Willard

Rating:
Summary: Let's be honest...
Review: This film was just OK, and the original Willard wasn't all that great, either. It's fun to watch in a way, but don't make the mistake of treating it as a horror film. Black comedy is a far better description. Some good in-jokes. The ending wasn't believable, either, considering what happens just before the final scene. The alternate original ending actually worked better. But, Hollywood's all about the bucks....
All and all, OK to kill a couple hours.

Rating:
Summary: Better than a film about rats has any right to be
Review: I have never seen the original Willard, and believed that this might be a serious handicap to my enjoyment of the 2003 edition. After all, no one would remake the '70s horror film about killer rats most infamous for the Jackson Five theme of its sequel, unless for purposes of kitsch. I was surely about to watch a movie filled with smug in-jokes and glib mockeries of '70s style. Then again, I thought, Crispin Glover is in it, and it looks like the filmmakers are going for that stylish post-modern noir that is all the rage, or at least would be if any of those films made money. But having seen the film, I now see that it encompasses both these elements, and yet is much, much more: Willard is a very enjoyable psychological suspense film, able to get under your skin not because of the creepy rodents, but because it presents, to an audience (at least in my case) lulled into vulnerability by their expecations, a far more disturbing portrait of the human psyche pushed to the edge.

Crispin Glover plays this man-child on the verge of collapse, as perhaps no one else could. Mr. Glover must be getting old (how long ago was Back to the Future?), yet going to work in his father's ill-fitting suit, he looks as though he is in the throes of adolescence. In fact, Willard is still grapling with the issues of adolescence, making friends, dealing with women, escpaing the shadow of his dead father and the considerable pull of his invalid, overbearing mother (at least she's sorry that its her fault her son's life was a waste, and tells him this). Norman Bates comes to mind, and the comparisons to Psycho are unavoidable when thinking about Willard Styles.

In thinking about Willard's friends, however, the movie that comes to mind is The Birds. Actually, there's probably less blood in this film than The Birds, a surprising show of restraint given the trend in modern movies. (Big) Ben, the biggest, baddest rat of them all, has his moments of violence, gnawing faces or (most disturbing in its defiance) a foot, but he's far more terrifying when he's just sitting staring back at the camera, and perhaps has his strongest presence when not on screen at all. Once Willard realizes just how strong-willed a rat can be, he sleeps with a wooden cane, to club Ben with when he tries to get in bed with him and Socrates (Willard's favorite rat). After thoroughly rat-proofing his room, Willard goes to sleep, and later awakens to the gnawed remains of his cane.

Willard owes a lot to Hitchcock, and I'm so glad I didn't know that going in. If I'd known that was the intent, I don't think I'd have seen the film. If there is one thing the world does not need, its a remake of a '70s horror flick that takes itself too seriously. But having been lured into the theater with the promise of unassuming dark comedy, I was pleasantly surprised by the film's boldness in making a film of such gravitas. There is self-mockery and a definate kitsch factor to the film (did the rats really need to be fed a treat called "Numm Nuts?"), and the film does revel in style over substance at times (mainly the climax of the film, where the focus on style was appropriate and entertaining), but Hitchcock's influence is palpable. Crispin Glover himself has gone so far as to venture a comparison of his character and Hamlet: "Hamlet is a character who never comes to a decision, who doesn't act until its too late. There is a father who died but remains a specter. There is the closeness with the mother. There is the contemplation of suicide: Willard's 'to be or not to be' scene." That sort of quote, had I encountered it before seeing the movie, may had assured I would never see it, which would have been a shame, for as grandiose as Glover's claims sound, he's right.

Rating:
Summary: Surprisingly Effective Movie
Review: "Willard" tells the story of a 30-something misfit, played by Crispin Glover. Willard is stuck in a dead-end job that he hates, and he has to care for his elderly mother who constantly belittles him. His life is miserable, until he finds a white rat dwelling in the basement of his Byzantine home. He befriends the rat and dubs him Socrates, and to his amazement he finds his basement flooded with other rats who listen to him. However, a fat rat named Ben comes onto the scene and changes everything.

