The Hindu : Other States News : Time then for animation fare

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Monday, Apr 21, 2008
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Time then for animation fare

Film: Horton hears a who

Summer is here, vacations are not far behind. Time for “Horton Hears a Who”, a film so simple, so charming that kids would lap it up, and adults wonder why there were not good animated adaptations of Dr Seuss’ 1954 children’s classic earlier! It is a film that has its heart, mind, body and soul in the right place. An 88-minute short saga, it comes with a nice voiceover by Jim Carrey and dollops of good natured advice. Never profound, yet meaningful, just the way words should fall on young ears.

For instance, early in the film, the directors Jimmy Hayward and Steve Martini have a little dig at those adults who cannot keep a secret. A character says, “We won’t tell this secret to anybody. And in case we do, we will tell him not to tell anybody!” Directed with an eye on the holiday crowd, the film relates the story of Horton, an elephant who suddenly discovers there is life on a speck. Others around cannot see or hear, but he can hear it all! Lampooned by his community for believing in the unseen and the untested, Horton, however, is in touch with Who, a wonderful pearl-shaped creation on that speck, a tiny dot that is home to many funny elements, and even a mayor! It is fine as Horton and Who share notes with each other, without being able to see each other! As Who stretches his little neck to see the giant, the kids have a whale of a time.

All is fine until there is an existential crisis in speck’s world, and Horton too is not left untouched by the elements. Of course, since it is a film strictly for kids, the directors make sure things never get too bogged down with sadness and disappointments. So, every moment of struggle is followed by one of miraculous achievement. For instance, the kids would love Horton’s struggle to get across from his home to the other side of a river. A little wooden bridge is all that is available. And quite obviously not strong enough to take on an elephant’s weight!

In Horton’s journey lie many lessons, in his achievement lies the proof. That determination does reap rewards. As indeed should this film. It may not be the best animated film: the computer generated works could have been kinder to the lead character, and more definite with life on the speck. However, it is a bright and colourful film. Go for it. For the kids’ sake.

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Z.U.S.

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