Dinner and a Movie: 'The Lorax' Gives Dr. Seuss a Modern Makeover

It's a deforestation fable about the effects of an industrialized society and its effects on the environment. Sounds a bit complicated, but it is a family film: Dr. Seuss's "The Lorax."

Zac Efron is the voice of Ted, a 12-year-old living in a not-so-environmentally-friendly world. He wants to get his sweetheart, Audrey (voiced by Taylor Swift), a real tree to win her over. Ted then sets out in search of the one person, or thing, that will help him out—an orange, mustachioed environmentalist known as the Lorax, an optimistic guardian of the forest who “speaks for the trees” and sounds suspiciously like Danny DeVito.

The environmental gloom and doom is countered quite nicely by a supporting cast of voice actors. The colors are bright, the look is very Dr. Seussian, and there is something to be said about the anti-greed message the movie projects.

It's kind of absurd at times, but the common-sense philosophy that each one of us can change the world, even just a little bit, is pretty cool.

So the flick-o-meter gives "The Lorax" four out of five. Sure it's rambunctious and fanciful, but I am thumbs up when it's a film the entire family can go see. "The Lorax" barks up the right tree.

Showtimes:

See 'The Lorax' at the Century Laguna 16 at 11:30 a.m., 12:20 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 2:50 p.m.,  4:30 p.m.,  5:20 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 7:50 p.m., 9:30 p.m., or 10:20 p.m.

Dinner:

Make your own environmental statement by indulging in some vegan cuisine at The Loving Hut. The food is surprisingly hearty. Kids will dig the avocado smoothies, while adults can enjoy the classy, minimalist decor. We also love that the menu has a section labeled simply, 'Heaven.'

Elk Grove Patch staff contributed reporting to this story.

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