Featured Posts

Mar 31, 2008

Fletch's Film Review: Horton Hears a Who

Unlike most animated tales in which the story leads up to a big fuzzy moral at the end, Horton Hears a Who is all morals, with a story that kind of dances around it. The beauty in this one, though, is that what those life lessons are - what the kids and/or adults are meant to glean from it - is left somewhat open to interpretation.

When the titular elephant finds that he is the only one that can hear a community of Whos on "a speck," the reaction from those around him ranges from disbelief to dismay to dissatisfaction to destruction. But what is it, really, that Horton (and Dr. Seuss) is eager to protect, and what is it that the "evil" kangaroo is so eager to be rid of? Is it religion? Unborn babies? Little people? Well, that's up to you.

Either way, the film provides a fun ride, and expands to movie form just fine, with a back story given to the Mayor of Whoville and his family that teaches the kiddies some additional lessons (it's okay to be different, etc) along the way. The attempts at modernizing the story (an anime sequence, a MySpace knockoff titled "WhoSpace") fall flat and will somewhat keep the film from being as timeless as the book, but aren't as much of a downside as to negate the goods.

Fletch's Film Rating:

"Darn tootin!"


5 people have chosen wisely: on "Fletch's Film Review: Horton Hears a Who"

Adam Frazier said...

Good review - didn't see this but i figured it was good enough. You'll have to let me know what you thought of "Run Fatboy Run" - it isn't getting great reviews, Shea gave it a 2.5 even - but I enjoyed it. I'll have a review up in a day or two.

take it easy

Nick said...

Come on, Fraze... *I* gave it a really good review (Fatboy, that is)... I can't see why everybody is giving it bad and/or so-so reviews. I thought it was hilarious.

David said...

I am convinced. I guess I was not expecting much from this one, but I will definitely give it a try. Thanks for the review.

Fletch said...

@ All - I wouldn't go running out to see Horton or anything. I might've given it a "Decent" rating, but it felt a tad better than that.

Anonymous said...

I remember loving the book as a child, and am terrified that seeing this movie will tarnish my good memories. Then again, the reviews have been good-- maybe it's time to refresh them! Decisions, decisions...