This is what happens when a significantly larger than usual rat takes up residence in the crawlspaces of a Manhattan townhouse. The homeowner (Weller, pre "Robocop") is initially irritated by the incessant scratching and midnight snacking that is taking place while he prepares for an important presentation for his firm. With wife and daughter conveniently out of town, Weller is left to combat the unwelcome houseguest, which is becoming increasingly skillful at out maneuvering his reluctant host. Of course when the rat is finally revealed, it proves to be a larger problem that Weller had ever anticipated. War is soon declared, battle lines are drawn and Weller risks not only his high profile occupation, but indeed his life, protecting his castle and evicting the rogue rodent.
Essentially a two character stage play depicting an escalating chess match between Weller and his unwanted pet, each seeking to outplay the other in strategy and tactical dominance. Equipped with human like intelligence and physically imposing attributes, the rat is resilient and self assured; as the late night sorties escalate, so does Weller's mental stability deteriorate to the extent that those around him begin to doubt his mental well-being. Could it be that there is no rat, and that he's overwhelmed by the 'rat race', confronting demons from within? It's interesting to watch the mutual respect evolve, as both antagonist and defender start to take one another more seriously. Initially Weller is content to lay a simple mouse trap, until he finds it twisted (almost disdainfully), his opponent goading him into more sophisticated entrapments.
Welsh is a scene stealer as the dedicated pest controller with his work cut out for him, while the rest of the Canadian cast is virtually unknown (with the exception of Dane as Weller's less than sympathetic employer). Director Cosmatos displays a strong conceptual interpretation of the duopoly in the script, and Weller is charismatic enough to carry the majority of the film. The special effects are effective; the Labrador-sized rodent looks menacing but curiously, there's no explanation given for its proportions. Some light humour and realistic set design complete a compact but watchable little suspense-horror film.
Essentially a two character stage play depicting an escalating chess match between Weller and his unwanted pet, each seeking to outplay the other in strategy and tactical dominance. Equipped with human like intelligence and physically imposing attributes, the rat is resilient and self assured; as the late night sorties escalate, so does Weller's mental stability deteriorate to the extent that those around him begin to doubt his mental well-being. Could it be that there is no rat, and that he's overwhelmed by the 'rat race', confronting demons from within? It's interesting to watch the mutual respect evolve, as both antagonist and defender start to take one another more seriously. Initially Weller is content to lay a simple mouse trap, until he finds it twisted (almost disdainfully), his opponent goading him into more sophisticated entrapments.
Welsh is a scene stealer as the dedicated pest controller with his work cut out for him, while the rest of the Canadian cast is virtually unknown (with the exception of Dane as Weller's less than sympathetic employer). Director Cosmatos displays a strong conceptual interpretation of the duopoly in the script, and Weller is charismatic enough to carry the majority of the film. The special effects are effective; the Labrador-sized rodent looks menacing but curiously, there's no explanation given for its proportions. Some light humour and realistic set design complete a compact but watchable little suspense-horror film.