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Our take
This is a colourful animated musical built from the Dr. Seuss story, full of songs, bright gags, and a soft environmental message. A boy goes looking for a real tree to impress a girl, and the tale of how the land was stripped bare carries some genuine sadness. There is light slapstick, a couple of mild chase scares, and a grouchy little forest creature, but nothing harsh. Younger children may feel the gloom of the dying forest more than they catch the jokes, so the youngest ones are happiest alongside a grown-up.
Uplifting themes
The story lands a clear message about caring for nature and not letting greed strip the world bare. It also champions owning your mistakes and fixing what you have broken, which gives families plenty to chat about Ted keeps trying to do the right thing, and the Once-ler's regret shows that people can face up to their mistakes and change. The Lorax speaks up for those who cannot speak for themselves The gentle lesson about trees, clean air, and consequences can open up real talk about looking after the environment. It wears that message lightly, with songs and humour instead of a lecture
Story (may spoil tone)
A 12-year-old boy searches for the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams. To find it he must discover the story of the Lorax, the grumpy yet charming creature who fights to protect his world.
Details
Violence The action stays in cartoon territory, with pratfalls, a bouncy chase o…
The action stays in cartoon territory, with pratfalls, a bouncy chase or two, and big machines rolling through the forest. Nobody really gets hurt, and the tone keeps things playful even as the stakes rise
Frightening The forest slowly turning grey and bare carries a quiet sadness, and on…
The forest slowly turning grey and bare carries a quiet sadness, and one or two chase moments get loud and busy. It passes quickly, though a sensitive little one might find the gloom a bit much
Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
Family watch notes
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Talk after watching
- The Once-ler chooses money over the forest. How do we weigh wanting things against the cost to nature?
- Ted goes to a lot of trouble to impress someone. What did you make of why he started his search?
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The Lorax
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