9 Underrated Kid's Movies You Didn't Realise Were Awesome

7. The Tale Of Despereaux (2008)

The Tale of Despereaux is loosely based on the novel of the same name by Kate DiCamillo. It follows the adventures of a brave and courageous mouse, Despereaux Tilling, as he explores the forbidden human world and eventually finds himself banished to the rat underworld. Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 55% Why It's Actually Awesome: The animation in this film is simply gorgeous. It's whimsical, elegant and very reminiscent of the illustrations in a fairy tale. The whole movie is visually arresting and lovely to watch. The character of Despereaux (voiced by Matthew Broderick) is an outsider, one who does not fit in with his peers. Mice are supposed to be frightened and timid, but Despereaux is bold and curious. Instead of eating books in the library like other mice, Despereaux teaches himself to read. Despereaux is an example of someone who is not afraid to be himself and pursue what makes him happy. This drive leads him to meet a whole host of interesting characters, including a melancholy princess trapped in her palace (voiced by the magical Emma Watson) whom he befriends, even though it is forbidden. This leads to his banishment to the rat underworld, where he becomes friends with Roscoe, a rat who also unwillingly ended up there. The film deals with a lot of serious themes, like corruption, grief, revenge, abandonment, and cruelty. It's also action-packed, with lots of twists and turns that keep the plot moving. The character of Miggery Sow, the maid to the princess, and her storyline is worthy of its own movie. The Tale of Despereaux is witty at times, but it's also a very emotional and poignant movie. Each character is struggling with some sort of inner burden or pain, and the way each is trying to resolve that affects the plot. It's rather unique amongst other children's movies, and is a thoughtful, rich film.