Once upon a time... there was a brave and virtuous mouse with comically oversized ears who dreamt of becoming a knight. Banished from his home for having such lofty ambitions, Despereaux set off on an amazing adventure with his good-hearted rat friend Roscuro that eventually led him, at long last, on a very noble quest to rescue an endangered princess. Set in the far away kingdom of Dor, this magical fable harkens back to a time of honour and chivalry, inspiring fans of all ages to be the best mouse they can be!
Directed by
Sam Fell; Robert Stevenhagen.
Written by
Kate DiCamillo (book); Will McRobb (screen story); Gary Ross (writer); Chris Viscardi (screen story).
Starring
Matthew Broderick (Despereaux (voice)); Dustin Hoffman (Roscuro (voice)); Emma Watson (Princess Pea (voice)); Tracey Ullman (Miggery Sow (voice)); Kevin Kline (Andre (voice)); William H. Macy (Lester (voice)); Stanley Tucci (Boldo (voice)); Ciarán Hinds (Botticelli (voice)); Robbie Coltrane (Gregory (voice)); Tony Hale (Furlough (voice)); Frances Conroy (Antoinette); Frank Langella (Mayor); Richard Jenkins (Principal); Christopher Lloyd (Hovis (voice)); Charles Shaughnessy (Pietro (voice)). Please contact SFC to add other cast members and characters.
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Down-to-earth Despereaux
Mark Banks (United Kingdom)
Opinion: Recommended
In some ways 'The Tale of Despereaux' is a simple tale, but in other ways not so. With respect to a few multiple plot strands, and one too many chase scenes that aren't very original and don't really appear to be going anywhere, the film's simplicity doesn't exactly shine through. However, its grounded visual graphics are a welcome reprieve from the high energy colour-soaked animated features that are now common place on the silver screen - and this simplicity is most welcome. As too is the simplicity in the values Despereaux expounds: "courage, truth and honour - but especially courage", and also the simplicity of the wisdom that shines through: "Grief is not the strongest of the emotions, it's forgiveness - because one single act of forgiveness can change everything" we are told. Also welcome is the return of chivalry and Despereaux's humorous ignorance as to the fact that he has not developed into the fearful stereotype expected of his being a mouse... an analogy we would all like to be able to relate to a lot more I am sure. 'The Tale of Despereaux' will impart joy to the young, smiles to the old and a little wisdom to young and old alike.
