Review of The Tale of Despereaux on DVD


All kids' movies are not created equal. Either they're a bit dumbed-down (so little ones "get it), they are a bit too snarky (because some people think parents want their kids mouthing off), or they are just to fast-action for even the most hyper kid to follow. Thank goodness, I'm not about to review one of these movies.

What I'm excited to tell you about is the first movie to hit our home entertainment schedule in months that:

A. My husband and I enjoyed watching with our kids
B. The kids have asked for time and time again
C. I couldn't find a single thing wrong with... and there were more redeeming values than in most movies for kids.

The Tale of Despereaux
is a little difficult to spell, but it's an easy way to connect with kids over animated mice, rats, princesses, and life lessons. It's a tragic tale turned triumphant, and one that will introduce and reinforce some important messages for kids. Truth, nobility, honor, and forgiveness are all explored and presented in a way that is responsible (not too heavy for kids) but not watered-down, either.

You'll laugh, you'll gulp, and you'll never look at a rat the same way again. (You may also find yourself thinking that the infant Desepereaux looks more than a human baby than a mouse -- it's the huge eyes, I think.) You'll also find Susan Sarandon to be the perfect narrator for this heartfelt story... it's amazing!

The Tale of Despereaux is out on DVD on April 7th!

Wanna win? We have a copy of this 5-star flick to give to one lucky Lille Punkin' Reader. Just visit one of these links on YouTube to get a "feel" for the flick.

Clip #1
Clip #2
Clip #3

Then comment here with why you think you'll love it, too (and we'd love to hear which clip you watched.. although watching a clip isn't mandatory to win). We'll randomly pick one qualified winner to get the movie for their own family! You have until Thursday, April 2nd at 5pm CST to get your entries in. Giveaway is subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck!

Comments

  1. I think we'll love this film because it's a lot cleaner than the last movie my kids' grandfather brought them. I had to turn it off. Apparently, my idea of a kid's movie doesn't mesh with his. We're running out of movies to watch around here.

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  2. I just had to watch all 3 clips! If I can look at a mouse without screaming and climbing up on a chair, and smile at him, too, then the movie has to be good!
    Bev

    gradert2@huntel(dot)net

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  3. I watched clip 3. This movie looks so adorable. The mouse is just too cute. My kids have been begging me for this movie and to be honest, I really want to see it too.
    Thanks so much and please enter me.

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  4. I actually read the book when it came out quite a few years back and I think my nieces would really enjoy the movie.

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  5. I watched clip 2, it looks like a cute movie!! I know my daughter would love it!

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  6. I watched A and loved it - I know that we would love watching it as a family.

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  7. i think it looks cute- I would watch this with or without the kids

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  8. Oh that little guy is such a cutie and I love a story of an underdog!

    ajcmeyer aT go DOT com

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  9. This movie would be shared.
    First at my house, then on to my
    brother's so his niece can see it.
    It would be enjoyed!

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  10. I watched clip #1. I like this movie because it shows no matter what size you are, you can be a hero too.

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  11. I watched the first clip! I wanted to see this when it was in the theater and never got the chance to!

    Thanks for entering me! Great Contest!

    Janna Johnson
    janna@FeedYourPigBlog.com
    www.FeedYourPigBlog.com

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  12. This is soo cute. my kiddos would love it.

    patricjames@hotmail.com

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  13. Disney seems to do a pretty good job with the whole mouse thing so I'm sure we're gonna' love it.

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  14. I'd love to win this because I love the book as well!
    meredycat*lycos*com

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  15. my grandson will think this is wonderful

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  16. atched all the clips w/the ids. We'd love to see it because it looks funny.

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  17. An adorable little mouse going on the adventure of a lifetime - what is not to love?

    Thanks for the giveaway :)
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

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  18. I watched all 3 clips and I can't wait to watch this DVD with the grandkids. jelly15301@gmail.com

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  19. I'd like the movie for Liz and Tristan because it has a great moral to teach them.
    traymona[at]aol.com

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  20. I think I will love it because it has adult humor hidden in a bit, my kid won't get the joke but I will so i can enjoy it too!

    http://www.snopes.com/science/microwave.asp

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  21. This looks like a great kids movie and something you don't have to worry about when they watch it. I would love to have a copy for my grandchildren to watch

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  22. The most important thing is that it is something that all my kids can agree on. It's getting hard to find a movie that my 9 year old son and 5 and 3 year old daughters all want to watch. This is one of them.

