What Rats Won't Do (1998)

Director:

Alastair Reid

Writers:

Steve Coombes (screenplay) &
Dave Robinson (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

1 July 1998 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Romance

Plot:

Soon to be married lawyer Kate Beckenham has landed the case of a lifetime. Her courtroom opponent turns out to be the charming Jack Sullivan, who has never lost a single case.

Plot Keywords:

London England | Law | Independent Film

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

James Frain	...	Jack Sullivan
Natascha McElhone	...	Kate Beckenham
Amy Phillips	...	Ellen
Valentine Pelka	...	Graham
Samantha Bond	...	Jane
Freddie Jones	...	Judge Foster
Chris Jury	...	Defendant
Peter Capaldi	...	Tony
W. Stephen Gilbert	...	Foster's Clerk
Harry Enfield	...	Verger
Paul Rider	...	Kate's Clerk
Philip Jackson	...	Jack's Dad
Georgie Glen	...	Woman with Dog
Parker Posey	...	Mirella Burton
Charles Dance	...	Gerald Burton Jr.

MPAA:

Rated R for language.

Runtime:

Brazil:87 min | Argentina:88 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

DTS

Certification:

Australia:M | Iceland:L | USA:R | Argentina:13

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Company:

Working Title Films

Quotes:

Gerald Burton Jr.: America is made out of the sweepings of Europe.

Soundtrack:

Just Can't Walk Away

A wonderful, funny, endearing romantic comedy

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.