Horton tipped for box office stampede

Animated film Dr Seuss' Horton Hears A Who! has been tipped to take the spring box office by storm and rake in between $40 million (£19.7 million) and $50 million on its opening weekend, according to reports in the US.

The Hollywood Reporter says distributor Fox has lined up 4,000 screens in the US for the film, which stars Jim Carrey and Steve Carell of the American version of The Office.

Fox distribution president Bruce Snyder told the paper: "This is one of the best animated pictures ever. I think it will be playing throughout the spring period."

The film tells the story of an elephant (voiced by Carrey) who battles to protect the miniature community of Whoville from those who refuse to believe it exists.

It is the latest adaptation of the popular Dr Seuss books, following 2000's Oscar winner The Grinch - which also starred Carrey - and 2003's The Cat In The Hat, which had Mike Myers of Wayne's World and Austin Powers fame in the lead.

Horton Hears A Who! also opens in the UK today.

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