The Rat Thing

The term "Independent Film" gets thrown around a lot in Hollywood these days, however, most of the films put into this category have a pedigree that more closely resembles a small studio film - not an independent film. The Rat Thing, deftly written and directed by Kevin Keresey, is actually an independent film that aspiring filmmakers can point to and say, "good movies can be made outside of the studio system."

As a writer who's about to experience my first screenplay getting made into a film this summer, I can't begin to express what a miracle it is that any film gets made. I don't know the back story that led to the Rat Thing actually taking flight, but I do know that the rock solid screenplay was heavily sought after and it took tremendous courage (and perhaps balls the size of church bells), to pass up guaranteed money for the chance to make it on Keresey's own terms.

Without writing a Netflix type of synopsis, I will convey that the film has a style that is a throw back to 1970's film making - "California Split," "The Late Show," and "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot" all seemed to be films that may have influenced Keresey. His cast is capable and up to the challenge of handling the dialogue and moving the story forward. This film is not perfect. It doesn't have the gloss of a Michael Bay blockbuster, or the smile of Tom Cruise, but it does have the imperfect visage of an alley cat that moves confidently among the rich and in today's Hollywood, that makes us love this movie all the more.

I saw "The Rat Thing" this week at the Seattle True Independent Film Festival, and I loved every minute of it.

This is one of those films that demonstrate that you don't need hundreds of millions of dollars to make a great comedy, and that many of the best movies these days aren't on the big screen or even on cable, They are found at film festivals and in the direct-to-DVD distribution channels... although if there are any film distributors or cable TV network programming buyers with even a tiny amount of good taste, they'll meet whatever producer/director/writer/co-star Kevin Keresey is asking for the rights because it is that good. It's a film that deserves to be seen by an audience far larger than any film festival can offer.

This is a well-written and well acted film that is further augmented by great cinematography and an excellent use of soundtrack music and sound in general. It's also possessed with a unique style that causes it to be a thoroughly modern comedy that nonetheless transmits a classic vibe. It's a film firmly rooted in the modern day, with modern characters struggling in dead-end low-paying service jobs who come up with a modern scheme to enrich themselves in the law suit lottery that passes for the civil court system in the United States, but the crispness of the dialogue delivered by the two lead characters and the rapid-fire nature of their patter--not to mention their natures and relationships--give the film an air of the best Abbott & Costello movies. (The fact the film is populated entirely by hard-luck characters that we are alternatively laughing with and laughing at also serves to strengthen the film's classic feel.)

I really, really loved this movie. Besides being so funny, it had real heart. The characters were well defined (including the rat!) and the dialog was so very smart. Beautifully filmed with a terrific sound track. Very impressed with Kevin Keresey for his writing, directing, producing and acting. A real talent that should be recognized. The whole film worked for me and truthfully, this independent film puts big budget studio movies to shame. Kudos for The Rat Thing. And now I see rats in a whole different light! Saw at the Rainier Indpendant Film Festival in Washington, in May and without a doubt, The Rat Thing brought back my faith in movie-making. Because of the intelligence of the script, the nutty scenario of getting a rat to bite a guy to then sue a market for big bucks was completely believable to me. Most fun was the back and forth snappy dialog between Jack and Joey. My final comment on this hysterical film with it's 'biting' humor: The Rat Thing is a comedy caper you can really sink your teeth into.

"what thing?" you ask? you know! the rat thing! if you haven't seen it yet, you're missing out. this indie feature is as polished as a studio flick, relying on well-crafted writing, outstanding acting, and sound direction--instead of big budgets--to make it fly. the stars, kevin keresey and michael mcgee, nail their roles and are so utterly believable as the misguided mastermind and his semi-retarded sidekick. cleverly written, the screenplay depicts the perfect combination of humor and sensitivity to draw the viewer in and really make him care about these guys, their story, and, of course, their rat. well-paced and extraordinarily engaging with a very satisfying ending, this movie is sweet enough to warm your heart and funny enough to make you pee your pants.

I had so much fun watching The Rat Thing at a recent independent film festival. This movie had me laughing out loud, so hard that I was crying, and by the end of the movie I actually hurt from laughing that hard for that long. This independent film was made extremely well - from the intriguing and unusual story line, to the hilarious dialogue and interactions between very unique characters (cheers to Keresey and McGee for their outstanding performances), and the film-making process - the directing, filming, camera angles, casting, editing - all of it created a movie that is top notch. And of course I loved how the Rat was incorporated into the story - hats off to the animal trainer too (you're my hero!). I can't wait to see this movie again!