Snap Judgment: 'Lorax' Trailer

While "The Cat in the Hat" and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" are probably the most famous of Dr. Seuss' tales, my personal favorite has always been "The Lorax." And I suppose it was inevitable that there would be a film version at some point. So here it is: the first trailer for the animated adaptation of the creature who speaks for the trees. I'm still recovering from the violation of my childhood that was the Jim Carrey "Grinch" movie, so I had to watch it the first couple times with my hands over my eyes.

Initial thoughts? The look is nice--love the candy-colored trees whose puffy forms are true to the book's drawings. Zac Efron seems to be pushing the "aw shucks gee whiz I'm a kid" bit a little hard as the protagonist Ted, who goes in search of a tree to impress a girl (voiced by Taylor Swift.) And though I love Danny DeVito, not sure he embodies the Lorax for me. He sounds awfully fussy and grouchy and charmless. Maybe it's just because I so associate that voice with his character on "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," I just keep thinking of a dirty old man. Not sure who a better choice would have been--except for some reason, Seth Rogen keeps springing to mind. Though a friend suggested another great choice: Hal Holbrook. He could have brought some homespun wisdom to the role.

Still, the source material is flawless. Color me cautiously optimistic. Though I'm not looking forward to all the "Lorax" posters and billboards that are sure to be put up--wonder how many trees they'll destroy making them.

WATCH THE TRAILER ON BEHIND THE SCENES