  
Horton Hears a Who!a.k.a. “Horton,” “Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who,” “Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!,” “Ortone e il mondo dei Chi”Reviewed by: Patty Moliterno Good
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience:
Kids, Teens, Adults, Family
Genre:
Animation, Kids, Adventure, Family, Adaptation
Length:
1 hr. 28 min.
Year of Release:
2008
USA Release:
March 14, 2008 (wide)
DVD: December 9, 2008            Relevant Issues
“One Elephant. One World. One Story.” Most everyone who sees this movie knows the stories of Horton the Elephant. Horton Hears a Who does follow the traditional story line with a modern twist. Horton (voice of Jim Carrey) lives in the land of Nool. During a peaceful afternoon, a speck of dust floats by and Horton hears a scream. Horton decides he is going to protect this speck of dust because there has to be some life on that dust that made that scream. During this entire movie, Kangaroo (Carol Burnett) goal is to stop Horton from his foolish behavior. She thinks that he is warping the children’s minds with his foolish beliefs and anarchy will result. Horton and the Mayor of Who-ville (Steve Carell) talk, but nobody else can hear them. Both of them are thought to be crazy. Horton seems to be the only one who can hear the Mayor down in Who-ville, and when the Mayor finally gets someone to listen, Horton is not holding the clover and nobody can hear him. Horton’s goal is to find a safe place for his speck (and the people of Who-ville) to live because as Horton says “A person’s a person, no matter how small.” There is little in this movie that one can say is objectionable. Probably the worst scenes are ones that have a vulture named Vlad. The scenes are dark and scary to some children. My 3 year old used my coat to hide under during these scenes. Most of the violence is comedic. A monkey uses bananas as ammo to shot at Horton. The Mayor is kicked, hit with a stapler on his head, hits people with his numb arm, and gets hit by a beach ball by an angry mob. The scenes of violence against Horton may be a little scary for some kids – he gets attacked by a vulture, an angry mob chases him, and he is roped and the clover taken from him. There is no real obscene language in this movie; however, there are still words that they could have avoided. Boob and idiot are used numerous times, as well as fatboy and moron. There are a few other items that may offend: A painting in the Mayor Hall of Fame shows the first Mayor of Who-ville as a caveman; Horton has a young friend who has a speck of her own and says on her speck everyone worships her. The Mayor has 97 children, 96 daughters and one son. The Mayor’s son, Jo-Jo is odd. He dresses in all black, wears his hair different, and doesn’t talk. He is silent because he is afraid of not living up to his father’s expectations. In the end we find that he expresses himself differently, but that he is a valuable member of Who-ville. As I watched this entire movie, I kept thinking this movie was made by pro-lifers. I am sure that there were others who thought about other less fortunate groups of people. However, this movie is an excellent way to talk to your kids about the unborn. Kangaroo says to her son Rudy and to Horton – “If you can’t see it, hear it, or feel it, it doesn’t exist”. That is the argument made by pro-choice people all the time and as Horton points out repeatedly, “A person’s a person, no matter how small.” Horton defends those too small to defend themselves. That is an important message for children to learn. Whether it is the unborn, small animals, or just people who are not in the position to defend themselves, our world would be a little nicer place if we could teach our children this important principle. The concept of believing in something you cannot see is also a theme in this movie. The Mayor knows that something bigger is holding the clover. He places his faith in Horton to get them to safety. Children do not always understand God because they cannot see him. They don’t grasp that something bigger than us is out there. This movie can help explain that concept. There is also a scene in the movie that can be interpreted several ways. Towards the end of the movie, Kangaroo’s son leaves the pouch against his mother’s authority to save the people of Who-ville. Although, I want don’t want my children to rebel against me or authority, I want them to understand that sometimes to do the right thing, you have to go against what everyone, including those in authority have said. Jesus said in Matthew 10:34-36:
There is also a wonderful scene of forgiveness. Kangaroo led a crusade against Horton the entire movie and in the end, he goes to her and offers her a cookie. In the Bible, Jesus is our example of true forgiveness. In Luke 23:34, He says “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Horton understands true forgiveness is forgiving those who have done the greatest harm to you. Overall, I recommend this movie. It is cute and entertaining. It held my littlest one’s attention the entire movie and it was something I could take my whole family to see. While the original Dr. Seuss cartoons from years ago are great movies, and this cannot take the place of the original drawings direct from the book; I know that my 5 and 3 year old will want to own this when it comes out. Violence: Minor / Profanity: None / Sex/Nudity: None See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.   Comments below:
