KCKidsFun

I thought reviewing The Tale of Despereaux would be timely as the book’s author, Kate DiCamillo, is in town today discussing the book. Unfortunately, no more reservations are available for tonight’s free event at the Kansas City Library’s 4801 Main St. location. It is co-sponsored by Reading Reptile (another KC Kids Fun local favorite!) and the discussion is sure to be a good one. DiCamillo is also the author of Because of Winn-Dixie and The Tiger Rising.

I took my first-grade son and his same-aged cousin to see the movie just before Christmas vacation ended. Maybe I was mildly depressed at the mere fact that back-to-school was looming…but I found the movie terribly boring and dark. More than that, it felt like we were in there FOREVER. This isn’t good. I will say that the story itself is good, and I would imagine that the book is terrific. The mouse (Despereaux) is endearing with his oversized ears; and my son loved him. Beyond that, it was ho-hum.

Here’s an overview of the movie. I can’t comment on if or how it differs from DiCamillo’s book, but I can say that, in interviews, she indicates that she is pleased with the film and its depiction of her literary work. Despereaux is a mouse born with very big ears, and a big amount of courage to match them. He refuses to live his life “scared” and “cowering” like most mice are prone to doing. Instead, he meets Pea, a Princess, and develops a love of books and of reading. He is introduced to a world of knights, chivalry and dragons. Because of his “human” leanings, Despereaux is asked to leave the Mouseworld (Mousevillage?) He is banished and finds himself in the dark, seedy world of rats. A tale of misguided friendship, revenge, jealousy and even kidnapping ensues. You can guess who saves the Princess in the end. The message is uplifting: you can’t judge a book by its cover. That being said, I think my son was far more enthralled with and entertained by BOLT, which we also saw. Readers–any comments? Send them our way!

READ ON FOR HOW TO GET YOUR FREE MOVIE PASSES TO INKHEART!!

Warner Brothers Pictures will be screening a new movie at the AMC Studio 30 in Olathe on Thursday, Jan. 15 at 7:30pm. The movie is called Inkheart, and it stars Brendan Fraser. The story is about a young girl who discovers her father has an amazing talent: he can bring characters out of their books. The girl must try to stop a freed villain from destroying them all. She enlists the help of her father, her aunt, and the storybook’s hero.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

Click here and enter the code FILM2317. The code will redeem up to 4 passes each time it is entered. Have fun! Enjoy the movie! And, if you’re trying to get caught up on some earlier-released children’s movies, check back in KC Kids Fun’s Movie Reviews, which can be found in our Article Archives, or by simply clicking here!