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Horton Hears A Who! (2008)

Director: Jimmy Hayward, Steve Martino

3

Time Out rating

Average user rating
45 reviews

Synopsis

Jim Carrey plays Horton the Elephant in this adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ much-loved 1954 book. Horton is surprised to hear a cry for help coming from a speck of dust, but, on closer inspection, is delighted to discover a whole population of ‘Whos’ living on it. Horton gamely protects the Mayor of Whoville (Steve Carell) and his people from all dangers, sagely observing that ‘even if you can't hear or see them at all, a person's a person, no matter how small’.

Movie review

From Time Out London

The harebrained title doesn’t exactly fill one with a desire to rush out for a ticket, but then this is a Dr Seuss adaptation, so I guess anything goes. When Horton the elephant (voice of Jim Carrey) hears a high-pitched plea for help emenating from a ‘speck’ that drifts past his over-sized ears, he’s convinced it’s not a figment of his imagination.

Cue tracking shot into the bowels of the speck where we alight upon the inhabitants of the wacky, microscopic town of Who-ville. It emerges that even a puff of wind could cause havoc here so, following a request from Who-ville’s Mayor, the happy-go-lucky pachyderm takes charge and spends most of the film protecting it, much to the consternation of a matronly kangaroo who, in one of several references to faith and morality, believes his wild imaginings will soil the minds of the young.

Blue Sky Studio’s latest CGI creation is aimed squarely at youngsters who’ll appreciate the jocular banter, cute characters, rich colour palette and fanciful backdrops. But what a shame there’s so much padding.

Author: Derek Adams 2008-03-18 12:14:59

Time Out London Issue 1961 March 20-26 2008


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User reviews of this film

  • Dan Lesley Pilcher said...
    Posted on Sep 06 2009 03:39 '' as a movie fan, i find horton hears a who a dull , rushed production, it lacks any sense to characters or the script, simply rubbish this film shoul of got a razzie, instead of being nominated for various awards...
    Report as inappropriate
  • Abi said...
    Posted on Jun 04 2009 13:40 This film is my FAVOURITE film EVER!!!! Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo funny!
    i have it dvd and i just LOVE it! woop woop! jim carrey is hilarious and jojo is ADORABLE! i think i'll go home and watch it... ;D
    Report as inappropriate
  • Lauren Loves Matt Bellamy said...
    Posted on Mar 28 2009 11:14 I watched this film on my own, and I swear I've never laughed so much in my life. I'm twelve years old. It was really funny and made me smile a lot. Love it!
    Report as inappropriate
  • tristan said...
    Posted on Aug 29 2008 22:51 saw this ages ago and luved it
    Report as inappropriate
  • molli said...
    Posted on May 29 2008 13:07 in reply to 'Jo' about her daughters birthday party, my mate has seen the spider wick film and its supposed to be not amazing but the people I asked were 10 but i would still go for horton hears a who, it looks funnt 8 )
    Report as inappropriate
  • theodora poole said...
    Posted on May 29 2008 11:37 great movie horton was my favourite being a great elephant lover myself. it was comical with a great story. very much a family movie. Theodora Poole.
    Report as inappropriate
  • Jo said...
    Posted on May 20 2008 14:13 I am taking my daughter and her friends to the cinema for her birthday. The children are 5 and 6 years old which film is best The spider wick chronicles or Horton hears a who? please reply.
    Report as inappropriate
  • charlotte said...
    Posted on Apr 28 2008 21:52 omg this flim was the best i can't wait to buy it me and my mate have seen it 7 times haha sad !
    i love the mayor his so dam funny
    and jojo is so cute :P
    Report as inappropriate
  • Olivia-Catherine Dooey said...
    Posted on Apr 19 2008 12:49 I am not sure if should see this film. Is it sutibal for a 12 and 13 year old ? Thank you, please write back !
    Olivia-Catherine Dooey
    Report as inappropriate
  • Lauren Luvage said...
    Posted on Apr 15 2008 11:56 omg i remember listing to this when i was 6 yrs old and im going 2 c it to day will rite a nother review l8r!
    Report as inappropriate
  • MiiCH3LL3&KATY said...
    Posted on Apr 12 2008 21:41 OMG me n katy have wanted watch this film since we first saw it on advertisments hahaha we on phne naa n tlkin bwt it now x we put it in r sng//dance n every thin horton movie dldld d(8) lmao it looks wel gurd n we goin watch it tomra CNT WAIT!!! we gna b laffin r eds off aint we kt hehe woooop!!
    Report as inappropriate
  • katy n michelle said...
    Posted on Apr 12 2008 21:38 heyyyyyyy lol i on the phone 2 michelle n weve wanted watch this film 4 ages lol n we wachin in 2 moz so exited wooooopppppp lol
    Report as inappropriate
  • Tessa said...
    Posted on Apr 11 2008 15:44 Sounds, and looks borning! I saw the advert and really i think this is just going to be another one of thoose American crappy films which kids find dull too. . .
    Report as inappropriate
  • Mike said...
    Posted on Apr 11 2008 12:04 cracking film.......had me laughing constantly! and im 21
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  • Amy said...
    Posted on Apr 09 2008 14:33 This movie ROCKED!! So funny, I was laughing all the way though, even when people were not, Jim Carrey is a GOD and absolutely made the movie. This film is totally wasted on kids!! Can't wait to buy the DVD!
    Report as inappropriate
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