Positive
Positive - I took my son to see this movie and we both enjoyed it. The words from the kangaroo, “if you can't see it, hear it or feel it it doesn't exist,” kept replaying in my thoughts; how sad that the world feels this way about God. I just kept thinking how the Mayor in Whoville had faith in Horton, just as we have faith in God for all our needs. Whether you're a Christian or not, this movie had a point, “People are people no matter how small,” this would include fetuses and people we don't always acknowledge, such as homeless, drug addicts, runaways, prostitutes, celebrities gone bad, people who are sold and enslaved in human trafficking… People we should always help and pray for!!! Positive - Of all the Dr. Seuss adaptations, Horton Hears a Who is by far my favorite. It had my kids and me laughing! The theme seemed to be that a person is a person, no matter how small. (Now, if only left liberal Hollywood really felt that way! A baby is made at conception, not 9 to 12 weeks later!) Horton was a loyal friend, and gave his all to the goal he set—protecting the people living on the speck. Positive - I took my 11 year old daughter to see this movie with a group of girls at a birthday party. I did wonder how a book that can be read in 10 minutes could be made into a feature length film, but it has been done and done quite well. The quality of the computer generated graphics was amazing! They really managed to keep the Dr. Seuss look of each character. The story line of the book wasn't really altered. Of course the it was added to in order to make a movie. Positive - What a delightful movie! I even laughed out loud several times. It was witty, with some modern improvisation, in addition to Dr. Seuss' marvelous text. The children in the audience with me seemed to really enjoy it. The story depicted the good values and principles of loyalty and kindness and sincerity and faithfulness and respect for even the least of men. I hope the message made an impact on some young person's life. The animation was quite brilliant, as well as the voiceovers. Highly recommended for all. Positive - My 13 year old daughter and I just viewed this movie and we both really enjoyed it. We had been looking forward to it's release for over a year now. We had read about it and how it can relate to the pro-life message on the Elijah list and then we heard Lou Engle (from the Call) share about this on a CD and DVD. At that time, I read the book to a group of children I work with and we began praying the prayer, 'Lord, I plead your blood over my sins and the sins of my nation, God end abortion and send revival to America.' I could see the pro-life theme all through this movie and it encouraged me that we need to continue to let our voices be heard to end abortion. Positive - What a surprise! We all know the story of Horton the Elephant, but this movie carries an even stronger pro-life message than the book. After the final scene (which I will not spoil), you and your children will have an opportunity to talk about the existence of our unseen, but merciful, God. Self-sacrifice and keeping a promise are, also, prevalent themes in this excellent family movie. Positive - I have to say, I laughed the whole way through this movie (along with all the 10-year-olds). There was nothing truly objectionable—the “boob” word certainly could have been left out, and the vulture was moderately scary, but otherwise nothing really struck me. Horton's courage and kindliness would make a good object lesson for any child, and the mayor's interaction with his family was truly wonderful to watch. I especially liked the support that his wife offered him. I don't care that I'm not in 4th grade, I'm buying this when it comes out on DVD. This is such a step above of those other “kid” movies (like “Shrek”). Very enjoyable to watch. Positive - My husband and I, another couple and our 2mth old son went to see this movie and I thought it was soo cute! I didn't find anything objectionable in it, and as an adult I laughed quite a few times! I thought it had a good moral to it and was a nice family movie. Positive - I just took my kids to see this movie and have to say I thought you could apply biblical principles to it to teach your child about faith and God. I love movies and never really analyze them, I just go for the entertainment value and leave it at that. As I sat watching Horton, the mama kangaroo in the movie tells all the other forest animals, 'If you can't see it, hear it, or feel it, then it doesn't exist'. I sat thinking I would have to explain this to my son that just because we cannot see, hear or technically feel God, that it does not mean he does not exist. Positive - This movie was WONDERFUL!! I am a HUGE Dr. Seuss fan and last summer when I saw the previews for this, I told my boyfriend 'You have to take me to see that!', well he