Arat with a nose for fine food isn't exactly an original idea for an animated movie. But beyond the resemblance to "Ratatouille" and some script shortcomings of its own, "The Tale of Despereaux" has ingredients to recommend it, particularly the robust images and a star-studded voice cast. Kids with a taste for medieval lore — and a stomach for mild peril — should enjoy it, and parents should embrace its message of inclusion.

The rat in question is Roscuro (voice of Dustin Hoffman), a sea-going rodent aboard a boat that docks in the kingdom of Dor during the annual soup festival. The enticing smells lure Roscuro to the castle and into the king's dining hall. The rat causes a ruckus — with fatal consequences — and the heartbroken king bans both soup and rats from his domain.

Mice, however, are another kettle of fish, and soon a special mouse is born. Despereaux Tilling (Matthew Broderick) has enormous ears — and no fear of the many things that mice are supposed to scurry from, particularly humans. When Despereaux, weaned on tales of heroism, befriends the imprisoned Princess Pea (Emma Watson), his fearful elders cast him out of Mouseworld.

In scary, subterranean Ratworld, Despereaux meets Roscuro, and together they plot a return to the castle to right their wrongs. Joining them is a piggish peasant girl named Miggery Sow (Tracey Ullman) who dreams that she's the fairest one of all.

Based on an award-winning children's book, "The Tale of Despereaux" is so dense with characters that the plot threads become hard to follow. But those characters are voiced by the likes of Kevin Kline, Frank Langella and William H. Macy, while Sigourney Weaver provides the narration that ties the threads together.

More memorable than the story are the rich images. The woody hues, elegant figures and pinch of surrealism (as in a kitchen spirit made of fruits and vegetables) are reminiscent of Renaissance painting.

From the director of the underrated "Flushed Away" and the screenwriter of "Seabiscuit," "Despereaux" is ultimately sweet and satisfying.

joewilliams@post-dispatch.com — 314-340-8344

G — 1:34 — Nothing objectionable