Growing up in the '70s, I had vague, but favorable memories of animation like "Horton Hears a Who", "The Lorax", "Dr. Seuss on the Loose (the Sneetches)", and "Rikki Tikki Tavi". After having children of my own, I took up the mission of finding, acquiring and viewing these films with my kids. I discovered all of these children's books converted to animation withstood the test of time and were loved by my boys as much as they were by me (maybe it's a male thing).
These cartoons had two things that 21st century remakes (e.g. Tim Burton's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory") don't have: 1.) they respected the original but built upon it (Dr. Seuss/Ted Geisel and Chuck Jones complement each other with their own unique contributions); and, 2.) they focused on well-founded ethical points that many films today lack. Writers and directors today could learn something from these animated features. Namely, when producing films targeted at children and their parents (e.g. "Shrek 2"), subtlety, and a good story beats ostentatious effects and double entendre wisecracks any day.
My intent is neither to trash the remakes that are ubiquitous in Hollywood (I liked "Shrek", "Shrek 2" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"), nor is it to wallow in the nostalgia of my childhood. It simply is my opinion that these old cartoons deserve a second look. If you enjoy illustrated entertainment like comics, children's books and cartoons you (and your kids) will enjoy "Horton Hears a Who".
These cartoons had two things that 21st century remakes (e.g. Tim Burton's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory") don't have: 1.) they respected the original but built upon it (Dr. Seuss/Ted Geisel and Chuck Jones complement each other with their own unique contributions); and, 2.) they focused on well-founded ethical points that many films today lack. Writers and directors today could learn something from these animated features. Namely, when producing films targeted at children and their parents (e.g. "Shrek 2"), subtlety, and a good story beats ostentatious effects and double entendre wisecracks any day.
My intent is neither to trash the remakes that are ubiquitous in Hollywood (I liked "Shrek", "Shrek 2" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"), nor is it to wallow in the nostalgia of my childhood. It simply is my opinion that these old cartoons deserve a second look. If you enjoy illustrated entertainment like comics, children's books and cartoons you (and your kids) will enjoy "Horton Hears a Who".