A remake of the 1971 movie, the plot of "Willard" is completely inane but somehow manages to work. Glover brings an unbelievable amount of likeability to his role, which helps build sympathy for his character. R. Lee Ermey is also very good as Willard's exceptionally vile boss who eventually gets his just desserts. Of interest, the pictures of Glover's father that are seen throughout the house are actor Bruce Davison, who played Willard in the original movie.

Debut director Glen Morgan (writer of "Final Destination) employs a rather flashy style that helps "Willard" rise above similar B-movies. The movie also features some much appreciated humor, notably in a scene involving the song "Ben" by Michael Jackson. However, if you watch this movie expecting an explicit horror movie, then you may be a bit disappointed at the relatively gore-free first hour of the movie. Nevertheless, some of the later scenes are more graphic, and "Willard" is ultimately a surprisingly enjoyable movie.

Extras: The DVD is packed with extras. 1) An interesting commentary track featuring the director and Crispin Glover. 2) A 17 minute documentary called "Rat People," which features interviews with people who keep rats for pets. Narrated by Bruce Davison, the documentary features profiles of the rat fans interspersed with hilarious interviews with an exterminator and other rat-haters. 3) A video of Crispin Glover's remake of the song "Ben," which is hilarious. 4) A dozen deleted scenes, some of which show more graphic alternatives.

Rating:
Summary: A Decent Movie/Could Have Been Much Better Given Editing
Review: First, let me say that I think Crispin Glover was a great Willard. He played the character to the hilt even though he has probably viewed Hitchcock's Pyscho one too many times. There are many similarities between Anthony Perkin's Norman Bates and Crispin's Willard and not only the Oedipal facet either.

Mr. Morgan (X-Files) delivers this movie in the way that many X-Files episodes have been filmed. I didn't know about the X-Files connection until after viewing the film but kept thinking... Man, this movie has X-Files undertones (and no... It wasn't just the cat named Scully).

Willard's boss (haven't we all had a boss that has similar evil traits?)is a miserable piece of crap that when he meets his demise you want to cheer for Willard, Willard's co-workers and the rats.

The problem with this movie isn't acting, directing, or the screenplay. It's the EDITING!

Just watch the extra/cut/alternate scenes and you can tell that if the director and producer would have had some balls and stood up to the studios "powers-that-be", Willard would have been LOVED by some instead of tolerated or just liked by many.

Rating:
Summary: A total failure
Review: This heartless remake captures nothing of the original. Worse than a failure, it changes the personality of the main character so distortedly that the whole movie is a slam in the face. For example, in the original we as sane minded viewers could understand the alienation of Willard, and it grew where he was looked at sympathetically, however, in this trash, I agreed with Mr. Martin, his boss, I felt for the working girl who cared enough to feel for Willard, but I despised Willard. He is a total liar, sneak, sleaze, has no redeeming traits at all and is actually the villain, because he lies to everyone, makes excuses for himself which are not believable. Mr. Martin, who we are supposed to hate, has given Willard all the chances in the world to make a man of himself. I saw him as a tolerant benefactor, not as an evil boss at all. Just as bad, Willard's mother is portrayed as a physically disgusting mentally disturbed invalid, but she is even morally levels above Willard, who lies to her and the film seeks to suggest that " no one will understand " but at the same time there are no attempts to " understand " and its a total waste of what it could have been. Crispin Glover, btw, was only working in the script. He's just a slave here. He could have acted a better role, and if he was a REAL ACTOR, he would have INSISTED UPON it. But, he is NOT. He's just a Taco Bell actor looking for his next 50 g's. This movie gets more insulting to your morals and intelligence by the minute. Not to mention that Glover was erroneously cast, looking like 35 years old when the role was meant to be played by a teenager.
An extreme failure on all involved, I only give the one star to the quality actors involved who had nothing to do with this, including the white mouse. And another thing, the critics are idiots. I actually read one complain that Ben was too big. Let me tell you something. When I was younger, I saw a much bigger rat than Ben was. Twice as big. This rat was almost 2 feet long. Just another example of critics talking about nothing they know of who never stepped outside of a NY subway.

