What Rats Won't Do (1998)

Did I see the same film as these other people? The movie's title comes from an old lawyer joke (told in the film): scientists experiment on lawyers because there are some things rat's just won't do. One of those things was to agree to star in this flat romantic comedy.As in many romcoms, the outcome is predictable from the very opening scenes. But getting there is, in this case, no fun at all. How can one like a film that suggests that a woman should sleep with a cad just because he's willing to embarrass himself a bit in public--especially when the embarrassment is a coldly calculated attempt to get her into bed? But that's not the worst of it. True, there are some funny moments, but all in all the movie is a bore. The lead characters are uninteresting and (except for Peter Capaldi) uncharismatic. Every major character in the film eventually establishes themselves as someone who is not to be trusted, if not a downright scumbag. And the number of (sadly predictable) plot coincidences must be some kind of record. You don't just have to suspend disbelief to see this movie, you have to throw it off the Burj Khalifa and then bury it in a fracking hole.

"What Rats Won't Do" is an excellent, romantic-comedy about lawyers in London. Kate Beckenham (Natascha McElhone) is a young, attractive barrister who is up against a superstar lawyer, Jack Sullivan (James Frain). Sullivan has never lost a case. Beckenham is planning her wedding to a complete idiot(Valentine Pelka) but she inevitably falls for Sullivan after initially disliking him. The case involves a beautiful, American twenty-something(Parker Posey)who is left $30 million by her septuagenarian husband. Her husband's middle aged son (Charles Dance) contests the will, claiming that Posey's character manipulated the old man into leaving her everything. Dance hires Beckenham, and Posey hires Sullivan.Although "Rats" was predictable the script was witty and fun. As a Brit living in the U.S. it was nice to be reminded of the old country. The cast were all excellent, apart from Ms. Posey who chewed the scenery. The strong supporting cast included Michael Gough, Peter Capaldi and Samantha Bond. The director, Alastair Reid, was a veteran of British TV. The highlight of his career was probably the mini-series "Traffik," which was later adapted by Stephen Soderbergh and became the Oscar-winning drama 'Traffic.'

A clever little comedy with enough romance to sweeten it without descending into the realms of the sickeningly saccharine. James Frain and Natascha McElhone shine as the two leads - Frain is witty and charismatic while McElhone makes her character endearing and wonderful to watch. This talented duo manage to hold their own even against a dazzling supporting cast which does not have a single weak link. The script is well written, impeccably acted, and British humour at its best, yet it doesn't exclude anyone from outside our little island from the jokes. There is only one thing wrong with this film, and it is not the fault of the director, writer, or cast - that it has been seen by so few people! I only got the chance to see it when, in a fit of insomnia, I stayed awake all night watching film channels and stumbled across it at about 3am. I am dying to buy a copy of it yet, despite thorough searching on the net, I can't find one anywhere. (If anybody ever happens to read this - I know the odds are against me - and happens to know where I might get one from, please write to me and tell me). It is a brilliant little Britflick that deserves more recognition, and an example of what our film industry is capable of.

Thoroughly enjoyed this breath of fresh air, after watching a stack of Hollywood-type stuff. Marvellous character parts played by well known British actors. The story line was strong and funny. Pity the leading man wasn't more of a hunk - but still you can't have everything and it did make him more believable in the part. Charles Dance was an absolute hoot. I think he must like playing these parts - did anyone see him in 'Space Truckers'? - an equally entertaining part... I thought that the Court Room scenes were really well done-good old fashioned stuff and entertaining - isn't that what it's all about?