Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss' beloved tale of The Lorax is age-appropriate for younger kids; there's little scary stuff, and the pro-environmental message is a positive one. The main issue here is really the movie's huge number of consumerist tie-ins -- at least 70 different marketing promotions. For an anti-materialism story to advertise so many products to kids and their parents sends a particularly confusing message. Still, the movie itself -- like the original story -- promotes conservation and protecting the environment. Kids will leave the film wanting to do more to help the natural world ... too bad that take-away will be diluted by the onslaught of available merchandise with the Lorax's bright-orange image on it.

Sexual Content

Ted has a crush on Audrey; at the end of the movie, they share a brief kiss. He also imagines kissing her earlier in the film.

Violence

The Once-ler employs a huge machine attached to axes to chop down the Truffula trees. At one point, the Once-ler and a baby Barbaloot are floating on a mattress toward a waterfall, but neither is injured. A few characters are hit in the face with various objects (marshmallows, a hammer), but there's no lasting harm.

Language

Language includes "stupid" and "dumb."

Social Behavior

Like the book, the movie promotes an environmental message about conservation. It also suggests the danger of giving into materialistic impulses that can damage the environment. The movie will make kids think about where their stuff comes from, whether having too much stuff is a good thing, and what the consequences of their actions might be. Unfortunately kids may be confused by these positive messages once they realize how many product tie-ins are associated with the movie (see "Consumerism" section).

Consumerism

Although the film (and story) itself espouses the same ecologically friendly themes as Dr. Seuss' book, the studio has agreed to more than 70 merchandise tie-ins, from the standard stuffed animals and figurines to the more egregious IHOP pancake platter and Mazda SUV promotions (the latter has included school events in which kids are urged to ask their parents to test-drive the vehicle). Many social critics have slammed the studio for taking Seuss' anti-consumerist message and turning it into an opportunity for the Lorax to promote various products.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Not applicable