Just how thoroughly has Judd Apatow seized control of the box office? Though he has no professional association with Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!, the writer-director’s motley troupe has extended its reach to kiddie fare and out-voiced star Jim Carrey in the process.
In the CGI follow-up to Blue Sky Studios’ Ice Age twofer, Carrey carries the weight of a hyperactive pachyderm with a propensity for folding his large, malleable ears into headgear. Upon discovering that an endangered microcosm of life exists upon a speck of dust, he undertakes a treacherous journey to secure a safe haven atop Mount Nool for the diminutive Whos (a reverse Lord of the Rings quest, if you will), vocally mimicking ninjas, airline pilots and even JFK along the way. Mile-a-minute Carrey is old hat, however, and it’s Seth Rogen as mouse pal Morton, Jonah Hill as the orange, wombat-like Tommy and jokester-in-law Will Arnett as a molting vulture with a Russian accent and hitman tendencies who supply the heart and authentic laughs. Even Carell as the Cassandra-complexed Whoville mayor keeps his frequent freak-outs in check by comparison.
The film is visually impressive, from subtly waving strands of hair to Seuss’ signature towers of household items and giant machinery, and more faithful to the author’s vision than were the live-action How the Grinch Stole Christmas (also starring Carrey) and Cat in the Hat. Unfortunately, with jokes like, “How many times have I told you, the jungle is no place to act like an animal,” Horton is nowhere near as witty as, say, Shrek. And though the fast pace very nearly stampedes right over the core storyline at points, the inherent earnestness refrains from turning overly winsome. Most intriguing of all, social issues of the day (Is there life outside of our world? Is there a large, invisible being living in the sky? What can we do to save our planet? Does questioning authority lead to anarchy?) are major themes. As for a certain controversial “After all, a person is a person, no matter how small” rhyme scheme, it might be best to just rewatch Knocked Up and call it a day.
Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!
***
Voices of Jim Carrey, Steve Carell, Carol Burnett
Directed by Jimmy Hayward and Steve Martino
Rated G