Film: The Lorax (U)

Director: Chris Renaud, Kyle Balda

A story of love, ecology, big business, regret and righting wrongs, all probably originally told in verse – this latest Dr Seuss adaptation has it all. Starting in the walled city of Thneed-Ville where everything is a commodity, even down to the air that you breathe, a 12-year-old boy, Ted (voiced by eternal youth Zac Efron), hopes to win the heart of the girl he likes, Audrey (voiced by the equally bright Taylor Swift).

When he learns that her dearest wish is to see a real tree it leads him outside of the city’s enclosure, to a derelict wasteland occupied by a ruined businessman turned hermit whose greed ran roughshod over the wishes of The Lorax, a creature dedicated to the protection of the woodland and nature.

Not surprisingly, the Lorax (voiced by Danny DeVito) is less than happy. What happens next is driven by Ted’s desire to undo the damage and his battle with those who would stop him, and who benefit from the current barren landscape.

Released Tues 27 July
Showing at Odeon and Cineworld
Read our interview with Zac Efron (Ted)