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  23. My kids love small animals and so they'll love it for that and because it looks fun.

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  24. I watch all 3 clips and I think Despereaux is just too cute. I really would enjoy watching this with the grandkids.

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  25. I watched Clip #2. I've been wanting to see this one. I'll give it to my nephew after I watch it. Thanks for the chance.

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  26. Please enter me in the drawing.

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  27. I haven't seen it yet, but I have been looking forward to getting this movie on DVD. I love the way that he knocks the "system" and is a brave little mouse.

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  28. I have dial-up internet access, so I didn't watch the clips since video takes forever to watch.I have listened to the audio book, and really enjoyed it. And when I like the books, I expect to like the movie too! I've heard nothing but good reviews about the movie. It does sound like the perfect family film.
    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  29. This looks like such a cute movie and I enjoy movies like this especially in a hectic and stressful life.


    texas_heartland84[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  30. I think we would love this movie because it's a good family movie that we can all watch together.

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  31. I watched clip #1. Gosh, it is really cute.thanks
    herry123_us@live.com

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  32. I just cant get over how cute the voice is.

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  33. our family has a movie night, this would be perfect

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  34. I just love cartoons and watching them together as a family. My "OpenID" is my contact email.

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  35. My kids love this movie and so do I. Great story line.
    gkstratos@yahoo.com

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  36. The movie looks cute and I cannot wait to see it, I missed it in the theater.

    Tarah
    tarah716[at]ymail.com

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  37. great movie about being true to yourself

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  38. I watched the first clip where he grabs the cheese from the mousetrap. Looks like a cute movie.

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  39. I signed up for Google/Blogger but it doesn't let me log in. Sorry about posting anonymous.

    It's funny but I notice that animated movies like this one have more of a plot than some of the live-action films.

    mjgroesbeck

    at

    yahoo

    dot

    com

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  40. I think we'll love it because it's family-oriented and animated. I watched the first clip, and I love the old-fashioned outfits and the huge ears!
    msurosey@yahoo.com

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  41. Is this a dagger which I see before me?

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  42. I'd like to have this for when my grandkids visit.

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  43. This looks like such a cute movie and I enjoy movies like this

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  44. i've been waiting to see this movie when it first came out. it look so darn cute and has a great message about courage that 'd love to pass on to my kids
    pksanddancer@yahoo.com

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  45. I would really like to win this for my family, please enter me and thanks for the great contest!

    clemensrhonda@hotmail.com

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  46. He is the cutest lil' mouse ever! Thanks for the chance.
    mogrill@comcast.net

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  47. I think my littleone will LOVE this kinda mouse(and i will too)

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  48. Wow, this movie looks so cute! I know my children would love it for our weekly family movie night! My son loved the book and is so anxious to see the movie!

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  49. I like being able to watch movies with the kids. This movie seems like the perfect family movie. :)

    elkaye[at]gmail[dot]com

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  50. I think I'd like it because Despereaux is a noncomformist. Also I like cute mousies.

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  51. I would love to win this movie. My two older sons (ages 9 and 11) and I have all read the book and LOVED it! I know we would love the movie and I know my 4-year-old would want to watch it over and over and over again! We weren't able to go see it in the theaters over the Christmas holiday because I had recently given birth to the newest little member of our family. We would love to win this for a Family Movie Night! Thanks!

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  52. Son is dying to see The Tale of Despereaux, I watched clip #2. Could that mousie be any more adorable?? I have read the reviews (and just watched the clips...decided to watch all 3) and now just like my son, I want to see.
    Thank you for the chance.

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  53. I would love to see this movie with my grandkids because the mouse is just so adorable! I like cute movies and this is good clean fun for all. I watched clip #2. Thank you!

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  54. I just wanna put him in my pocket he's so cute. LOL.

    jimmyrug@hotmail.com

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  55. I watched all three clips. My fav is when she kissed his nose with her finger. The weirdo veggie guy has me curious too :) Good luck to everyone - looks like a good film.

