What Rats Won't Do

In London, the lawyer Kate Beckenham (Natascha McElhone) is near to her wedding day with her fiancé Graham (Valentine Pelka), when she is invited to defend a heritage case against the brilliant lawyer Jack Sullivan (James Frain), who has never lost a case in court. The twenty-one years old American Mirella Burton (Parker Posey) is disputing fifteen millions of pounds and some properties against Gerald Burton Jr (Charles Dance), the inherited son of her deceased husband. During the trial, the romantic Kate falls in love for Jack, and sees the case in another perspective.

"What Rats Won't Do" is a very British romantic-comedy, but also very pleasant. In spite of having many jokes with the British peculiarities and behavior, the enjoyable story is very supported by the nice cast and the good chemistry between the gorgeous Natascha McElhone and James Frain. In the end, love wins and this movie entertains, without being special. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "Um Caso de Amor" ("A Love Affair")

"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.'

I've never managed to catch this move - I see that in the UK it on;y had a TV release.

However I was an extra on the jury in some of the interior court scenes. They were filmed at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court and I recall tour-de-force cameos from Freddie Jones, Samantha Bond and Charles Dance.

Not having seen it, I've no idea if there were other courts used, or whether the interior and exterior court scenes were edited as if in the same place.

I do remember it was the day of Princess Di's funeral and North London was remarkably quiet and empty.

If anyone has an off-air copy, I'd love to see it!

Leon

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.

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?