Ratburger

This film tells the story of a young girl, who has a rat that can dance. She has to save the rat from an evil burger man.

The story is full of dichotomous, black and white characters. The characters are funny, especially the policewoman who says sorry all the time. The evil stepmother is memorable as well. It is funny, and it is good for young children.

Not much to say here other than the fact that this movie has a basic plot, cringe jokes but a film that younger children could very much enjoy, a bit like the book.

Ratburger is an odd one. It is a family film through and through, but some of the plot might be too dark for young children. I'm not going to give away any plot spoilers. Talia Barnett puts in a nice performance as the down on her luck girl, Zoe (an actress to look out for in the future), Mark Benton is hugely likeable as Zoe's hard working and caring father, Sheridan Smith clearly enjoyed playing Zoe's chavvy and abusive mother, Nigel Planer seems to be doing an impression of John Cleese in Clockwork and David Walliams is creepy and sleazy as burger van owner, Burt.

I saw this over Christmas and some of the people I was viewing it with questioned if they would show it to younger children. Although played for laughs and darkly comic some of the more sinister plot lines go a stage beyond Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It's a fun romp though and something enjoyable for most people.

The book obviously has licence to explain the characters in more detail. The movie does a good job of delivering the main contents. David Williams was amazing at playing a disgusting character and the young cast tried their best.

Well it's on again this year - Sky One Christmas Eve 2pm

Reports are that this was highly received last year and no wonder - it was excellent

The story is simple so younger children can follow it easily. There are enough "Yuk" moments to keep them quite while you sip on your hard earned cup of Tea.

Bullies make school life hell but to find that the bully lives next door - a shocker. It all works out eventually after a little Christmas Magic and the bully changes her spots.

The film has everything:- The Evil Stepmother (Cinderella style) An Evil Rat Catcher (Child Catcher Chitty Chitty Bang Bang straw) A Father who is down on his luch who makes good Political and other jokes for us parents

And of course, the obligatory Fairy Godmother In the form of a Dancing Rat who changes the heroines life forever.