A more powerful act

Despereaux turns on a lesson of mercy instead of justice | Rebecca Cusey

Universal Pictures

The Tale of Despereaux is a sweet little fairy tale about a brave mouse and the distraught kingdom that needs him. Sincere and kind, but provocative enough to engross adults, the film breaks the mold of normal family entertainment. Gone are the wisecracking sidekicks, evil villains, and adult jokes. Instead, we see a story about wounded people hurting others, then finding redemption and reconciliation. The animated movie (rated G) is an adaptation of Kate DiCamillo's popular children's book.

The courageous little mouse Despereaux is born into a kingdom that has lost itself to sadness and fear after a great tragedy. There is no sunshine and no laughter. Worst of all, the country's production of warm, nourishing soup has been halted. The beautiful Princess Pea (voiced by Emma Watson) in the castle longs for joy again. Her heartbroken maid, Mig (voiced by Tracey Ullman), yearns to be loved as the princess is loved. The sadness of the kingdom trickles down to the tidy suburb of Mouseville, where little Despereaux (voiced by Matthew Broderick) cannot learn to cower or scamper like the other mice. He's just too brave. Instead, he finds himself drawn to knightly tales in the castle library. His inability to conform to the timid ways of Mouseville eventually leads to his departure from Mouseville and the beginning of his quest for adventure.