Willard (2003)

Below average remake!

Blood and Rain
Blood for the Masses

Willard (2003)

Starring: Crispin Clover, Laura Elena Herring and R. Lee Ermey

Reviewed by
B.L.Morgan

2 Stars

This movie follows the original pretty closely. you have the same basic story; Willard is a shy introverted guy who gets to cuddling rats for fun. The rats start doing things for him so he uses them for revenge.

There are a few killings in the movie but nothing overly gross. Crispin Glover plays a very weird Willard, a bit too weird for my taste. Laura Elena Harring was just forgettable. R.Lee Ermey as Willard's evil boss was one dimensional and almost a comic book character.

Not scary, not recommended, just weird.

An example of how not to do a remake.

See the original. September 8, 2008

Hey, you! Get your d-CON off them

A curious remake of the 1971 horror B-movie, in which a born loser who lives in the miserable company of his wretched mother (Burroughs) and under the baton of a cruel boss (Ermey) finds friendship and a means to wage revenge in the company of rats.

Glover is perfectly cast in the titular lead: spineless, seething with resentment and impossibly weird. Most other character actors train for years to fake the kind of bizarre demeanor that the Hellion seems to effortlessly embody; it's hard to imagine somebody else who'd be better suited for this role. Ermey is also excellent as the unbearably vicious manager, the kind of brutal authority figure that he's been typecast as since Kubrick first exploited his natural potential. The supporting cast is just fine, but the performances of these humans are far less interesting than those of their rodent counterparts (live and CGI alike), who are well implemented.

This isn't quite a horror film: there are no outright scares, but the movie is genuinely creepy now and again. More notable is the poignancy of the story; even though this reviewer has a general revulsion for most rodents, the more tender aspects of Willard's relationship with his favorite pet are genuinely moving. It's all quite hokey, to be sure, but very touching nonetheless.

The only serious gripe that could be lodged against this film is that its style is considerably derivative: Glen Morgan's direction bears more than a passing resemblance to that of Tim Burton. Even Shirley Walker's score sounds very much like a Danny Elfman composition. Of course, this film shouldn't be entirely dismissed; it is frequently effective and has a heart. But it's easy to imagine how this could have been a great movie, had it been developed by a filmmaker with a more unique vision. May 2, 2008

THE ORIGINAL FILM IS BETTER BUT....................

What a shame! The producers missed a golden opportunity to take a movie that is remembered fondly,but certainly had room for improvement! Crispin Glover was a perfect choice to play Willard Stiles and he does a great job. Unfortunately, Bruce Davidson's performance is even better in the original along with Ernest Borgnine's Mr. Martin topping R.Lee Ermey's interpretation of that character. These two performances are why I still hold the original a little higher than the remake. The rats and effects are better(in most cases)in the new film,but they lost something along the way? F.Y.I. That's Elsa Lanchester as Willards mother in the original A.K.A The Bride Of Frankenstein! July 10, 2007

Revenge of the Rats

Boy, this film was creepy but very good. It's hard to categorize as it's not really a horror film. Crispin Glover is disturbing to watch as "Willard", a pathetic loner who slowly becomes mentally unhinged due to his miserable boss who tortures him. He bonds with a white rat named Socrates who leads a gang of rats in his basement. Willard and Socrates become best friends and Willard realizes that with Socrates' help that he can control the rats. The woman playing his mother was really scary and not very nice either. Glover is a terrific actor and his physical features make his character even more eerie. The pale skin and blue eyes. Lovely Laura Harring shows up as a work colleague who tries to befriend him and seems to be the only person to show kindness to Willard. Lee Ermey is wonderful as the mean as a skunk boss who tries to humiliate Willard at every turn, until he receives his come-uppance. I think this movie will strike a chord with anyone who ever felt alone and isolated. The black rat named Ben - this evil rat is frightening and is jealous of Socrates' bond with Willard. Ben and Willard battle it out in the end for control after Socrates' death. Interesting and worth watching film. February 25, 2007

unexpected delight

Hey! If you love horror movies (think Psycho) then you will watch this movie and be delighted by Crispin Glover's performance. I hadnt noticed Mr. Glover in his many supporting roles (including Charlie's Angels Thin Man), it was thru Williard that he caught my eye.
Crispin Glover plays a quirky young man who has no control over his own life, but with the help of a few small friends, gradually makes some changes, (getting rid of those pesky things that often confine his soul.)
Glover is waaaaayyyy too intelligent for his own good in real life and wont ever be fully appreciated, but hopefully he will continue to deliver these great performances!
His shocking blue eyes and pale skin are a wonderful canvas when you need the opposite of "california surfer cool" in a character.
Perfection!
;) May 13, 2006

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