YOUR MOVIES: Rodent romp lacks laughs

Sunday Mirror, Dec 14, 2008 by MARK ADAMS

THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX

U, 90mins Opens Friday, December 19

THE STARS

(Voices) Matthew Broderick, Emma Watson, Dustin Hoffman, Sigourney Weaver, Robbie Coltrane.

THE STORY

A brave little misfit mouse named Despereaux Tilling (Broderick) is born in a royal castle where happiness and sunshine are banned. He vows to try to help Princess Bea (Watson) bring hope and laughter back to the kingdom.

THE VERDICT

This good-natured animated fairytale romp is based on a 2003 bestselling book by Kate DiCamillo.

It is all rather old-fashioned and fable-like, lacking the knowing humour of Shrek (although one of the characters looks almost identical to the princess in Shrek).

But sadly it makes the mistake of trying to squash too many characters and too much plot into its modest framework. It is all nicely animated, and has a great voice cast, but is not really special or magical enough to really crack the ultra-competitive kiddie animation market.

FINAL CUT

***

Mouse adventure offers modest movie magic.