What Rats Won't Do

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?

Why, oh why, isn't this movie on DVD??

I found this movie by accident on TV and it is one of my favorite romantic comedies, and one I can recommend to my rom-com-loving friends. For someone who loves London, the locations used in shooting are a delight. (The scenes shot there were a reason I visited the Middle Temple on my last trip....it is a thoroughly delightful part of London.)) I think this movie is really well done.....I highly enjoy the scene outside the Temple Church, with two background scenes silently going on, one on each side of a pillar behind the two protagonists. This is a wry, witty, entertaining movie.

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 had never heard of this film until I heard that it was showing on TV. The plot interested me and I decided to give it a try. It was FABULOUS ! I love romantic comedies and this was going to be my cup of tea. Fans of movies likes Notting Hill,Sliding Doors,Bridget Jones diary.etc will truly love this. Im a bit surprised that the movie didnt get as popular as it should be. I would seriously recommend it , so what r u waiting for !