Ratz (2000 TV Movie) User Reviews

No one will say "rats" here....this movie is adorable for females of any age

[inkblot11 · 7/10 · 11 October 2006]

Marci and Summer are two 14 year olds with the usual teenage angst. Both of them are in braces and end up being wallflowers at the local dances. They work part time for a lady named Doris (Kathy Baker) who runs a junk shop. Doris is a shy, spectacled woman who longs for the glamour she sees in her favorite soap opera. One day, Doris gets her hands on a gold-plated box as she looks over items at a yard sale. When she brings it home, it has a ring inside...a ring that grants wishes! Soon, Doris is all dolled up, like a soap star, and the girls get dates for the next big dance....dates that arrive when Doris changes her pet rats into boys. Things don't go smoothly, however. A shy repairman named Herb, who admired Doris from afar, is certain she has been kidnapped and the girls have to buy a never-ending stash of cheese crackers for the new gents. Can anyone spell trouble? This is a cute movie, aimed at preteen girls, no doubt, but which will please women of any age. Kathy Baker is excellent as the shy shopkeeper and the rest of the cast is fun, fun, fun. The script is a fresh, new twist on the old Cinderella story and sports humor at every turn. The costumes are very, very nice, as Doris is soon looking ultra glamorous, thanks to the ring, and the girls always look great, too. If you wish to please any young or old females in your family, try to bring this movie home for them to enjoy. They should be delighted.

cute for preteens

[slvrangel4 · 22 June 2006]

I find this movie to be creative and enjoyable for a younger audience. And while it is geared more towards an audience ranging from ages I'd say 9 till about 12, I think adults can find it to be entertaining as well. The plot is a familiar one... two best friends who aren't in the popular crowd at school, but like most girls around their age hope to be, and also hope to be noticed by cute boys! While it may seem a little cheesy, the storyline takes off when a lady they work for (who is also not so smooth herself) stumbles across a "magic" wishing ring which grants them answers to their troubles, only to cause those solutions to get a bit out of hand. The silly situations that result from these fulfilled wishes will keep you laughing and smiling, as it did me. Its a clever but movie if you are looking for something that isn't mind boggling, or filled with inappropriate humor. You will find its clean humor and carefree story to be a nice change from all the other movies that are being created for preteens these days. It it a movie that an adult can feel comfortable having their children watch. This movie can be best summed up as light-hearted, original, and just plain adorable.

mind numbingly stupid

[LilVixen · 1/10 · 23 October 2001]

I agree w/ the comment that this could be the worst movie ever- not only is it a STUPID concept, the actors are so horrible it's like watching amputated puppet theatre. I could barely stand to watch a few minutes of it- It's god-awful and a huge waste of your time. I give it an F or a big fat turkey- this goes down with HOWARD THE DUCK.

The Worst Film Ever

[ehansen1 · 1/10 · 13 August 2000]

As I went to watch the film Ratz on the Showtime network, I wasn't expecting much. To be quite frank, I didn't get much. I have no problem calling this over-clichéd, poorly written, poorly acted, and poorly directed film possibly the worst movie ever made. Just listen to the song during the credits while they show the "out-takes." Or watch the scene when the main character gets a D+ for writing the story of the film. It is a poor concept as well as a poorly executed film. Why was it even made? A question that will most likely go unanswered as long as we all shall live.

fun, silly, cute... exactly what it should be

[ratonraton · 8/10 · 2 March 2004]

I loved this movie! In the style of a good tween fun comedy, in similar style as such shows like Lizzie McGuire, two very personable best girl friends deal with being unpopular, with no boys to date at the annual school dance, and a fun story of a magical ring that brings a faery-tale like wish that turns two cute pet ratties, Scooter and Spike, into two cute boys for the girls.

Casting was great with this movie, the girls Marci Kornbalm and Summer Weingarten, played by Vanessa Lengies and Caroline Elliott, are a wonderful very likable pair. The movie also has two other sub-plots going on at the same time, with veteran actors Ron Silver, playing the part of Herb Sonic, a lonely shy timid guy who's had a forever crush on the local antique collectibles store owner, a very homely nerdy looking Doris Trowbridge, played by the very funny Kathy Baker, who's wishes of becoming as pretty as her favorite soapstar actress, also come true with the powers of the magical ring, and Herb Sonic trying to find out where Doris disappeared too, making for a very sweet love story. Another story, of the two typically silly neighborhood boys who haven't discovered girls yet, Rod and Tod, keep us laughing at their animated silliness, as they also get in trouble with the magical ring, though they never knew it was magical.

If you like the comedy style of shows like Lizzie McGuire, and like fun G-rated TV tween movies, you'll love Ratz. Fun for the whole family, simple, and even my critical hardcore punk/metal friends loved the movie...

