Common Sense Media Review
By Brian Costello
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Outstanding 1970s parable about protecting nature.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Dr. Seuss: The Lorax
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 13 parent reviews
Parents say that while some viewers find this film entertaining with a positive environmental message and catchy songs, others criticize it for poor storytelling and outdated adult humor, particularly the depiction of cigar smoking. Overall, it garners mixed responses, with many emphasizing its valuable ecological lessons and appeal to both children and adults.
- entertainment value
- environmental message
- mixed reviews
- criticism of humor
- appealing to all
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 10 kid reviews
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 this Dr. Seuss story 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.
Talk to Your Kids 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 in The Lorax?
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?
How does The Lorax demonstrate courage and integrity? Why are those important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 14, 1972
- On DVD or streaming : February 14, 2012
- Cast : Athena Lorde , Bob Holt , Eddie Albert
- Director : Hawley Pratt
- Studio : Warner Home Video
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Activism ( Animal rights , Civic engagement , Climate change ) , Animals ( Wild Animals ) , Book Characters , School ( Elementary School ) , Fantasy ( Fairy Tales ) , STEM ( Nature )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity
- Run time : 25 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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