How to Enjoy Horton Hears a Who

Dr. Seuss’ "Horton Hears a Who" is about an imaginative elephant named Horton who hears a tiny spec of dust talking to him one day. The spec turns out to be home to an entire world of people known as the Whos. Despite being ridiculed by his friends who don’t believe him, Horton protects the little spec of dust with his very life until he can prove the Whos existence to all.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• An appreciation for the works of Dr. Seuss
• A love of animated films
• The ability to feel young at heart

1. Get to know Horton’s history. Renowned children’s author, Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel), wrote "Horton Hears a Who" in 1954. This was the second book to star Horton the Elephant, the first being "Horton Hatches the Egg" in 1940. The story first came to the small screen in a half hour animated special in 1970 produced by legendary animator, Chuck Jones. Warner Brothers Home Video recently released the half-hour special in a newly remastered deluxe edition DVD.
2. Check out the movie's buzz. 20th Century Fox and Blue Sky Studios (The production company behind 2005’s "Robots") won the rights to make "Horton Hears a Who" after a nearly two year bidding war with several other studios, including Sony and DreamWorks. Fox closed the deal with Geisel’s wife, Audrey, by guaranteeing her certain creative approvals.
3. Know "Who" is in this movie. Voicing a character in an animated feature film has become the "in" thing to do in Hollywood today. You can make the argument that some of the biggest all-star casts in recent years have been for animated feature films and "Horton Hears a Who" is no different. The eclectic cast includes top stars like Jim Carrey (Horton) and Steve Carell (Mayor of Whoville); legendary comedian Carol Burnett (Kangaroo); rising stars Seth Rogen (Morton) and Jamie Pressly (Mrs. Quilligan); Saturday Night Live alums Amy Poehler (Sally O' Malley) and Laraine Newman (Glummox Mom); and even renowned CBS Newsman Charles Osgood (Narrator). It's a veteran cast with previous experience in animated features. Carrey, of course, starred in another Doctor Seuss adaptation, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" in 2000.
4. Read the Dr. Seuss books to better know the movie. Dr. Seuss' books have been in print for over 50 years and every generation since the 1950s have grown up with them. Random House is the lucky owner of this eternal goldmine. In addition to the regular version of the book, the publishing house has just released a pop-up book and a reusable sticker book as well. Fox has also secured the film rights to Horton's first book, "Horton Hatches the Egg" and, depending on the success of "Who," might put it on the big screen in a few years.
5. Get some merchandise to extend the magic. As you'd expect, toy makers have jumped on the latest Horton bandwagon with a slew of toy tie-ins. Manhattan toys has released a set of finger puppets and plush toys. Then there is the Horton Hears a Who! You to the Rescue! Game for kids ages 4 - 8. Can a video game be far behind?
6. Branch out! If you like Horton, you might also enjoy the other Dr. Seuss film adaptations: "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and "The Cat in the Hat," as well as other "funny animal" animated films like "Open Season" and "Ratatouille."