Despereaux

My angle: Is this the animated movie actually written for kids that I have been waiting for? Yes.


Kid appropriate: Yes – although a weighty entry, this is a movie that grapples with big issues in a manner that a child can understand.

Spiritual Issues: Ultimately a story about, "How hurt shapes lives, and how forgiveness has the power to reshape lives." Forget the unfortunate reference to "luck" as the driving force behind the change in this movie. It is very easy for a parent to talk to kids about the power of God's redeeming grace and the grace that we give after watching this movie.


I truly enjoyed this movie. The movie begins with a series of events that result in: the death of a queen; the illegalizing of rats; the tragic lives of those who become centered on death; and revenge. Heavy meat indeed for a children's movie but into this "stew" is introduced a child of unique qualities who begins to change things almost at birth – "the little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes".

The movie moves through some pretty dark and grim story lines but resolves them all in a magnificent crescendo of light, and forgiveness that transforms the darkness into light. I don't want to spoil the movie by revealing much more. It takes a few odd "rabbit trails" in the narrator's comments (example "Making illegal that which is natural" seems to be a "shot" at something but is never developed) but they are easily ignored and not truly fleshed out into any truly problematic issues.

Several other notes – the animation is rich. The themes of friendship, honor, courage, and honesty woven throughout are wonderful. There's a delightful emphasis on encouraging literary pursuits. Kids and parents alike will enjoy this movie. I watched it with all three of my kids aged 7, 5, and 3. They were all fascinated at their age levels (the three year old was on his first movie voyage and spent much of his time figuring out how the picture "got up there" and playing with those very cool theater seats). As a parent I had a blast watching the movie and watching them. Can't wait to read the book!

4 out of 5 stars (a few loose threads in the story should have been pulled together).