I actually think that the choice to make a continuation or sequel or sorts to the Lorax was actually a good one, compared to just doing a straight remake. The Lorax is probably one of Dr. Seuss' best known books to date, and was already made into an animated tv special in 1972. The TV special itself is actually fairly interesting, in that it expands upon the systemic problems and consequences with the business model that the Wuncler is using, even taking a quick look at the problem of the labor market itself.
The movie itself kept me entertained, thought I will readily admit that the protagonist's motivation is a bit trite. However, I liked that it didn't try to be like the original. For a little kid just starting to think about the world around them, this movie might be a welcome first start. I'm not saying Bob is wrong to criticize the softening up of the actual villain of the story, changing it from a shared culpability to a "few bad apples", but I don't think it ruins the inherent message of conservation and naturalism as a virtue.
When Bob says that "You cannot teach an audience a lesson if you're not willing to allow for the possibility of them feeling bad about giving the wrong answer." I think he's overlooking the idea that an audience may be smart enough to take away the message without being hit over the head with agit-prop.
Then again we are talking about the man that said:
"The difference between me and most libertarians is that they start from the position that humanity, when given freedom, will use it well. I see humanity too clearly to think that is the case. Most of us are PROFOUNDLY incapable of managing ourselves. What keeps me from being a "liberal" despite this knowledge is that, while I accept this about my species... I don't really CARE. Don't misunderstand - I'm not WHOLLY self-interested. I care more about my friends, family, many other associates more than I do myself
But "humanity?" Humanity can suck an egg."
His entire perspective on humanity in general comes from a default position of distrust in it's very nature. While at our base level of instinct there are certain traits more geared toward survival than anything else, such as our tendency to hoard resources and act super paranoid around the unknown, I think that on some level man is indeed greater than beast in our ability not only to make sense of our world, but also to reinterpret it in ways that be seen as ultimately altruistic or even otherworldly. I'm not saying I have total faith in every individual I meet nor am I saying that there aren't some very messed up things happening on the Earth right now, but overall I'd say humanity is this planet's most valuable resource.
