This GG animated feature based on the beloved Dr. Seuss tale features Jim Carrey as Horton, a lovable elephant who sets out to prove that an entire civilization of beings live atop a tiny flower. As it turns out, Horton is right. This microcosmic society includes The Mayor of Whoville (played by Steve Carell), a loving family man with an outrageously large number of mouths to feed. The story alternates between Horton's attempt at proving his seemingly dimwitted theory, and the Mayor's crusade to convince his people that there's a larger world out there.

This take on Horton Hears a Who! isn't a perfect adaptation, but it is far superior to the live action versions of How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Cat in the Hat. Ron Howard's approach to the Grinch crumbles under the weight of Jim Carrey's crazed antics and as for Mike Myers and his take on Cat in the Hat? Lets just say Dr. Seuss probably turned over in his grave after that one. Both Grinch and Cat in the Hat would have been wise to go the CG route as this process greatly benefits Horton Hears a Who!

As lively and cute as Horton Hears a Who is, it does feel a bit stretched out, but given that it's based on a short children's book, the film makers had not choice but to make additions. Some of them (such as a bizarre but strangely appealing homage to Pokemon), work while others (including a weird and off putting scene in which Horton shakes his butt to the hip hop stylings of Sir Mix A Lot's Baby Got Back) don't.

Visually, Horton Hear's a Who delivers. It perfectly captures the feel of Seuss' imagery although the film makers do take a few liberties (The Mayor's young son retreats to a goth getaway that seems all but plucked from the mind of Tim Burton).

The vocal work, headed by Jim Carrey and Steve Carell, is surprisingly subtle. Carrey and Carell are backed up by an impressive roster of equally effective comedic talent including Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Amy Poehler, Will Arnett, Jaime Pressly, Dan Fogler, and veteran Carol Burnett.

Horton Hears a Who! is pleasant entertainment for folks of all ages, and while I'm still awaiting that perfect Dr. Seuss adaptation, I have no problem recommending this one while we wait.