Dustin Hoffman Movie:

		List Price: $19.98		Label: Universal Salesrank: 1270 Released: April 7, 2009
		Our Price: $9.50
		Used Price: $4.78
		MPAA Rating: G (General Audience) Media: DVD

Editorial Review:
THE TALE OF THREE UNLIKELY HEROES - A MISFIT MOUSE WHO PREFERS READING BOOKS TO EATING THEM, AN UNHAPP RAT WHO SCHEMES TO LEAVE THE DARKNESS OF THE DUNGEON & A BUMBLING SERVANT GIRL WITH CAULIFLOWER EARS - WHOSE FATES ARE INTERTWINED WITH THAT OF THE CASTLE'S PRINCESS.

Description of The Tale of Despereaux:
The Tale of Despereaux looks a little like Shrek. The storytelling and animation draw on everything from Ratatouille and classic fairytales to Shakespeare, Jonathan Swift, Indiana Jones, and, in its action sequences, even Bourne and Bond. But this movie stands on its own; too dark and violent for very young children, perhaps, but for the most part it’s exciting and funny, and it delivers a message about bravery and forgiveness that is relevant to us all. Voiced by Matthew Broderick, the title character is a little guy, even by mouse standards, with enormous ears and an imagination to match; much to the dismay of his elders, he "never cowers, won’t scurry, and refuses to be taught to be scared" (he’d much rather read a book than eat it, a pursuit that fills his head with visions of valiant knights, damsels in distress, and a life defined by "courage, honor, and decency"). That leads to his being banished from Mouseworld to the realm of the rats, where, it is presumed, he will be eaten. But no. Ratworld--a dark, chaotic, genuinely scary place--happens to be the current residence of one Roscuro (Dustin Hoffman), a peaceful sort whose shenanigans in the human world have accidentally led to the death of the Queen, the imprisonment of the Princess (Emma Watson), and, worst of all, the banning of Soup Day (no small deal) and the end of soup itself! Roscuro and Despereaux join forces, inadvertently helped out by a homely but soft-hearted farm girl named Miggery Sow (Tracey Ullman), and, well, you can imagine how it all turns out. Directors Sam Fell and Robert Stevenhagen and scriptwriter Gary Ross (adapting Kate DiCamillo’s book) have concocted some vivid and interesting worlds for their film; the look is unusual, often washed out, muted, and bathed in hazy light; and the voice acting is excellent (others include William H. Macy, Kevin Kline, Stanley Tucci, and Frank Langella). All in all, despite a conclusion that’s confusing even while it’s predictable, The Tale of Despereaux is a worthy addition to the crowded animation field. --Sam Graham

Coloring Page

Maze

Despereaux Ears

Stills from The Tale of Despereaux (Click for larger image)

The Tale of Despereaux Reviews:
Charming!
2009-11-02 - This movie develops slowly. It doesn't involve catchy songs or eye-catching color. It's an old fashioned story. If you have a child who has the patience to listen, then he/she will enjoy this movie. If your child is use to a lot of slapstick comedy, some action and laughs from the get-go, and every few minutes, he/she will be bored.

The Tales of Despereaux is a movie to envelope yourselves in. A sweet, thought-provoking story to tuck into and appreciate.

delightful
2009-11-01 - At age 58 it really touched the inner child in me. I love this movie as well as my 17 year old, grandchildren and it is great when babysitting other children.

boring, slow and sinister
2009-10-24 - Do not waste your time. The movie develops very slowly - there is not much going on until the very end. The animation is beautiful and detailed but the story plot and voices are pathetic. I feel sorry for the artists' wasted talent.
The movie is certainly not appropriate for young children due to numerous instances of extreme violence and wickedness. Besides, the movie just lacks energy and focus to keep the little ones interested.

Did not live up to expectations
2009-10-19 - Did not live up to expectations, hard for an adult to sit through and watch.

touching story of bravery through persistance
2009-09-14 - what a fantastic,heartwarming story...Someone so differant that he stands out in a crowd for numerous reasons...he is set up for ridicule even by his own family and still perserveres. He is the bravest of the brave for all the right reasons!!!Because it is the right thing to do...it should inspire anyone from 8 to 80