did and I LOVED it! He also laughed out loud several times… The Mayor has some hilarious scenes and even had me to tears laughing! The story is so sweet and just like the book!! I loved it!! I am a major cry baby when it comes to movies, and I'll admit, I cried a few times during this movie… especially at the very end… and the message is ever so important 'A persons a person; no matter how small!' There is NOTHING objectionable in this movie, at all. No bad words, not even any potty humor. Just plain, clean, funny, cute movie… I loved it and can't wait to own this on DVD!! Positive - Great movie! Could be scary for the smaller kids in some places. They over did the needle thing at the dentist. That could really scare some of the children. Other than that, very well done and fun to watch. Positive - I took my three kids ages 8, 6, and 4yrs. They enjoyed it very much. I also enjoyed it and laughed out loud at the end scene where the animals sin 'I can't fight this feeling any more!' Very cute and funny. Only one “shut-up” and nothing else offensive. I would recommend this film to all. We have the book and I thought that the story stayed true to the book with some added explanations. All my children stayed interested and laughed the whole time. It's nice to see something that is truly a kids film that I don't have to worry about. Truly a film that has some moral quality and good values (forgiveness, standing up for your values, and dedication/ caring for other well being) Go see it! Positive - I was very surprised because a lot of Children's movies have adult content and concepts that I don't think children are able to understand. I didn't notice any of that with this movie. I thought it was a decent film that children could thoroughly enjoy and route for the good guys. Positive - This is an awesome film. I vaguely saw anything morally objectionable. Jim Carrey and Steve Carell (Michael Scott from “The Office”) are equally talented in Horton the elephant and the Mayor of Whoville. I give it two thumbs way up! I was not bored with this movie. It wasn't the best I've seen so far this year but it wasn't the worst. Positive - Not since I've seen Curious George have I seen a movie that was this uplifting. I took my family and three of my son's friends to see it. It was very funny and at the same time had a great message for all. I highly recommend it! Positive - This movie was hilarious! The quality of the film was good. Overall I liked it a lot, which is rare for me these days. I appreciate the previous comment by viewers, warning about the comments about homeschooling. As a homeschool mom myself, I was glad to have the chance to discuss this with my son ahead of time. However, I wasn't overly worried. I considered how just in the past week, we helped my son as he decided to take up a new sport, and spent the evening finding rocks with flashlights in the dark and drawing them with my son as we pretended to be scientists. I think most homeschoolers know that the character portrayed in the movie is not what it's like for them in real life. In addition, they have surely faced these ideas before. I think it should not keep anyone from enjoying what is otherwise a good movie. The only other thing that concerned me was the use of the word “boob.” This word has a new meaning in this day and age, and kids tend to repeat these things, especially when they don't know what they mean. Neutral
Neutral - My twin 7 year olds loved the movie. My 12 year old thought it was just ok. The movie was cute and held everyone's interest. I did have a problem with the kangaroo however. Kangaroo is a control freak. She wanted to run the jungle and have everyone do what she wanted. She “pouch schooled” her son and was always pushing him back into her pouch. At the end of the movie the kangaroo was trying to get everyone to rope Horton and throw him in “jail.” She was saying that he was a danger to the kids, he was teaching them to use their imagination and that would cause them to disrespect authority etc. I wouldn't have had a problem with her if they hadn't chosen to make her a “pouch schooler.” She is so opposite of what most homeschoolers stand for. I am disappointed that they chose to portray homeschoolers in such a negative light. My 12 year old even caught it without me saying anything about it. I was so looking forward to the movie with my girls and was very disappointed. Neutral - In watching “Horton Hears a Who,” I was made aware of yes, the Pro-Life quality, but deeper than that—the ability to stand when all else or all others deny your faith. I found a prophetic notion in the movie. Its what it will be like in the end days; what it is like even now in some areas of the globe-believers backed into corners, Believers chastised, Believers being subtly or conspicuously challenged abou—t what they believe. But its also about the christian loving the enemy, even when they hate you. Just like Jesus still loved those who were sneering at him. Just like Horton is still friends with the abominable Kangaroo. Neutral - The Who's are back. So is Whoville… this time on a microcosmic scale. Jim Carrey lends his voice as the big, clumsy elephant