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  56. I follow you & tweeted http://twitter.com/jamaise/status/1393460077

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  57. I am so sorry for the confusion - I think I posted 2 comments that I thought were on another blog - Sorry :)

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  58. I think we'll love this because I've heard it to be "enchanting, heartwarming and fun!" I've heard good things about Despereaux, and we would love to see it.

    firrkids(at)gmail.com

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  59. From what you've written, it sounds like a film that the whole family would enjoy.
    hematopoiesis at hotmail dot com

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  60. Oh my gosh, my girls wanted to see this when it was in the theater, they oooed and awed over the trailer on tv.
    I will watch the clips later with my 3.5 yr old.
    Completely adorable!

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  61. This movie looks so cute. I would love to win.

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  62. I love a brave and adventurous mouse. I'd love to see this film!

    hockiemack@hotmail.com

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  63. I would love a cute mouse adventure movie for my kids. It looks great and love that he tries to be himself.

    samsakara@twcny.rr.com

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  64. My daughter loves to pretend to be a little mouse, so she would love this!

    kelli at pfrog dot net

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  65. We loved this movie - especially Dustin Hoffman's rat

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  66. My kiddos saw this and loved the movie, I know they'd love to own it.
    bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  67. I like that it's a clean movie without the "attitude" of most movies for kids these days. I also like that it's a movie that teaches something to kids.

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  68. I saw the preview at the movies.
    and I wanted to see it, have not yet, It looks to be enjoyable for adults and children.
    Would love to see with my nephew.
    Thanks for the giveaway.

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  69. We watched all three clips (me and my kids) and they can't wait to see this movie. It looks like a fun, family friendly adventure movie. I need to look for the book!

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  70. I watched the third clip where they are making soup and Desperaux is trying to warn them about the princess being in danger. My nephew would love this movie. Thanks for the chance

    jason@allworldautomotive.com

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  71. I would love to win for my kids. They keep watching the same movies over and over and I would love something new for them! :-) Plus, I watched the first clip and it looks really cute!

    khmorgan_00 [at] yahoo [dot] com

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  72. This would be wonderful to win for my 3 children! I watched all 3 clips! lol. So cute!
    Thank you!
    tatertot374@sbcglobal.net

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  73. This is so cute. I'm always looking for movies to watch with my grandaughters & this would be perfect.

    Ellen
    eering99@hotmail.com

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  74. My son is into heros and I love that this isn't about some super hero with super power.

    mdhohn(at)msn(dot)com

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  75. Such an excellently written book, I enjoyed reading every page. I'd love a chance to own the movie. I watched clip #2 - Despereaux is so darn cute with those big ears. Maybe I will learn to tolerate the mice that appear in our house now and then. Or maybe not.

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  76. We love this type of movie the most and I would like this because it is cute and inspirational.
    Thanks!
    1bmore @ gmail .com

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  77. MY little grandsons love anything to do with mice,so this would be nice to have on hand when they are over,an thats a lot,an I love the fact that it doesnt have bad language in it


    vlbelk(at)hotmail.com

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  78. I loved this book, so I'd like to see the movie

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  79. Watched clip 3. I am so excited to share this movie with my little ones!!

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  80. I watched clip#1, it looks like a really cute movie. My little guy should connect with this. He just started playing with his ears a lot and that mouse has some ears! Thanks for the giveaway!

    sueellison@hcecwildblue.com

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  81. I really like the importance of truth and forgiveness this movie gives. This would be a great movie for my grandchildren.
    lgrieser(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

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  82. Love the mouse. Great contest. Thanks. vrday68@charter.net

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  83. I love how they can do this live animation now and inject such fun and personality into the characters. Those big ears make him awfully endearing to me. It looks like fun!
    doot65{at}comcast[dot]net

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  84. My nickname is Mouse and I love mice so I think I would really enjoy this film

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  85. I would love to watch this with my grandchildren-I watched clip #2. Thanks!

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  86. My youngest son loves mice and wanted to see this movie when it was in the theaters but we never got to go. I know that this is a movie he would watch again and again. It sounds like a great family movie.

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  87. We love the original book and when the movie came out we went to watch it at a theater. We would like a copy so we can watch it again.

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  88. I watched clip three and that little mouse is so cute.

