The Tale of Despereaux

A “cute” looking film, aimed of course at families and younger kids, but nothing too fun or exciting happens in The Tale of Despereaux to warrant spending big bucks at the theater.

This is a film that is wonderful to look at, taken place in a fairy tale that is epic in size, especially for a mouse. Characters are crisp and detailed, with hundreds of mice, rats and humans scurrying in and out. A very impressive showing from the technical team in charge of putting this film together. In terms of the characters, it’s hard not to like a mouse like Despereaux, who is big on heart, daring and adorable on screen, so finding a hero in this movie is easy to do. He will most likely be a big hit with the kids. Dustin Hoffman voices a rat in the film, who also has a large role, playing a would-be hero who has fallen off the path a little bit, with apparent anger in his heart. I like the darker issues he deals with, as it gave the animated characters some realistic problems to deal with and should speak to some adults looking for something deeper than most animated films. Not sure how that particular theme will work with the kids, but I appreciated a different look at things. Speaking of themes, the film has plenty of them running through it, such as the idea that it is ok to be original, always dream big, and follow your heart. All of these should be more than welcomed by families. Overall, a good mix of complication and fun, with some intriguing characters and wonderful animation.

On the downside, I just didn’t have any fun with this movie. A lot of story leading up to the action, and there seemed to be too many characters that had to be explained and brought up every so often, like the maid who wants to be princess, the Princess herself (who is in a sad funk), the King (who is also in a sad funk), the Chef who can’t make soup, and even one of the guards who has something missing in his heart. All of it gets tied together well when all is said and done, but at times I just wanted to watch Despereaux go on some daring missions and save somebody, anybody, or at the very least just team up and cause some havoc with his rat friend. There is some action, but it happens much later on in the film after a lot of reiteration of the characters and their problems. I guess I liked the more complex story, but I can see this being an issue with little ones staying attentive. Other than that, a few of the darker issues I appreciated, but then again….may not be the best for kids. Later on in the film a Princess is tied up and ready to be eaten my rats, and is all very intentional.

I can see checking this movie out with your children when it is released on DVD in a few months, but definitely don’t pay top dollar for a theater viewing. It has its ups and downs, and isn’t a bad movie, but just isn’t anything that will blow you away. Great animation, some fun and cute characters and an action packed third act. Just nothing else that will bow you away in terms of story or consistent humor or fun.