Horton; Steve Carell is the Who mayor of Whoville. Carol Burnett plays the antagonist, an over-zealous kangaroo acting as “Big Brother” in this children's tale. Horton finds a little poof he calls a “speck” and hears voices coming from inside, or does he? Persistent, he sets out to prove there is indeed a world within. After trying numerous times to breech the communication barrier, a steady connection is eventually established. Neutral - I just finished watching this movie after having it recommended by a trusted friend. My husband, myself and our 4 year old daughter all enjoyed it and laughed all the way through it. The only reason I gave it a neutral rating is because there is some name calling and, particularly offensive to myself and my family, there is a rude jab made towards homeschoolers. I chose to let it slide off my back and enjoy the rest of the movie, as the movie really does have a great message about faith, protecting those who can't protect themselves, obviously the pro-life point, and other good lessons if you choose to look deep. We are homeschooling our daughter, which is why that joke was pointedly painful, but I don't feel that it ruins the entire movie. Negative
Negative - Ok, this was the worst hour and a half of my life. I thought this was going to be a really funny movie. Although I had my doubts, I thought what the heck. If you are over 11 years old, you will probably be bored to tears. I went with two other people, so I did not take a separate car, otherwise I would have walked right out of the movie theater. But, I would have to say that it was a very clean movie for children. And they would probably like it. Neutral - Overall, I thought the movie was cute. I gave it a “neutral” rating, however, because the “villain” in the story made a comment about her joey being “pouch schooled.” Of course, she came across overbearing and sometimes down right rude. I'm not sure about the statement that they were making with this, but it left me unsettled. I left hoping (and praying) that it didn't leave my homeschooled daughter feeling like a “freak.” Negative - I read a few comments here after the first weekend it was in theatres, and I was glad to see many positives, and we decided to budget this for a Sunday afternoon. The last movie we attended (with our children who are now 4 and 7) was Curious George, so needless to say we are careful what is put before our children's eyes. We were impressed that Hollywood would even consider making a high-quality and outwardly pro-life movie. The first 10 minutes were a wonderful introduction into the vivid world of Dr. Seuss on the big screen, and the set-up for the story was well done. Negative - My spouse and I took our kids out for a nice day out to see what we thought would be a cute remake of an beloved old classic. As usual Hollywood's warped thinking shines like a beacon in this flat film. I am a Christian and not ashamed, and I am sick of the propaganda that we are all uptight, cruel, unforgiving, judgmental folk because we subscribed to a higher power and way of thinking. I am sick of them using their platform opportunity to poison our minds and our childrens. This whole film was so inverted idealistically, it was laughable. The very message they used thru the villain (a homeschool parent of all things) was what the liberal Hollywood agenda is all about. Negative - As a woman who was homeschooled as a girl and a mother who plans to homeschool, I found this movie extremely offensive. The movie makers appeared to make an attack on homeschoolers by having the mean and angry kangaroo mom say her child was “pouch schooled.” The kangaroo mom who was abusive, critical, without an open mind and attempted to damper on her son's fascination and curiosity about the world. When her son was interested in the clover, she forcefully pushed his head in and prevented him from learning about the people and world around him. I think this movie is a sad portrayal of what true homeschoolers are like, and I was thoroughly disappointed. I was also upset that I supported the movie's makers with my dollars. In fact, the reverse is true, homeschoolers learn more about the world around them, and are nurtured and encouraged to explore their ideas and faith. Although I love the storyline and plot, I will not buy this new movie for my child. I will buy the older cartoon version because it does not improperly portray homeschoolers. Negative - …the villain in the movie was a homeschool mother. As a homeschool mother, I felt very disappointed and outraged that homeschooling was portayed this way. My two oldest children even picked up on it. We will not be seeing this one again, and we will be more careful to read all reviews and do a little more research before watching movies—even if they are billed as appropriate for the entire family. Negative - I'm giving this a negative rating because the “evil villain” is a close-minded homeschooler, which ruined the whole thing for me. Also, the picture of the caveman ancestor suggests that evolution is true and the film also portrays large families as a negative... suggesting you can't properly care for that many children. Had those 3 messages bee left out, it would have been fine. Negative - I think the movie making quality of this film was very good, however I found the main story-line was very offensive. The whole idea of an elephant holding up the world of the Who's was totally rooted in Hinduism, and the messages or attacks against homeschooling and abortion was just a smoke screen to throw the viewers off. I am a pro-lifer and a strong supporter of Homeschooling, but because the movie was so confusing, I found no redeeming qualities worth viewing in this movie! Comments from young people
