Horton Hears a Who is a Hit

Written by Kirsti A. Dyer MD, MS, FT

Mom Buying Guide - Baby

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This animated film version of Horton Hears was produced by Blue Sky Studios, the same studio that created "Ice Age" and "Ice Age 2 the Meltdown." The film was released by 20th Century Fox on March 14, 2008. It was number one at the box office the weekend it opened.

More about Horton Hears a Who

Length of the film: 88 min

Rating: G

Characters:

The film features the voice talents of three great comics, Jim Carrey, Steve Carell and Carol Burnett. The Character voices are:

• Jim Carrey - Horton the Elephant
• Steve Carrell - Ned O' Malley, the Mayor of Whoville
• Carol Burnett - Sourpuss Kangaroo
• Dan Fogler - Yummo, the Councilman Chairman
• Will Arnett - Vlad Vladikoff (Vulture)
• Amy Poehler - Sally O'Malley, the Mayor's Wife
• Jesse McCartney - Jojo O'Malley, the mayor's son
• Seth Rogen - Morton the rat
• Isla Fisher - Doctor Larue
• Jaime Pressly - Mrs. Quilligan
• Laraine Newman - Glummox Mom
• Selena Gomez - Helga O'Malley, one of the Mayor's daughters
• Joey King - Katie
• Jonah Hill - Tommy
• Josh Flitter - Rudy, the Little Kangaroo (Joey)

Language:

The film is rated "G" so none of the typical swear words are included. The only things that I've been able to find that parents might find objectionable

1. The use of the word "boob" (in the non-anatomical sense) throughout the film. The Mayor is referred to as a "boob" by the city council.
2. The reference to "pooping" butterflies.
   

Scary/Mean Parts: 

The character Vlad, the Vulture is a bit scary, perhaps a bit much for preschoolers, but you could easily cover their eyes.

The Sourpuss Kangaroo is pretty mean to Horton. She bullies him and then later and incites the Jungle of Nool folks to chase after him, cage him and poke him with sticks. (This sounds scarier when I am describing it than it was viewing it in the movie).

There is a Ninja cartoon segment that has been added to the story line where Horton is imagining that he is a Ninja elephant. I don't think that anyone was harmed in the making of this cartoon clip.

Reviews

The film is getting mostly great reviews. Some true Seuss fans and critics don't like the fact that additional material was added to the original story to make the film 88 minutes long.

We took a group of more than a dozen kindergarten to second graders to see the film on the opening weekend as part of a joint birthday celebration. Without a doubt a great time was had by all (including the six parents and one grandparent that went along).

One of my favorite lines was uttered by little Katie one of Horton's charges when they are all discussing what happens on their imaginary worlds.

Everyone in my world are horses that eat rainbows and poops butterflies.

I found myself tearing up when the Who's finally break through with the "We are Here! We are Here! We are Here!" and I also liked the silly song at the end. 

Learning from Horton

Horton the Elephant is a good character that can be used by parents and teachers with the Horton books or films to teach children about many different concepts. Horton teaches children about friendship, kindness, loyalty, patience, persistence and tenacity.

With his expression that "a person's a person, no matter how small" children can learn about kindness and of being careful with little things, whether they are little children or littler things like bugs.

Where to Find Horton 

If you are one of the few people who has never read Horton Hears a Who, or would like to reread it again the Horton Hears a Who books are available in most major bookstores. Two versions are included below:

Horton Hears A Who! (Classic Seuss)	Horton Hears a Who Pop-up!

More Information about Horton Hears a Who:

For more about Horton Hears a Who and Dr. Seuss , you can read the lengthier Squidoo lenses on these topics.

Dyer KA. Horton Hears a Who on Squidoo.
Dyer KA. Dr. Seuss on Squidoo. 

 

About the Author Kirsti A. Dyer MD, MS, CWS is a respected physician, an expert in life challenges, loss, grief and bereavement, professional health educator, professor, lecturer and author. Dr. Dyer is trained in Internal Medicine or an Adult Medicine specialty. She is the mother of two young energetic daughters whom she is trying to educate and make aware about issues affecting our planet. Dr. Dyer created and has maintained Journey of Hearts, a website for anyone who has ever experienced a loss. She is also the Parent of a very healthy NICU Survivor. She is the author of For Those Who Hold the Littlest Hands, an eBook written to provide information, encouragement and support for NICU parents.

 

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