Rating:
Summary: Buy it for the extras!
Review: .
This film is a four-star concept with five-star performances and three-star results (mostly editing-related problems). So... if you're big on concept and don't mind looking at things as they should be, rather than as they are, this movie should make you very happy. But if you don't already love the Willard story or you don't appreciate having to fill in the blanks yourself (most people don't), you might be disappointed.

The basic story is similar to the original version of "Willard," but it's a very different take on the character and his situation. The title character in the 1971 film seems quite relaxed, outgoing, and optimistic compared to the nervous Willard of 2003, whose spirit was crushed long ago. His highs are higher and his lows are lower.

Actors and rats alike give wonderful (and wonderfully directed) performances. Glover is such a natural as Willard that I'm shocked he wasn't the first choice for the role, and I don't know how R. Lee Ermey will ever top his portrayal of Willard's sadistic boss; he puts his own "Full Metal Jacket" character to shame. In fact, Glover and Ermey perform so well together that it's only too easy to identify with Willard. Ermey pushes us, and Glover pulls us, into Willard's madness so adeptly that we don't even feel the snapping sensation when he finally loses his mind forever.

Unfortunately, this version of "Willard" suffers from, oh, what's a nice way to describe it, unfortunate editorial choices. There were three test screenings; the film was recut after the first screening to get a PG-13 rating instead of an R, and recut again after the second screening to increase the pace. A lot of important material was lost in the editing - material that sheds light on characters' motivations and gives significant information about Willard's family history.

There's even a cut scene that completely changes the impact of a particular incident (Scully) in the story. Without the deleted scene, it looks as if Willard is a much more callous guy than he really is. That doesn't even make sense at that point in the movie.

Ironically, the test screenings got *lower* ratings after each edit. A film that would have thoroughly pleased an admittedly small audience was mutilated to become less appealing for everyone. The suspense of "Willard" is not in wondering what happens next, but how it will happen. Stepping up the pace only spoils the ride. Slower pacing would have yielded a more coherent product, and the R-rated material (mostly language and some gore) would fit better with the overall feeling of the movie.

In light of that, the extras are what make the DVD really special. After you see the deleted/alternate scenes (including an alternate ending!), listen to the commentary track, and watch the "making of" documentary, you'll have a better picture of what this film could have been. There's also a neat documentary - narrated by Bruce Davison - about rats in general, and a hilarious music video of Crispin Glover's rendition of "Ben." There are even more goodies in the DVD-ROM section.

Of course, if you just love to watch rats and/or Crispin Glover, "Willard" is pure bliss and nothing else matters!

Rating:
Summary: HE'S BACK...
Review: It appears that Crispin Glover is carving a niche for himself on the silver screen, playing slightly creepy, social misfits ("Back to the Future", "Bartleby"). In this re-make of the 1971 film of the same name that starred Bruce Davidson, Crispin Glover plays the title role, that of Willard Stiles.

Willard is a lonely young man who lives in a huge mansion from days gone by with his decaying, elderly mother (Jackie Burroughs). He works in the industrial plant that used to belong to his father, before it was stolen out from under him by Mr. Martin (R. Lee Ermey), the man who is now Willard's boss. Cruelly tormented at work by Mr. Martin and beset at home by his overbearing mother whom he loves in an obsessive Norman Bates type of way, Willard is just plain weird.

When he discovers that his home is plagued by rats, instead of exterminating them, he befriends one of them, a white rat whom he names Socrates, who is in command of the horde of rats that reside in the basement. His second in command is a huge brown rat whom Willard names Ben but whom he does not like. The horde of rats seem to live to do Willard's bidding. All that changes when the lovable Socrates meets a cruel and untimely end. That event totally unhinges both Willard and Ben, and therein lies the tale.

Directed by X Files graduate Glen Morgan, with superlative production values, the film has an inside joke that X File fans, such as myself, will appreciate. Look for the orange cat, appropriately named Scully after red head Gillian Anderson, who plays the role of the same name in the X Files series. Moreover, links to the original "Willard" film, upon which this one is predicated, abound in the film. The portrait and family photographs of Willard's father look surprisingly like those of Bruce Davidson.

