ALARIS' REVIEWS

14th May 2010
Horton Hears a Who (2008)

Lovely.

It's been a long time since I've watched something as whimsical and sweet as Horton Hears a Who. This animated film is based on one of Dr Seuss' lesser known picture books, so unlike The Cat in the Hat or Green Eggs and Ham, I hadn't actually read this one prior to seeing the movie.

I really hope purists aren't too annoyed by the changes, because Horton Hears a Who is a thoroughly charming and entertaining film. In the colourful jungle of Nool, the earnest elephant Horton discovers a tiny world built on the speck of a clover. Faced with disbelieving adults who are unable to perceive the world, Horton sets off to find a safe haven for the microscopic world of Whoville and its inhabitants.

The story is told in a pleasing blend of narrative and action, and the pace never lags. The design of the world stays true to the distinctive, droopy style of Dr Seuss, and everything from the animals to the architecture is colourful and imaginative. I love whimsical fantasy, and so much of Horton Hears a Who is a pleasure to watch.

Unlike Alice in Wonderland (2010), where pretty animation can't cover for a half-hearted plot, Horton Hears a Who is all heart. The story is full of gently handled moral imperatives, both comic and tender touches, a sense of genuine peril, and one scene of fantasy super-cool.

The voice cast is excellent, conveying plenty of energy without overplaying their characters. Steve Carell hits the mark as the eccentric and increasingly nervous Mayor of Whoville, while Jim Carrey is likeable as the determined Horton. Carol Burnett is perfect as the smoothly menacing Kangaroo. The writers deserve extra credit for delivering their humour without the neurotic, adult-oriented streak found in most Dreamworks movies.

This is the kind of movie kids should be watching. Most adults would probably benefit from a viewing as well. Horton Hears a Who is a thoughtfully crafted, enthusiastically executed, and highly enjoyable film.

Verdict: A sweet, funny, family film about imagination, perspective, and persistence.

If you like Up (2009), you might like this.

***+