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ENLARGE
How cool it must have been for comedic actor Jim Carrey to play the title role from a Dr. Seuss classic not once, but twice.
His Grinch in 2000's "How the Grinch Stole Christ mas" was a nice adaptation that utilized his expressive talents. Now, he lends his voice as the main character in "Horton Hears a Who!," which I guess is technically a remake of the Chuck Jones classic for television from 1970. Funny to think that Carrey probably watched both the original versions on television as a child, and here he is starring in yet another classic on the big screen. Surreal indeed.
And just like comedian-turned-actor Eddie Murphy, Carrey ironically is finding out that starring in family-oriented pictures is the best way to extend his acting career in the long run. Think of the generation of kids who grew up knowing Murphy as Donkey from the "Shrek" franchise, or from "Dr. Dolittle," never even knowing or seeing his earlier, pre-family pictures. Probably because the actors now have kids of their own and want to leave behind works that they know other kids will watch.
It was a rare treat reading the Dr. Seuss stories as a kid, then seeing the animated versions on TV, and now seeing them all over again in a theater for the first time; it just proves the staying power of author Ted Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss). Even incorporating nontraditional methods of animation with CGI effects, at its core, the story keeps and holds your interest.
His Grinch in 2000's "How the Grinch Stole Christ mas" was a nice adaptation that utilized his expressive talents. Now, he lends his voice as the main character in "Horton Hears a Who!," which I guess is technically a remake of the Chuck Jones classic for television from 1970. Funny to think that Carrey probably watched both the original versions on television as a child, and here he is starring in yet another classic on the big screen. Surreal indeed.
And just like comedian-turned-actor Eddie Murphy, Carrey ironically is finding out that starring in family-oriented pictures is the best way to extend his acting career in the long run. Think of the generation of kids who grew up knowing Murphy as Donkey from the "Shrek" franchise, or from "Dr. Dolittle," never even knowing or seeing his earlier, pre-family pictures. Probably because the actors now have kids of their own and want to leave behind works that they know other kids will watch.
It was a rare treat reading the Dr. Seuss stories as a kid, then seeing the animated versions on TV, and now seeing them all over again in a theater for the first time; it just proves the staying power of author Ted Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss). Even incorporating nontraditional methods of animation with CGI effects, at its core, the story keeps and holds your interest.
Horton the elephant (Carrey) always has stood by his credo, "A person is a person, no matter how small." This serves the inhabitants of Whoville well, considering they live on a tiny speck of a dustball. Horton heard a Who, and even though he may not see them on the tiny object, he certainly had the ears to hear one and agrees to protect them. It's a lesson Horton has lived by and has shared with the other animals in the jungle, even if it means getting grief from some of his neighbors.
In the hands of directors Jimmy Hayward and Steve Martino, "Horton Hears a Who!" comes across not just as fresh and original as its timeless story, but the images also are just as fresh and original. This has to do in part because Hayward was employed as an animator over at Pixar Studios, which is equivalent to working for Walt Disney in the 1930s. The movie's length allows for some creative license without ever dragging too long, although some slapstick scenes could have been left out.
Not all Dr. Seuss classics have been successful when brought to the big screen. Who can forget (although I wanted to) Mike Myers in the very annoying "Cat in the Hat" movie from 2003? There were so many crude gags that not only did that cat use up all his nine lives in one screening, but Dr. Seuss probably was hoping for a neutered lead instead of what was shown. It should have gone the animated route, for one thing, and this is one reason why "Horton" is more accessible to watch. Carrey's Horton even looks like the actor, almost as if he had morphed into his role.
Of course, having a strong supporting cast doesn't hurt, either. Leading the pack are fellow comedic actors Steve Carell as the Mayor of Whoville and the legendary Carol Burnett lending her voice as Kangaroo. I'm happy that this, one of my favorite books, has been given a positive adaptation, and even made me want to dust off the classic and reread it again.
"Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!" stacks up well when compared with the animated flicks of today (even exceeding some of them), because the story holds up and has that "other" message about life that is ever-present throughout. Parents will enjoy watching the movie as much as their kids, and anyone with a childlike attitude will find the movie entertaining.
In the hands of directors Jimmy Hayward and Steve Martino, "Horton Hears a Who!" comes across not just as fresh and original as its timeless story, but the images also are just as fresh and original. This has to do in part because Hayward was employed as an animator over at Pixar Studios, which is equivalent to working for Walt Disney in the 1930s. The movie's length allows for some creative license without ever dragging too long, although some slapstick scenes could have been left out.
Not all Dr. Seuss classics have been successful when brought to the big screen. Who can forget (although I wanted to) Mike Myers in the very annoying "Cat in the Hat" movie from 2003? There were so many crude gags that not only did that cat use up all his nine lives in one screening, but Dr. Seuss probably was hoping for a neutered lead instead of what was shown. It should have gone the animated route, for one thing, and this is one reason why "Horton" is more accessible to watch. Carrey's Horton even looks like the actor, almost as if he had morphed into his role.
Of course, having a strong supporting cast doesn't hurt, either. Leading the pack are fellow comedic actors Steve Carell as the Mayor of Whoville and the legendary Carol Burnett lending her voice as Kangaroo. I'm happy that this, one of my favorite books, has been given a positive adaptation, and even made me want to dust off the classic and reread it again.
"Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!" stacks up well when compared with the animated flicks of today (even exceeding some of them), because the story holds up and has that "other" message about life that is ever-present throughout. Parents will enjoy watching the movie as much as their kids, and anyone with a childlike attitude will find the movie entertaining.
Keepin' it reel:
<b>Now Playing:</b> "Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!"
<b>Starring:</b> Jim Carrey, Steve Carell, Carol Burnett, Will Arnett, Seth Rogen, Dan Fogler, Isla Fisher, Jonah Hill, Amy Poehler, Jaime Pressly and Charles Osgood <b>Directed by:</b> Jimmy Hayward and Steve Martino <b>Rated:</b> A family-friendly G <b>Running time:</b> 90 minutes <b>Howie gives it:</b> 4 out of 5 bagels |
- Howie Nave is host/manager of The Improv comedy club inside Harveys and reviews films for seven radio stations throughout Northern California and Nevada, including Sirius Radio. He hosts "Howie's Morning Rush" on Tahoe's KRLT radio, and you can see his film reviews on RSN. For past reviews, blogs and audio clips, visit www.HowieNave.com.
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