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The Tale of Despereaux Movie Review

Reviewed by on Dec 20, 2008
Rating: 5 Star Rating

Who says heroes don’t come in small packages? Check out the amazing animated movie, The Tale of Despereaux, based on the best-selling novel by Kate DiCamillo.

Who says heroes don’t come in small packages? Check out the amazing animated movie, The Tale of Despereaux, based on the best-selling novel by Kate DiCamillo.

Soup Day

In the kingdom of Dor, one special day each year is celebrated above all other holidaysSoup Day. On this joyous day, the royal chef unveils his latest creation—a soup that tickles the taste buds. But this year everything goes terribly wrong.


The Queen’s Death

Enticed by the [kwlink 4848sweet-smelling aroma[/kwlink], a rat called Roscuro falls from a chandelier and lands in the Queen’s soup. Roscuro tries to apologize, but the horrified Queen screams and falls dead of a heart attack. On that tragic day, the kingdom changed forever. The heartbroken King banishes both soup and rats from his kingdom. But little does he know that an entire world of rats live in the castle’s dungeon.


A Brave Little Mouse

Within the castle walls, there also lays a [kwlinke 3705]world of mice[/kwlink], and one little mouse who’s different from the rest. He’s half the size of other mice with ears so large he can use them as wings. But most unlike other mice who learn to scurry and cower and to always be afraid, this mouse is brave. And his name is Despereaux.


Mouseworld and Ratworld

The film follows the courageous Despereaux as he risks his life to save the Princess from a terrible fate. While the film’s story is basically the same as the novel (The Tale of Despereaux), the film spiced up the setting. They added Mouseworld, with houses and shops made of household appliances, and Ratworld, down in the dungeon, with walls made from human bones, barrels and other forgotten junk.


The Bottom Line

As animated flicks and books made into movies go, The Tale of Despereaux is top notch. It’s lively, colorful, hilarious and touching. And you’ll certainly recognize some of the characters voices. The jailer is played by Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid from the Harry Potter films). But that’s not the only Harry Potter actor to join The Tale of Despereaux cast. Emma Watson (better known as Hermione Granger) plays the voice of the Princess. If you haven’t seen The Tale of Despereaux, definitely check it out.


The Tale of Despereaux Movie Rating: 5


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