The River Rat

"The River Rat" is too good a movie to lie in a corner without comment. Good grief, this was Martha Plimpton's first major role. For that reason alone it has a place in motion picture history. What a terrific talent, and what great contributions she has made to the art in roles both small and large. In this movie she combines with such recognized stars as Tommy Lee Jones and Brian Dennehy, and takes a back seat to neither. Her father-daughter scenes with Mr. Jones are warm and real. The depth all three of the lead actors brought to their characters was truly remarkable. In sum, the beautiful background of the mighty Mississippi River, an interesting story, some great acting turns, and, of course, Martha Plimpton make "The River Rat" a must-see picture.

Tender story about a father and daughter. I wish TLJ would go back to making these quiet little movies instead of barking his way through mainstream action flix. Martha Plimpton is wonderful; it's too bad she doesn't do anything anymore.

Jonsy is a pre-teen girl who lives by the Mississippi river with her grandmother. When her father Billy is released early from prison she tries to become close to him. However when Doc emerges from Billy's past looking for the money he stole things become more urgent.

This is essentially the story of a father and daughter trying to bond after never being together. The story may take a more sinister turn as Doc takes them on a river journey to find the stolen money, but it's still a family drama for the most part. The family drama is well observed with good characters - only the boy Wexel comes across as a slight Southern stereotype. However Doc's introduction doesn't take away from this side, rather it adds a darker level involving murder, revenge and eventual redemption. But over all this it works as a nice, non-sentimental relationship drama.

The film is the one that gave Martha Plimpton to the world and, while that may not be a good thing, she is good here - a child actress that isn't annoying. Also a pre-fame Tommy Lee Jones gives a strong performance as Billy who is slowly won over by fatherly concern for his daughter. Also giving a good show is Brian Dennehy (long before he started specialising in TV movies about crooked cops), here his bad guy slowly develops a tragic feel about him - just as his poison ivy wounds develop more to entrap him.

The film is a clever relationship drama with a grisly edge to it. It's worth watching for it's simplicity and for it's good performances. Don't expect a masterpiece but it's a refreshing little drama.

I was lucky to be able to watch a lot of the production of River Rat. Several scenes were filmed on the Ohio River at Smithland, Ky, where I lived and also operated the local ambulance service. My Father was a Deputy Sheriff and became very friendly with Tommy Lee Jones during the filming. I also had the honor of having breakfast with Mr. Jones.

Smithland was also the location of most of the "Rivers" segments of the classic movie " How The West was Won ". I still have cast photos and autographs from Jimmy Stewart, Agnes Morehead, George Peppard and Debbie Reynolds from that movie. " The River Rat " was and in my opinion is a great movie.

I was only 2 years old when this movie was made but I watched a few years later then I understood it, probably the reason I like this movie because it was made here in my home state of Kentucky, but thats not the main reason I like this movie, I also like it because its got action and Drama in it, I love action and drama movies. If any of you are big fans of Tommy Lee Jones then you should see this movie because it is one of his best.