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  89. I'd like to see this movie because I understand it is very family friendly and who can resist a cute animated mouse?

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  90. We saw the trailers for this so long ago. Then my daughter read the book & loved it, but we never made it over to the movie theater before the movie was gone. So we'd all like to see it. Needless to say, the waiting list at the library is soooo long!

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  91. I saw the preview for this movie and thought it looked amazing. I missed it when it was playing in the cinema but I've been looking forward to seeing it on DVD. The film has such a classic, timeless look. And that mouse is just so gosh darn endearing! Thank you for the chance to win.

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  92. I watched all three clips and how can you resist the little mouse??!! He is adorable. WHat a wonderful family movie and we could use one of those for a family night.

    mandee220(at)aol(dot)com

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  93. My grandchildren would love this. Thanks for a nice sweep. Alan

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  94. I saw it at the movies and we enjoyed it. Please accept my entry. Thank you.

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  95. Clip 2. I think this will be very cute and funny. Thanks.

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  96. It's a cute and charming tale for the whole family.

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  97. i really want to see this movie because i think it will be an endearing animated movie, up there with the likes of shrek

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  98. I watched Clip #2. I think we'd like it because it has cute characters.

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  99. We like cartoony movies and ones that are kid friendly

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  100. Looks wonderful.

    ktgonyea at gmail.com

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  101. I watched #1 and it looks adorable. My son would love it. thanks, justicecw@hotmail.com

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  102. I love mousy movies. This could replace my current favorite, Bolt.

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  103. This movie looks great, my kids would love it :)

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  104. My kids would love this. I love how brave he is even though he's so small.

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  105. Le rat es dans le salle du classe!

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  106. My kids have been begging to watch this movie! Even more so now after watching the clips! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  107. I just love the mouse in clip 2. It will be interesting to see if he finishes his quest.

    janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

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  108. This book was on my older daughter's booklist to read for school last year. She loved it. I've recently acquired the audiobook and plan on listening to it soon. I'd love to see how the movie compares.

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  109. i'd like to win because youngest loves this movie

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  110. Ian loves the movie, his grandpa took him to the theater when it came out so of course we will buy it if we don't win.
    The adorable factor is high - although I didn't watch the clips as I am still waiting for the first to load and I have wireless highspeed.

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  111. I would like to have Tale of Despereaux because even though we haven't seen it yet, we decked our little one's room out in images from the movie like the castle because it was so pretty. Having the movie would definately complete the theme.

    themeimlookingfor at yahoo dot com

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  112. I watched all three clips. It looks like a fun movie for kids and adults. Thanks for the giveaway!

    braaisjo at gmail dot com

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  113. This movie looks so cute! and it looks like it has a good plot.
    JillianLVeit@msn.com

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  114. Christina - xristya@rock.com - I'd like this movie because it's the story of an underdog, and the mouse seems so "human"!

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  115. I would love this b/c movie night with my 11 siblings is a family favorite!
    katelynthames at yahoo dot com

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  116. My kids and I are looking forward to seeing this movie! I love the emotions that the characters have!

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  117. This looks like such a cute and fun movie - would love to win!

    garnet63@msndotcom

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  118. I watched clip 2. What a wonderful Film! My kids would love this movie!

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  119. We really wanted to see this in theaters but missed it. He seems so brave for such a little mouse.

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  120. We enjoyed this in the theater at the holidays!

    theyyyguy@yahoo.com

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  121. This movie looks really cute, like it will be as good as Finding Nemo. The story line looks good as well.

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  122. My wife and I love family friendly movies!!

    Thanks as always!
    Thomas Johnson
    crimson_pen@yahoo.com

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  123. It looks like a great movie for family night!!

    annemarie562000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  124. I'm always on the lookout for a good movie for my grandkids. This one looks wonderful and your review definitely makes me want to share it with the kids.

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  125. My kids have seen this in the theatre but I didn't get to go with them, and I'd love to be able to watch it with them. They loved it and I know I'd love to see it too.

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  126. I have to admit, I watched all three clips...a couple of times. I never got to see the movie in theaters because I was pregnant and didn't want to run back and forth from the bathroom, missing parts. I did get to read the book (thanks to my sister) and I'm hoping the movie will be just as adorable and spectacular. Judging by the clips, it's pretty close.

