Review: The Tale of Despereaux

The eponymous little big-eared rodent hero of this pleasing cartoon adventure saves, mousketeer-style, a lonely princess from rotten rats and casts out grief from her kingdom.

Also involved in this attractive, computer generated animation are a rat, perfectly voiced by Dustin Hoffman, various animals and a cheerful collection of humans who, naturally, take second place to their animal co-stars.

Apt vocal casting — Matthew Broderick as the titular mouse hero, Emma Watson as the princess and Sigourney Weaver, excellent as the narrator - adds to the family fun.