Chris Wedge (Ice Age) co-produced this colorful experience while Jimmy Hayward and Steve Martino direct - a typical teamwork strategy in computer animated feature films. This talented team, combined with a huge crew, makes a nice transition from the live action adaptations while still appealing to adults. The first Whoville sequence is one of the best animated introductions ever. The camerawork flows as well as the smooth animation. Too bad this animated approach wasn't taken at the start of the film adaptations.
The freedom and creativity from the animation eliminates the constant need for too many jokes in the live action Cat in the Hat and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, which also starred Carrey. These previous adaptations included largely unrelated pop culture references and improvisational humor from the male leads to boost the short source material.
The improvisations remain while the screenwriting team of Ken Daurio and Cinco Paul (College Road Trip, The Santa Clause 2) injects stronger related story points that can really connect with audiences. The animation style even mixes the classic Dr. Seuss book illustrations and a hilarious Japanese style animation sequence based in Horton's imaginative mind. Maybe filmmakers will "reboot" the live action installments later using this same outstanding animation. I will be surprised if this film doesn't get an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Film.
Carrey and Carell perform a musical encore at the end of this enjoyable one hour and 28 minute film. It comes highly recommended and is rated G.
Article comments
1 - patrick
Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who is classic, i forgot how much that guy packed into such simple storylines... they didn't add much to the original story either except for the usual Jim-Carryisms.