Dr. Seuss' The Lorax

"Dr. Seuss' The Lorax" is a computer animated movie based on characters in the magical world created by Dr. Seuss. It takes place in and around Thneedville, a town where everything from the trees to the breathable air is manufactured. Ted, a young resident of the town, has a crush on neighboring artist Audrey. In an attempt to impress her Ted embarks on a mission to show her a real tree. A mission hampered by Thneedville's diminutive corporate operator and owner, Mr. O'Hare. Mr. O'Hare makes the majority of his money selling fresh air to the citizens of the town.

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On the advice of his grandmother, Ted goes outside Thneedville to find the Once-ler amongst the ruin and desolation beyond the city wall. Over a number of visits Once-ler tells Ted his story about his attempt to change the world. The Once-ler encounters a beautiful valley full of happy animals, singing fish, and tall Truffula Trees. There he cuts down a tree and accidentally summons the forest's guardian, The Lorax. The Lorax threatens Once-ler if he, and his violent tendencies, don't move out of the forest. After a perilous float down the river, The Lorax agrees to let Once-ler stay.

Once-ler wants to use the soft tufts of the Truffula Tree for his invention, the Thneed. A sudden increase in the popularity of the Thneed causes Once-ler to summon his family to help make more thneeds. This quickly leads to the destruction of the forest, despite Once-ler's previous promise to The Lorax not to cut down any more trees. A large manufacturing plant is eventually built, creating the desolation, destruction, and air pollution Ted knows. Once-ler's tale, and his success, end with the chopping down of the last tree and the departure of the animals.

Ted is given the last Truffula Tree seed to plant in town. He must also plant the seed of concern for trees in the minds of the people. Mr O'hare is determined to prevent the planting of the seed since trees provide fresh air for free, putting a dent in his sales. A chase ensues that involves traffic, 5 gallon jugs, and a snowboarding grandmother.

"Dr. Seuss' The Lorax" is ultimately a movie highlighting the importance of conservation. It also shows that actions have consequences and promises should be kept. While the colorful characters and cheery songs may be a draw to kids, the message is one everyone should pay heed to. To quote the original book's author, "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not."