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IMDb > The Tale of Despereaux (2008)
The Tale of Despereaux
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The Tale of Despereaux (2008) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (see all 65 | slideshow) Videos (see all 33)
The Tale of Despereaux (2008) -- The Tale of Despereaux - Theatrical Trailer
The Tale of Despereaux (2008) -- Clip: Despereaux tries to tell Chef Andre about the Princess' capture
The Tale of Despereaux (2008) -- Behind the scenes: Tracey Ullman makes noises in the studio
The Tale of Despereaux (2008) -- Interview: Sigourney Weaver "On the what the film has to offer"
The Tale of Despereaux (2008) -- Trailer: Despereaux, a tiny mouse with huge ears, is determined to rescue his beloved princess.

Overview

User Rating:
6.1/10   6,211 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Up 18% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Writers:
Kate DiCamillo (book)
Will McRobb (screen story)
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Contact:
View company contact information for The Tale of Despereaux on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
19 December 2008 (USA) more
Tagline:
Small Hero. Big Heart. more
Plot:
The tale of three unlikely heroes - a misfit mouse who prefers reading books to eating them, an unhappy rat who schemes to leave the darkness of the dungeon, and a bumbling servant girl with cauliflower ears - whose fates are intertwined with that of the castle's princess. | full synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Awards:
8 nominations more
NewsDesk:
(95 articles)
All the film highlights this Christmas
 (From The Guardian - TV News. 23 December 2009, 2:00 PM, PST)

All the film highlights this Christmas
 (From The Guardian - Film News. 23 December 2009, 2:00 PM, PST)

User Reviews:
Disappointing, to say the least more (83 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Additional Details

Runtime:
93 min | 90 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Justin Long was originally slated to voice the title character, Despereaux. Ultimately, the role went to Matthew Broderick. more
Goofs:
Continuity: When Despereux is about to be dropped into the rat dungeon, he has red string wrapped around his waist. The camera cuts away to show the dungeon, and when it comes back to see Despereux, the red string is missing. more
Quotes:
Narrator: When your heart breaks it can grow back crooked. It grows back twisted and gnarled and hard. more
Movie Connections:

FAQ

What is the name of the lute music played by the King?
What was that vegetable thingie in the kitchen?
A Note Regarding Spoilers
more
27 out of 47 people found the following review useful.
Disappointing, to say the least, 4 January 2009
4/10
Author: russcampbell-1 from United States

This was a movie that was "just there." I remember being doubtful about Ratatouille. After all, rats and food? Didn't sound like the best combo, but Ratatouille grabs you and pulls you in. Not Despereaux. I was waiting for it to happen, but I was sorely disappointed. The plot was meandering and had no drive to it. I think I chuckled at one thing during the movie, but mostly it was devoid of humor. My kids may have laughed once, too. They didn't leave with the normal "can we get that on DVD" questions. You're waiting for something to happen, for something to peak your interest, for a little heart palpitation, a little humor, an interesting plot twist. It's just not there. One person called the movie a "hack job" on the book. I can't speak to that, since I did not read the book, but I hope - for the author's sake, at least - that the book was better. I'd recommend that you wait to rent this movie. Your kids may like it, but I doubt they will find it as good as Ratatouille, Cars, Shrek, or some of the other quality kids films, so don't waste your money in the theater. For a $5 rental, it's OK. But for the big bucks they charge at the theater, no way!

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Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for The Tale of Despereaux (2008)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
It happened with Ratatouille and now Despereaux... mizpriz29
Dustin Hoffman as a Rat cerchiamusic
What in the holy hell was up with the veggie demon? kindigth
Emma Watson's voice... (some spoilers, I suppose) jackehboi
My poor daughter toughed it out as long as she could... Brooke123
Despereaux ROLEPLAY! smallflame17
more

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