Ratboy
Ratboy is a 1986 American drama film directed by and starring Sondra Locke.[1] The make-up effects were designed by Rick Baker. The film's scenario is at times comic or serious, and one of its peculiarities is that there never is any explanation for Ratboy's origin and existence as a human-rat hybrid.
| Ratboy | |
|---|---|
Cover of VHS release | |
| Directed by | Sondra Locke |
| Written by | Rob Thompson |
| Produced by | Fritz Manes |
| Starring | Sondra Locke Robert Townsend Christopher Hewett Bill Maher Larry Hankin Sydney Lassick Gerrit Graham Louie Anderson Sharon Baird John Witherspoon |
| Cinematography | Bruce Surtees |
| Edited by | Joel Cox |
| Music by | Lennie Niehaus |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Warner Bros. |
Release date |
|
Running time | 104 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Ratboy had a troubled production[2] and was both a critical and commercial failure.[3] However, it received better reviews in European countries, especially France, winning the Deauville American Film Festival.[citation needed]
Synopsis
A former window dresser named Nikki overhears mention of a mysterious "Ratboy" named Eugene while dumpster diving at a dump. After finding and befriending him, Nikki makes several attempts at marketing his uniqueness to the public. At the same time, Eugene wishes to avoid public attention.
In the end, the police are searching for Eugene's body, as Nikki stands by, saddened, until a crystal in her jacket pocket begins to glow. Eugene has survived the police gunfire and is hiding atop a tree, signaling to Nikki. Nikki is happy that Eugene is alive. Eugene then flees as the police continue searching for him.
Cast
- Sondra Locke as Nikki Morrison
- Sharon Baird as Eugene / Ratboy (as S.L. Baird)
- Robert Townsend as Manny
- Christopher Hewett as Acting Coach
- Larry Hankin as Robert Jewell
- Sydney Lassick as Lee 'Dial-A-Prayer'
- Gerrit Graham as Billy Morrison
- Louie Anderson as Omer Morrison
- Billie Bird as Psychic
- John Witherspoon as Heavy
- Charles Bartlett as Catullus Cop
- Gordon Anderson as the voice of Ratboy
- Tim Thomerson as Alan Reynolds (uncredited)
Reception
The film has a 'rotten' rating of 25% on Rotten Tomatoes. Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave it two out of four stars, calling the film 'perplexing' and criticizing the film's unique premise devolving into a more standard narrative.[4] Janet Maslin of The New York Times called the film 'disorganized', criticizing the script and directing choices of Locke.[5] On the opposite end, Michael Wilmington of The Los Angeles Times was more positive, calling the film, 'Grimm Brothers-style, mixing wonder with rough edges, undertones of pain beneath the fantasy.'[6]
Awards
Sondra Locke received a 1987 Razzie nomination for Worst Actress, losing to Madonna for Who's That Girl.
References
- ^ "Ratboy". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Retrieved July 10, 2016.
- ^ "LOCKE EXERCISES CONTROL OVER 'RATBOY,' HER CAREER". Los Angeles Times. August 19, 1986. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
- ^ "Ratboy". Rottentomatoes.com. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
- ^ Ebert, Roger. "Ratboy movie review & film summary (1986) | Roger Ebert". Rogerebert.com. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
- ^ Maslin, Janet (October 17, 1986). "Ratboy (1986) SCREEN: 'RATBOY'". The New York Times. New York City. Retrieved July 10, 2016.
- ^ "MOVIE REVIEW : 'RATBOY' SWIMS AGAINST MAINSTREAM". Los Angeles Times. 20 March 1987. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
External links
- Ratboy at IMDb
- Ratboy at Rotten Tomatoes