‘Lorax’ worth watching

T his column is definitely not a movie review

column. The editors rightly expect me to be more creative than simply reviewing events, and anyway, most of the movies in my life have to be suitable for a 7 year old.

Add to that the fact that, when I run into regular readers, which is with some frequency, they almost never want to talk to me about movies, and you have a list of reasons.

That being said, I hope you have a chance to take a small child, or a child-like adult, and view “The Lorax” before it leaves the local moviehouse. This screen adapted version of Dr. Seuss’ ecology classic, written for children of all ages, is well worth you time and the social statement that it makes.

The statement is not political, not right wing nor left wing, as some fringe claims a few weeks ago were trying to maintain. It is simply the choice presented: Will we live in a world made of plastic, or will we reverse the trend toward destroying our natural world, before it’s too late?

Since this is not a movie review, and since I don’t want to ruin the plot for you, I am going to avoid telling you what the actual plot is, or many details thereof. The ecology drum, though, is one the readers of this column know I beat with some frequency, primarily because it matters a whole lot.

Four voices with which I grew up, meaning they were active when I was a child,seem to still maintain a lot of respect and validity as “voices"to children today. Dr. Seuss is one of these, the other three being Mr. Rogers, Charles Schultz, and Walt Kelly {though Kelly’s “Pogo” requires a slightly higher level of sophistication.}

In each case, of course, the underlying messages are really geared to include and address adults.

The ecology theme which underlies The Lorax is not a Republican/Democrat idea. I personally have friends on both sides who “get” this message. Some of them are lifetime NRA members, and some of them are vegan tree huggers.

They are bound by a common love of the outdoors, meaning a true appreciation of all that dwells there, and by the desire to pass a world on to our children and grandchildren that allows them the freedom to: swim in an unpolluted lake, spot a deer in its natural habitat, see the stars

and planets unimpeded by clouds of noxious gas- you get the picture.

In my world view, the creation around us is a gift from God, and not to be taken lightly. Maintaining and caring for it is an aspect of stewardship, and one that addresses the quality of life enjoyed by all of God’s created beings.

Do yourself a favor. Go see The Lorax, with open senses.