Positive - My friend and I had been planning to go to this movie ever since we had seen the trailer. We both absolutely LOVE the Dr. Seuss books and loved the idea that this book was finally coming out on film. Overall, it was a great film!! It contained a great message, and surprisingly most of the people in the theatre were over ten. Not only is this a great movie to go to with your younger children, but it is entertaining for teens, parents, and even grandparents. I would highly encourage that you go see this movie and hear the great message it offers. Positive - I thought it would be boring or lame but no matter the age you will love the animation and good humor. I saw it with adults, teens, and little kids. Everyone loved it. Usually I like gore and action, but this really was good. Believe it or Not. Positive - The movie was great! It was clean, funny, and enjoyable for all ages. There were kids aged 7 to 15 in our group and everyone enjoyed it enough to want to see it again. Positive - It's good, but long. I really liked it. There's nothing bad in the movie, though it is very wacky (like most Dr. Seuss books and movies). I think it showed good values, because it shows that a person is a person no matter how big you are, and that you have to keep on trying, even though there are obstacles ahead of you. Positive - This film is great for all ages. I went with my Sunday School Class, and we all loved it. It has a great story line and is very clean. At the end, characters “forgive and forget” each other's differences and even though the kangaroo is kind of mean to Horton, he stills forgives and becomes friend with her in the end. It is a great, funny movie! Positive - I seriously don't understand why many people find this movie so… well, offensive. I understand that to SOME people, I'm still considered a “kid,” so my opinion will seem “immature,” but I know what I like, and I think that this movie is fine. There are some mature jokes that probably won't seem that attractive to parents bringing their kids, but to me, they're going to be bombarded with this type of humor anyway, so they might as well understand just how far they should be allowed to go. If the parents don't want their kids watching this stuff with their money, then that's their problem. Otherwise, let the children enjoy the flick. Positive - I went to “Horton Hears a Who” opening night after hearing early reviews about it, and I found it an enjoyable, funny movie. There was nothing objectionable, it was all just clean humor. And on top of that, there was an anti-abortion message that really sticks out. I'm also glad that Jim Carrey is actually in something clean. I will definitely want to own this when it comes out. Positive - It is very cool! and funny! Positive - I LOVE this movie! There is absolutely nothing wrong with this movie, (except maybe the little comment about “pouch schooling,” but that didn't really bother me that much), and I would recommend it to ANYONE. It is SO hilarious; I was cracking up practically the whole time! Positive - I found this movie hilarious!!! But as a homeschooled girl, I did not appreciate the little 'pouch schooled' comment. Homeschoolers are not like that. The homeschoolers I know, the majority of them, are not control freaks, do not shelter their kids, and they're not anti-social like the society has blinded everyone to believe! I get very irritated when public school kids label me with that. Positive - This movie was AMAZING!! I think it is completely ridiculus for someone to say this movie is offensive! The moral of this movie is 'a persons a person, no matter how small', which i think is wonderful. Everyone i know who has seen this movie thought it was amazing, and i won't be suprised if you find it amazing to. I think there is nothing you should find inapropiate in anyway. My favourite part was when everything becomes anime! Any way, I highly recomend this movie to everyone! Positive - Very Funny, But I Rate it A PG-6. Some of the scenes might be to violent for really young kids maybe under 6. For example, when they rope Horton and cage him and poke him with sticks. Some of the scenes are Funny like when Horton says, “I know 2 Vlads. Is it the bad Vlad, Or Vlad the bunny who Bakes the cookies.” Positive - This movie was great, while Jim Carey has not always been in a lot of good movies, he scored an ace with me for this movie! I'm sure that anyone who is a fan of Dr. Seuss's books will see the similarities of the animated Horton and the book drawing of Horton. It's like a carbon copy!! |
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