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  127. I would love to win this for my son. He would love this movie. I think we could all enjoy it as a family. Thank you!

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  128. I watched clip 3 and the movie looks adorable. The mouse is so cute and smart since he used the needle to get the cook's attention. It looks like a sweet family film and I know my kids would love it! Thanks for the opportunity,


    jenbutterfly12@yahoo.com

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  129. I'd love it simply because the little mouse is so adorable, if for no other reason...lol

    froggypartyof2@aol.com

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  130. I love fiveal goes west. And the mouse in this movie reminds me of him.

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  131. My son loves mice and this is the cutest movie I know he would love it

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  132. My daughter has been dying to see this film. She actually has quite an affinity for mice. Strange little girl..I know! When my son brought home a class pet Mouse for the weekend. My daughter would sneak into his room and pull it out of its cage and pet it. EEEKK! I guess thats why she is dyiing to see this.
    jesskaufman{at}hotmail{dot}com

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  133. We saw this in the theater and loved it!

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  134. Oh that little guy is such a cutie and I love a story of an underdog!
    Stampnsark@aol.com

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  135. I watched clip #2 - I want to win because there is something so special about that cute little mouse!
    plus i can score major points with my little girl!

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  136. Looks like great family entertainment.

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  137. I would love to watch this with my granddaughter.
    paryjeja at sbcglobal dot net

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  138. I think my family would enjoy it because it seems like a great family movie. I watched clip #3. garrettsambo@aol.com

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  139. I loved all the clips. Thanks for the contest.
    susan dot lockhart at gmail dot com

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  140. I'd like to win this because my granddaughters would just love this mouse with the gigantic ears. I watched clip #3.

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  141. I watched the first clip. It looks like a a fun family movie. It looks like the message he is trying to get across is even though he is little he is determined...and he ends up with the cheese!

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  142. I really love this brave little mouse and would love this movie for my daughters.
    jceko77@yahoo.com

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  143. I watched clip 2. The film seems very well done. I believe the kids would enjoy watching it.

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  144. My children have read the book, and now want to see the movie. We watched clip 1. The mouse is so cute, goes to show even though you are small you have meaning and can do ALOT.

    Thanks for the contest.

    sweeps4us(at)gmail(dot)com

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  145. I love to watch kid's movies with my children. I would love to see this because we haven't watched it yet and my daughter is role playing as a mouse right now. thanks.

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  146. I Would Love To Win This For My Niece

    ray_jay_1983@yahoo.com

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  147. My 2 1/2-year-old loves animals and thinks it's really funny when they talk or wear clothes. This looks like a movie our whole family would enjoy!

    Thanks!
    xpsundell(at)gmail(dot)com

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  148. I watched clip#3. I'd love to have this DVD. It is a cute movie. It appeals to all ages...it's not too 'babyish' for my preteen to enjoy.

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  149. I think I'll love this film because it's touching and sweet. Besides that, I'm an animation addict!

    Justine417@comcast.net

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  150. It looks like a fun movie I'd like to watch with my kids

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  151. Very nicely done! My daughter would love to have the film to watch. Thank you!

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  152. Looks good natured. A good family film. Thank you.

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  153. I watched clip 3. This movie looks so adorable. I'm sure my grandchildren would love it.

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  154. I watched all 3 clips just because I love Disney movies. It looks like a fun story with great animation. I know our whole family would enjoy it.

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  155. I watched clip number one even though I'd seen it in the theater with my nephew. I'd like to win it so I can watch it with my newborn babygirl when she's older.

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  156. The kinder and I have read the book. Seeing the movie would be like icing on a cake.
    We watched clip #2. Thanks!

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  157. I think I'll love the movie because it sounds very interesting!

    ms.lilyk@gmail.com

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  158. I watched the 2nd clip. I know my girls would enjoy this movie and its cute enough that I could sit through it too

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  159. My grandkids are coming for a visit and this would be nice to watch with them and let them take it home. Thanks for a nice giveaway. Please enter my name to win.

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  160. All the clips are cute. I'd love to own this so I could share it with my great grandsons

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  161. My kids loved the book and are eager to see the movie.

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  162. It looks funny, My kids would like it :)

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