Dr. Seuss is known for his famous poetry and children’s books, including The Lorax.  The Lorax was first published in 1971.  It is a kid-friendly book that  has been enjoyed for decades.  In 1972, it was made into a television special starring the voices of Eddie Albert and Bob Holt. Dr Seuss’ creativity attracts new readers every day. Animators of our generation worked together to create The Lorax on the big screen.  Would Dr. Seuss approve? On Friday, March 2, what would be Dr. Seuss’ 108th birthday, The Lorax: 3D was released in theaters.

With stars like Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, and Betty White playing the roles of some major characters, it racked up a number of viewers who were only disappointed in the end.  The movie is about a boy named Ted (Zac Efron) who has a big crush on Audrey (Taylor Swift).  With Audrey’s birthday just around the corner, Ted can’t help but ask her what she really wants, only to find out it is something that is very difficult to find— a living tree.  The bright and colorful movie starts off with a “Hairspray-like” beginning as the town of “Thneed-ville” sings and dances. Betty White, the voice of Ted’s grandmother, adds unnecessary humor to the film.  She tells Ted about the “Once-ler” who wanted to cut down all the Truffula Trees and invent a sweater-like garment  called a “Thneed.”

Ted voyages to meet the “Once-ler,” who just happens to possess the last Truffula Tree seed in existence.  The plot simply consists of the “Once-ler” telling Ted about the Lorax and all the living creatures who have grown with the Truffula Trees.  It shows a flashback of the “Once-ler” as a young man becoming wealthy from selling the “Thneeds, which are made from the Truffula Tree.”  When every tree is cut down, the Lorax and the creatures are forced to leave.  This movie is supposed to be about the Lorax, so why do we barely see this orange creature? The plot focuses solely on Ted’s discovery that the “Once-ler’s” greed has led to deforestation, which everyone already knows.  Later, yet another song is performed; however, this one is intended to make viewers feel pity for the Lorax. After listening to the “Once-ler” tell his story about his childhood and his “Thneeds,” Ted finally receives the last seed and is asked to plant it in the center of “Thneed-ville” for all of the people to see, especially Audrey.

Back in “Thneed-ville” is Mr. O’Hare, the owner of “bottled air.”  Oddly enough, “Thneed-ville” is made of plastic, and the only way to obtain fresh air is by purchasing it from O’Hare. He grows anxious that his business will not be necessary after Ted plants the tree.  Mr O’Hare brought drama to the movie, and there really was no need for it.  The originality of the movie was an unnecessary spin on this classic book.

After getting permission from the town of “Thneed-ville,” Ted decides to plant the Truffula Tree with Audrey by his side.  With an impressive cast of voices, viewers soon realize that this is the only good part about the movie.  The town breaks out into a song directed at Mr. O’Hare called “Let it Grow.”

The Lorax is a cute book that sends a good message to kids to be environmentalists, but it was published 40 years ago in 1971. It may seem difficult to produce a film worthy of being called the movie adaptation of a famous children’s book, and this idea is easily proven with the release of The Lorax: 3D. This animated, three-dimensional film is recommended for anyone who can’t get into their favorite Rated R film and has 90 minutes to waste.  This rendition is Dr. Seuss’ fourth big screen movie, and hopefully the last.