What Rats Won't Do

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.

I had never heard of this film until I heard that it was showing on TV. The plot interested me and I decided to give it a try. It was FABULOUS ! I love romantic comedies and this was going to be my cup of tea. Fans of movies likes Notting Hill,Sliding Doors,Bridget Jones diary.etc will truly love this. Im a bit surprised that the movie didnt get as popular as it should be. I would seriously recommend it , so what r u waiting for !

Many of the critques I've read on this little movie claimed it was too cliched at the end...too mushy (for lack of a better word). I disagree 100%. Besides, aren't all the enjoyable romantic comedies a bit "mushy"...don't most of them end with the guy getting the girl? Isn't that the point? This film is so romantic, and sooo sweet. It brightened my day.

It's got a lot going for it. A great cast, though I thought Parker Posey was way over the top in her role as the "grieving widow". Charles Dance was fantastic as always, and James Frain & Natascha McElhone have beautiful chemistry together. I'd love to see them act together again. Their scenes are the most enjoyable in a movie full of enjoyable scenes. Also, it was lotsa fun to get a glimpse into the British Legal system...my, but they do have some strange customs. Though, I did find the black flowing robes and stiff white collars rather appealing :) It was a VERY British movie, with a very British cast, doing extremely British things, and for me, that was another big plus. I love all things British, and oddly enough, Irish as well.

But the biggest plus for me was James Frain. Ever since I saw him in "Where the Heart Is" & "Nothing Personal", I've been a huge fan. It was so delightful to see him in English mode. I've seen him play so many characters from American to Spanish to Irish...but very few with his true native accent.

If you love romance, and witty humor you'll adore this movie.

And it is really made good by the actors and the chemistry they have. Even after the movie (or the plot rather) is over and there is some exchange you can feel it ... well done, which I reckon is also at least a bit of a testament to the script and director.

It begins kind of vague and flawed in a sense, but once the characters get up and running, there is a funny little flow about it. The cast is well assembled (with some known faces, if you are an avid movie fan) and the story is well told ... if your heart is in the right place and you like teasing a bit ... well a lot sometimes ;)

I have never been so entertained in my life. This movie is the best I have seen in a long time. James Frain is masterful as Jack Sullivan the dashing barrister and Natascha McElhone is exciteful as Kate(just Kate). Their on screen chemistry leaves you begging and pleading for more. You laugh, you'll delight and it will bring you happy tears of joy.