 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Dr. Seuss: The Lorax
- Review Date: February 13, 2012
- NR
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 1972
Common Sense Media says
Outstanding 1970s Dr. Seuss parable about protecting nature.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is not the 2012 theatrical version of The Lorax -- it's an early 1970s animated version of the Dr. Seuss book that tells a timeless story of humanity's relationship with the land, water, air, and animals that will appeal to kids. There are instances of cartoonish violence as the Truffula Trees are chopped down -- Seussian machines abound -- but the lesson imparted by the Lorax as he speaks for the trees and all of nature should spark positive discussions on what can be done to protect our planet.
What's the story?
THE LORAX (voiced by Bob Holt) speaks for the Truffula Trees, the Brown Bar-ba-loots, the Humming-Fish, and all of nature. But when the Once-ler (also Holt) opens up a factory, the Truffula Trees are chopped down to supply humanity with Thneeds. As the factory grows along with the demand for Thneeds, the Truffula Trees -- along with the Brown Bar-ba-loots and the Humming-Fish -- all start to disappear, no matter how much the Lorax protests. As the Once-ler and the Lorax argue about progress and profits versus preservation and pristine air, land, and water, their world becomes increasingly more polluted, and it seems as if it's almost too late to save the living things the Lorax speaks for.
Is it any good?
Clearly a product of the ecological movements of the early 1970s, the message of The Lorax continues to resonate today. Filled with songs, rhymes, and the distinctive style of Dr. Seuss' animation that has transcended generations, The Lorax is a fast-paced and highly creative parable on the perils of unchecked economic expansion and environmental damage.
Originally a TV special, The Lorax was re-released on DVD to coincide with the 2012 Zac Ephron and Taylor Swift version of the story. For parents, this could present an opportunity to compare and contrast the past and present, in how themes and adaptations of classic children's books are interpreted then and now. Regardless, this version of The Lorax is definitely worth seeing.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how the interests of the Lorax and the Once-ler are initially opposed, but eventually the same. Why is that? What lesson did the Once-ler learn?
How is the story similar to and different than other kids' movies with strong messages about the importance of protecting the environment?
What makes this story stand the test of time?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
love!
the lorax is my fave doctor suess story! and this movie is really good! i have seen the trailer for the new one looks like they added alot in.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Bogus
The Lorax (book) was such a strong, positive and meaningful message. To turn it into mere eye candy for the purpose of selling LOTS of plastic is truly bogus.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Great Dr. Seuss film for the little ones and adults!
Amazing movie!! I love the positive message it sends to kids and adults that we should be held responsible for our actions and we can always strive to make the world a better place. It is a very beautiful movie and engaging! I highly recommend this film and it's even better if you read the book beforehand!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
review of the Lorax
this movie is a must for kids!!!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Don't do it
Don't waste you time going to see this boring antiAmerican PC snore fest. I would rather watch grass grow that having to watch this again. If you must see it, wait for the DVD, that way you can stop watching it half way through and not have to worry about wasting your money
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Beware of Franken Puppy Preview!
Beware of the previews! The Lorax is great, but Franken Puppy preview sent my seven year old crying. Not only was it creepy weird Tim Burton, but it reminded him in a non-gentle way of the recent loss of our pet, and the idea of him being brought back from the dead. What were they thinking putting this before a little kids' movie?!
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 12 years old
March 10, 2012
AGE
The Lorax is a superb film
I think its really stupid that alot of people are saying that it was giving the message that if you cut a tree youre a murderer.... thats so not true. its message is to respect our environment!
My Review:
Violence 1/5: There is a chase that might be intense for younger viewers. Also, the bad guys sings briefly about wanting a tree to shrivel up and die.
Sex 1/5:A ten year old has a innocent crush on a teen girl.
Language 2/5: Common sense didnt mention this, but im pretty sure i heard one use of d**m
Consumerism: WHO FREAKING CARES ABOUT CONSUMERISM ANYWAY????
Drugs Alchohol: none
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Makes people notice.
I like this mainly because of the book. To me, this is showing that people with greed distroy something beautiful. I think what was happening in the movie is now coming to life. For example, the people in Brazil are destroying the rain forest for farming and wood. The rain forest isn't made for farming. There isn't enough nutrients in the soil for that which makes people cut more trees. In the movie, the villian is cutting trees for their soft leaves but when there is no more. He has a problem; he just learned too late. Hopefully, kids today won't become money grubbers and try to protect the last wild places like where Dr. Seuss created before it was turned into a dirty city.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
BE WARNED
Family's BE WARNED! Some people may think I'm wrong or over the top in my review.
The Forest with cute little teddy bears and fish are killed by the Evil capitalist who sang, "what is so bad about chopping down a few trees?". Business is sold to our little kids in the theaters across America as a plastic pollution factory that pumps black sludge into rivers and lies to stay in business; selling air to the to-stupid-to-get-it towns folk. Capitalism looks like A fat ugly woman with horns wearing a large dollar sign! If you want little baby Al Gore and BARAK Pelosis, telling you how ''You-Just-Don't-Get-It!'' take your kids to see this!
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 12 years old
March 16, 2012
AGE
Um my thinking
I think this Movie teaches everybody a lesson of Respect....And even though it's made for kids An adult would love this movie...It's funny,cute,Positive, educational, And just outstanding! Love it..
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | book characters, great boy role models, science and nature |
| Studio: | Warner Home Video |
| Director: | Hawley Pratt |
| Cast: | Athena Lorde, Bob Holt, Eddie Albert |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 25 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | February 14, 1972 |
| DVD release date: | February 14, 2012 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
Review It
Register now to save reviews and advice articles to your personal lists!
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