It is as if the film were written tongue-in-cheek, as there is really nothing all that horrific about it, other than the demise of Socrates. In fact, as a true horror film, it fails. Even the rats are not scary. They end up being merely funny. This filmed failed at the box-office for this reason, because the powers that be marketed it as a horror genre film. As a portrait of the disintegration of a lonely, social misfit, however, the film fares better, due to the inspired casting of Crispin Glover. It is a film worth seeing, if only for Crispin Glover's performance.

Rating:
Summary: A remake--that's better than the original!
Review: This movie really surprised me--it's almost unheard of for a remake to be better than the original-(the Haunting, Planet of the Apes, The Out of Towners etc etc)-but this movie is actually better by far--and I liked the original version and wish I could get it on DVD. Crispin Glover-who I had my doubts about-is actually perfect in the role of Willard and the role of his mother adds a bit of humor that I don't recall in the original.
Even "Ben" is portrayed better in this version. IMO--most "horror" movies that have come out in the last few years have been pretty horrible with a few exceptions like "Dog Soldiers", "Frailty" and "Identity"--but I recommend "Willard" without reservation.

Rating:
Summary: A Unique Movie Experience---Minus the Horror Element
Review: Okay let me sum this up as clear as I can. Willard is a remake of a seventies film starring Bruce Davidson. I can't compare this one to it because I never saw the original or the Ben sequel. Seeing how both films are supposed to be horror classics that may give fans of the old ones incentive to watch this one.

Willard is about a disturbed man ( Crispin Glover ) living with his disgusting, bossy mother who's in desperate need of a pedicure. LOOK AT THOSE TOENAILS. He is befriended by the gang of noisy rats in his basement, especially a white one he nicknames Socrates ( because the rat is smart ). The filmmakers never prove Socrates is any smarter than the rest but anyway...
Willard is introduced to the rest of the gang and Ben ( a rat so large you'd swear he was a cat in a mouse costume ) who becomes an instant enemy. Ben is manipulative, waving his little whiskers and taunting Willard every time Willard screams a command. The others follow Willard's orders like law. And with Socrates perched on his shoulder, Willard thinks he rules the world. Slowly he devises a plan to get rid of his evil boss after being jipped out of his father's company. Bruce Davidson from the original Willard played the father ( in portrait ).

The acting was nothing to brag about. Everyone said Crispin did such a great job playing disturbed. The more I watched him it seems to me that's the only character he can play. I don't know if it meant he was good in it or if he's played so many " madman " parts that he automatically has that essence. He was funnier than he could ever be frightening to me. And I wasn't too convinced at how he portrayed the " crazy rat lover ". Crispin was over the top at times. Other times he played Willard as if the character was a ten year-old boy. What grown man could be this naive and stupid? The film will give you more chuckles than it ever can chills. Believe me, I've seen toothpaste commercials scarier than this. I fell asleep in the middle of it. Admittingly you may dream a little about rats because there are so many in the movie. But nothing that should frighten you unless you're afraid of your own shadow. Crispin is the most interesting actor if somewhat wooden. The rest of the cast is basically unnoticeable. Especially the female lead. Since she and Willard didn't become lovers there was no need for her to be in the film. SHE DID NOTHING.

The DVD was excellent. You get your money's worth with this one. It had loads of special features including commentary, behind-the-scenes features, deleted scenes and a music video by Crispin Glover. ( Crispin, don't give up your day job ). This DVD doesn't leave you hanging one bit. It would take hours just to see all the extra features.
It's not easy to recommend or not recommend this film. If you're looking for a horror then this is not for you. This film is about as scary as Barney's Big Adventure. If you're obsessed with rats, you should enjoy this. There are more rats ( computer-enhanced ) than a rat lover could hope for. But give up on it if you want to be afraid. The rats aren't anything to be frightened of. But Crispin Glover ( in anything ) will scare the hell out of you.

Rating:
Summary: Very Good
Review: Crispin Glover did a great job, and the movie was much better than I expected it to be going in. It had good acting, a good score, and a very dark and disturbing feel. It was a good movie and I can't wait for Glover to make another movie.