A strange animated film (The Tale of Despereaux (DVD))

Member Name: shaneo632

Product:	The Tale of Despereaux (DVD)
Date:	06/07/09 (7 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great cast and very well animated

Disadvantages: Oddly structured and so won't hold children's attention

The Tale of Desperaux is based on the 2003 fantasy book of the same name by Kate DiCamillo, and was one of the lowest-key animated releases of 2008. It garnered very little hype or particular critical acclaim, and although Universal Pictures pushed it forward as a contender for the possibility of being nominated for the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, it was not even nominated, thanks to the likes of WALL-E, Kung Fu Panda and Bolt, all of which are far superior films, instead garnering attention.

Desperaux is a pleasant little film that's wonderfully animated and well cast, but is somewhat muddled from its very opening, whereby it takes nearly 20 minutes (out of an 83 minute film, including the credits) to even introduce us to the protagonist. There's an origin story here that I can't imagine is going to grip kids, but one the extremely cute baby Desperaux shows up, things really do pick up somewhat.

Despereaux (Matthew Broderick) is an adventurous little mouse that becomes friends with the lonely Princess Pea (Emma Watson). Upon finding out that Despereaux has spoken with a human being, the Mouse Council banishes him to the dungeons. Thus, this is a film that certainly has a wholesome message about acceptance and the dangers of snap judgement, so in many ways it is a shame that it attracted such a small audience, but it's just not as emotionally involving as the aforementioned animated films of the same year. That said, though, the cast is absolutely magnificent - not only is it narrated by Sigourney Weaver, but the voices include Matthew Broderick, Emma Watson, Dustin Hoffman, Robbie Coltrane, Christopher Lloyd, Kevin Kline, Tracey Ullman, Ciaran Hinds, Frances Conroy, Tony Hale, Richard Jenkins, Frank Langella, William H. Macy, and Stanley Tucci.

Although oddly structured and not always as accessible to its young audience as its should be, Despereaux survives thanks to its sumptuous animation and excellent voice cast.

Summary: A bewildering but decent kid's film