Movie Review: The Tale of Despereaux

The Tale of Despereaux is about an oversized eared mouse who is different than the other mice in Mouse Town; he’s brave for starters. Despereaux Tilling is also out of place in his home; he’s an outcast who believes in honor and chivalry in a world that wants him to be timid. The Tale of Despereaux is also about a rat, Roscuro, who unlike other rates loves the light and his love starts a tragic string of events that leaves a king heartbroken, a princess stuck in a tower, and a kingdom in darkness. Lastly, The Tale of Despereaux is also about a young servant girl, Mig, who longs for one impossible dream, to be a princess. All three stories collide to save a kingdom from itself.

The Tale of Despereaux is a heart-warming tale for all ages. Its themes are timeless: forgiveness, love and good food. Though the themes are timeless, the story is not. This is not a conventional story of the prince saving a princess. The hero is an itty bitty mouse who heart is pure and who can always be counted on to do the right thing. The princess plays a backseat to Despereaux as he leads the charge to save the kingdom. Do the mouse and the princess live happily ever after together?

An all-star casts plays the voices of these very likable characters. Matthew Broderick is Despereaux Tilley’s voice. Dustin Hoffman is Roscuro. Sigourney Weaver is the narrator of this delightful tale. Emma Watson, Tracey Ullman, Kevin Kline, and William H. Macy are included in the cast.

Our entire family (teenagers, toddlers, mom and dad) saw this movie together and we all enjoyed it. There are not any fart jokes or crude humor. It’s a simple tale with a good story. Not easily found nowadays. The characters are cute and likable. The animation and colors are mesmerizing. The voice of Sigourney Weaver is enchanting. I highly recommend this movie for the entire family.

The Tale of Despereaux is based up on the book of the same title by Kate DiCamillo. The Tale of Despereaux is recommended for ages eight and up. DiCammillo is also the author of Because of Winn Dixie, The Tiger Rising, and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.

Visit Kate DiCammillo’s website.

Watch The Tale of Despereaux Movie Trailer.

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