I’m really not sure why I keep thinking interviewing my kids will make for great blog posts. But I tried again (this time with a very insightful, well-spoken friend in the mix too). After a school-night adventure into the city for a screening of The Lorax (for once I got to be the cool mom!), I asked the kids some questions. It went a little something like this.
So, did you guys like the movie?
Yeah!
What was your favorite part?
When the little guy said let’s kill the trees! That was so funny.
My favorite was when the Lorax said, ‘That’s a lady?’
What about the Lorax? Did you like him?
Yeah.
Why?
[Silence]
Why was he important?
I have no idea.
He spoke for the trees.
Hey, remember when the Once-ler was floating on his bed…
What do you think the movie was about?
I have no idea.
The Lorax.
I gave up. While I know they got a little bit more of the story than they were able to articulate, I couldn’t help but think the message got a bit lost in the translation from the page to the screen. The formula seemed perfect. Dr. Seuss plus Taylor Swift equals pure magic in my eyes. But then there was this whole new layer of “the man” and his evil scheme to ruin the world.
What I love about Dr. Seuss’ story is that he wrote it back in 1971 and it still resonates today. To me the message is as much about paying attention to your surroundings, that your actions impact more than just yourself, that you can look out for—and protect—those who aren’t able to do it themselves, and that you can learn from others’ mistakes, just as much as it is about the environment. Perhaps that wasn’t the great author’s intention, but that was my interpretation.
The other thing I got caught up on was that the reason the little boy wanted to do good was to win a girl’s heart. Of course that’s very sweet, but also not the original point of the book. I loved the idea of personal responsibility and felt that was a bit lost too.
Don’t get me wrong. The movie is a sweet story with gorgeous imagery and wonderful entertainment. I just wish Dr. Seuss had been around to look out for—and protect—his wonderful book he wrote so many years ago.
Related: Following The Dr.’s Orders
Disclosure: I was invited, along with my guests, to a free private screening of The Lorax by HP and Seventh Generation. I was not compensated for this post and all opinions are my own.
Hollywood should leave the classics alone. I can’t think of one example of book to film that was outstanding (other than Breakfast at Tiffany’s, which I say is the only movie in the world that’s better than the book). The Lorax is something we will see, but my sons (who are 8 and 6) understand the message of the book and won’t rely on the movie to tell it. Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs is another great book that sucked as a movie. 🙁
Yeah, I’ve been feeling that way lately about books being movies. I think a lot of people skip the book because they think they’ll see the movie. What a shame. The book is almost always better, indeed.
Though I did love Horton Hears a Who.
In honor of certain birthdays today, we’ll be going to see The Lorax, too :)!
And if anything, at least Jim Carrey wasn’t in it :)! (ha!)
Happiest of birthdays, Jodie! I hope you and the rest of your family have a great time celebrating you and getting hopped up on popcorn and bright colors. xoxo
I did think the people cast for the voices were great in this one!
I went to see it today and I agree with your assessment, plus I *kinda* thought it was boring. The kids loved it, which I was happy about, but I’m normally down with kids movies. In fact, most of the time I think they’re better than the stuff that’s out for us grownups. This one just fell flat. I don’t think we cared enough about any of the characters, even the Lorax. Bummer. I still love the good Dr. Just not this movie.
Yeah, I was really looking forward to this one. Now I’m thinking maybe too much so.