The Defeat of Desperaux

I have no business writing right now. I should be baking and wrapping and cleaning and cooking and generally getting ready for the whirlwind that’s Christmas. But, alas… I must. Besides, I’ve made myself a promise not to flip out this year. The year of the ESPN Game Station taught me that…but THAT’s another story.

The kids and I just returned from seeing The Tales of Desperaux. I have to admit I am flummoxed by it. The movie was really not much like the book and some of the decisions that were made, to make it (I am assuming) more “Theatrical”, make no sense at all.

Why did they have to change the chef from a woman to a man? What in the world was with the vegetable man?? Some of the choices that were made took this story from an incredible fairy tale complete with princesses and heroes to a confusing, crazy tale.

I need someone that didn’t read the book, but has seen the movie, to comment. Did you like it at all? This was one of the best books I’ve read in a while. The story line was more subtle in the book. Although, the author did often talk directly to the reader, I don’t think she said it quite so plainly as in the movie.

The story is that of grief, how great an emotion it is, and how it leads from one reaction to another, affecting more people than you can realize. Then, BIG STORY SPOILER, how forgiveness is the only emotion greater. They did get this moral across but not without flat out SAYING it in the movie.

My kids were mad about the cat, no cat in the book, and it seemed the Kitty saved the day more than Desperaux did, and I’m pretty sure the rats were never going to eat the princess. Who by the way was never called by her name in the movie. She was just “the Princess”.

I was pretty excited to go see this movie today, and if you can’t already tell, pretty disappointed in the outcome. People you need to READ THE BOOK!! Read it to your kids, read it to yourself, just read it. Then let me know what you think. I can’t imagine that the author, Kate DiCamillo is happy with the outcome. I’d actually love to hear what she thinks.

Okay, that’s my rant for today, I have high hopes for “Bolt” and “Bedtime Stories” we’ll see how those turn out. Back to making Christmas “Happen” for my family. Isn’t it great how magical it appears when really it’s a TON of work. That’s another blog too…