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The Tale of Despereaux
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Product Details
| Actors: | Matthew Broderick, Emma Watson, Dustin Hoffman, Tracey Ullman, Kevin Kline |
| Format: | AC-3, Animated, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC |
| Director: | Robert Stevenhagen |
| Release Date: | 2009-04-07 |
| Aspect Ratio: | 2.35:1 |
| Audience Rating: | G (General Audience) |
| Category: | DVD |
| Number of Items: | 1 |
| Label/Manufacturer: | Universal |
| UPC: | 025193229427 |
Product Description
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 GrahamPrintable Coloring Page, Map & Despereaux ears from The Tale of Despereaux (Click for full size)
 Coloring Page |  Maze |  Despereaux Ears |
Stills from The Tale of Despereaux (Click for larger image)
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Product Features
Customer Reviews
Rated
on 2010-02-24I think this is a fun movie. It's a good movie that even the youngest members of the family can enjoy. It has a good moral backround that is refreshing.
Rated
on 2010-02-14As our kids are fans of great mouse movies like Flushed Away, I thought they would like The Tale of Despereaux. The kids, my husband and I were all bored, bored, bored and we couldn't even watch to the end. Don't waste your time on this one.
Rated
on 2010-02-14I absolutely love this excellent movie. I work in a high school, and sadly, the atributes that this movies teaches are rarely seen in young people today.
Rated
on 2010-02-12A great movie for all ages. Such a tale of adventure for such a wee little mouse. Love the clarity of the Blu-ray.
Rated
on 2010-02-08I bought this DVD used & it's in great condition. It plays flawlessly. Great buy!!!
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