At face value, Of Unknown Origin is the story of high-flying corporate type Bart Hughes (played by Peter 'Robocop' Weller) and his battle with a large, highly-intelligent, and rather malicious rodent. As such, it's an entertaining romp that occasionally enters high-camp as the rat regularly displays more smarts than the man, and takes to attacking the poor guy when he leasts expects it (the toilet scene is hilarious).
Watched from another point of view, the film can also be seen as a tale of one man's descent into madness. With just two weeks to clinch a very important business deal, and left on his tod by his wife (Shannon Tweed) and kids for the duration, Bart's mind is unable to cope with the stress of work and loneliness and cracks, conjuring up the imaginary critter.
Either way, the film is a fun time, as Hughes tries a variety of means to rid himself of the pest: small traps, larger devices, and poison, none of which work (not surprising if the animal is a figment of his imagination). Eventually, Bart drives nails through a baseball bat and gets primal on the rodent's ass, smashing up his swanky home in the process.
With several cheesy jump scares (the aforementioned 'rat in the toilet' scene and a dream sequence involving a birthday cake are the most memorable), a strong central performance from Weller, and competent direction from Rambo director George P. Cosmatos, the film is never less than enjoyable, and even delivers some topless nudity courtesy of Tweed (Playboy Playmate of 1982 and future Mrs. Gene Simmons).
Watched from another point of view, the film can also be seen as a tale of one man's descent into madness. With just two weeks to clinch a very important business deal, and left on his tod by his wife (Shannon Tweed) and kids for the duration, Bart's mind is unable to cope with the stress of work and loneliness and cracks, conjuring up the imaginary critter.
Either way, the film is a fun time, as Hughes tries a variety of means to rid himself of the pest: small traps, larger devices, and poison, none of which work (not surprising if the animal is a figment of his imagination). Eventually, Bart drives nails through a baseball bat and gets primal on the rodent's ass, smashing up his swanky home in the process.
With several cheesy jump scares (the aforementioned 'rat in the toilet' scene and a dream sequence involving a birthday cake are the most memorable), a strong central performance from Weller, and competent direction from Rambo director George P. Cosmatos, the film is never less than enjoyable, and even delivers some topless nudity courtesy of Tweed (Playboy Playmate of 1982 and future Mrs. Gene Simmons).