HORTON HEARS A WHO

2008, Twentieth Century Fox

Animation

Rating: G

Approx. 86 mins.

THE STORY:

Horton the elephant (Jim Carrey) finds a clover with a speck on it, which in turn, he discovers, has an entire microcosmic race of people living on it. Although Horton can't see anything, he can communicate with the mayor of Whoville (Steve Carell). The two realize that a safe, stable home for the speck must be found, and Horton begins his journey to an idyllic spot on a mountain side. 

Unfortunately, no one else's ears are sensitive enough to hear them, and his community soon turns on Horton as a threat to life as they know it. Led by the intransigent Kangaroo (Carol Burnett), they try to stop Horton and destroy the speck. Eventually, Whoville is rescued by the unanimous voices of every Who citizen standing up for themselves, and by one voice in the jungle who stands up to the many who fear what they can't see.

QUESTIONABLE LANGUAGE:

• idiot
• boob
• moron

VIOLENCE:

• nothing significant

TEACHING POINTS:

• Mean what you say and say what you mean
• Every life is equally valuable
• Sometimes, you just have to have faith

THE UPSHOT:

Judging by the smiles and laughter on display, I'm fairly sure the adults in the room enjoyed this far more than the 5 year-old. Nonetheless, a good time was had by all.

At the risk of being gushy, I can't think of a single negative thing to say about this movie. Excellent animation, an amazing cast (Will Arnett, Amy Poehler, Seth Rogen, Jim & Steve, and, yes, the Carol Burnett!), a great script, clever humour, invaluable messaging.

The happiest 86 odd minutes I've spent in a while. Ab fab.
  

5/5