What Rats Won't Do

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 ;)

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.

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

"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.'

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?