter to the spirit of the story -- which, at least in the movie, promotes a return to nature. Kids will surely delight in The Lorax, but teens and parents savvy enough to recognize the irony of big-studio consumerism may wonder whether Dr. Seuss would have approved at all. (If you're looking for another take on the tale, try the excellent 1970s adaptation -- it's shorter, but it doesn't have the pesky tie-ins to worry about.)
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about The Lorax's messages. What does it want viewers to take away from the story? What are some ways that parents and kids can make a difference to the environment?
What made kids want to see this movie -- the story or all the product tie-ins? Do kids want a product because The Lorax is on it? How do kids feel about the fact that one of their favorite characters is being used to sell products that might not be good for the Earth?
What are your favorite Dr. Seuss stories? Which ones were best translated into movies? Are there any other Dr. Seuss books you'd like to see adapted?
How do the characters in The Lorax demonstrate courage and integrity? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 2, 2012
- On DVD or streaming : August 7, 2012
- Cast : Danny DeVito , Ed Helms , Taylor Swift , Zac Efron
- Director : Chris Renaud
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Book Characters , STEM
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : brief mild language
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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