"AIRBAG!!" - Scooter 'n Spike lol... Ratz is great!

fun kids movie adults can enjoy

[mmyy · 10/10 · 30 May 2005]

this is a very funny and sweet movie that is clever enough for both kids and adults to enjoy. I find it very unfair that the first comment people see is a very negative one, especially since the vast majority of the comments are highly favorable. There aren't that many movies in this category for kids around 10-12 and even fewer that are as good as this one which makes it even more unfair that this movie is being trashed by the one negative comment so prominently displayed. While this is a great movie website, there should be some way to correct this travesty. The movie is really good. OK. It was not an Oscar winner but comedies rarely are and this movie has enough laughs and clever twists to otherwise corny situations to make it a movie you will want to watch more than once.

The stupidity makes it amazingly funny

[crazeepsycho16 · 8/10 · 13 May 2006]

When I first watched Ratz, I couldn't believe how much I laughed. It is about two teen best friends, Marci and Summer, who thanks to their wacky adult buddy Doris, get a hold of a magical ring that grants wishes. Before they know it they are responsible for two teenaged boys, who were formally rats, and plan on taking the male hotties to the Spring Fling dance. Chaos obviously ensues. The concept of this movie is so far-fetched, the plot line so crazy, and the acting so mediocre that it made this movie one of the funniest I have ever seen! The comedy of it is cute and humorous, making you laugh if you don't try to over analyze it. If you watched Ratz with an open mind and a positive out look, you will find it funny. It is not meant to be one of those silver screen, four star comedies. But it is still good enough to entertain you.

two young girls wish for dates, two rats turn into boys and the fun begins

[drassoc · 10/10 · 4 March 2005]

Ratz is a cleverly written comedy about two thirteen year old girls who really want to go to the Spring Fling town dance and manage to get involved with a magic ring that grants wishes but always with some kind of a twist such as the boys they wish for are transformed into boys from two pet rats and still behave like rats. Even though the plot is full of magic and strange occurrences and strange characters, the girls are normal with normal parents and normal friends and the entire movie is something the entire family can sit and watch together with enjoyment. Everyone can laugh at all the jokes and enjoy the plots twists of which there are many. I found the story very well written, I enjoyed the acting and I laughed out loud quite a few times. This is a fun movie and something you can rent for your kids and watch with your kids. I would say 9-14 are good ages for this movie. Young girls particularly should enjoy it.

A+++ Funny, imaginative, clever: you will laugh out loud.

[DOstr1 · 10/10 · 22 May 2001]

Best family film I have seen in a long time. If Monty Python were an American troupe, they would make something like this. But really, Thom Eberhardt displays his own unique brand of humor, first shown to great advantage in NIGHT OF THE COMET, and then again with WITHOUT A CLUE.

Kids are great, a slice of cake comedy, with much more wit and cleverness than the typical Hollywood fare.

Everyone in your household will enjoy this movie.

Spike and Scooter where so cute

[Willowwitch06 · 10/10 · 27 April 2002]

I've seen this movie so many times.I love it!I'm not a big movie critic but I liked this movie.The fact that the (rats) were so cute as humans just makes me watch it again and again. Plus i liked the little dance scene the girls made up. Spike and Scooter Rock!

The Greatest Teen Movie Eve: Go watch it ! There is not much more to be said.

[bubblesddb · 8/10 · 18 June 2007]

The Greatest Teen Movie Eve: Go watch it ! There is no t much more to be said. I love this movie. Its one of my all time favorites. When I was younger I would watch it over and over again. It's very original and out of the box.Its realistic in the since that most girls their age are boy crazy and desperate. Some of the situations and events are very bizarre but its funny and highly entertaining if your a high energy kinda person. I liked it because it wasn't to dramatic and over the top. Sometimes its good to just have a sit down and watch movie instead of a bloody horror or high action movie. I mean really. Its an independent film people. Cut it some slack.

Response to above comment

[Linjen77 · 1 August 2002]

I have seen this movie and I wanted to respond to the comment above, I don't think this movie was made in hopes of winning an Oscar. It's a kid/teenage movie and nothing more. It's just pure entertainment. I think the comment above had way too much thought put into it. Yes it's not the greatest acting but it's a movie that will entertain young kids, you should take into consideration that there are not very many movies out there for young kids to see and I think this movie would be an appropriate choice for kids. I'm pretty sure I can think of movies that are worse but I'm not going to take the time to think of any.

this movie created me i love it so much. please watch this treasure it forever

[acatnamedwoody · 10/10 · 22 November 2007]

I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND THIS MOVIE AGAIN AFTER FIRST WATCHING IT WHEN I WAS 10. i have just ordered on netflix and i love this movie. please watch it. i would be nowhere without it i love it. so good. i wish i had starred in this movie. i love it. please locate me to where i may purchase this movie. it is no longer at blockbuster. they know nothing. I DON"T WANT NO SIRLOIN STEAK! PLEASE GIVE ME NO CHOCOLATE CAKE! WHAT MY TUMMY NEEDS THE MOST IS CREAMY BOYS SPREAD ON MY TOAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! yes that is bliss. I wish i was Marcie or summer. they are so cool. and my role models for life. i wish i was them. yes i do. jes i do. i totally do. If you are somebody who likes exciting stories and heartwarming tales, as well as Shelley duvall's faerie tale theater creations of magnificantness. Then, you will surely find a place in your heart for this movie.

Really Coo1!

[Mish100 · 20 August 2001]

I think that this movie was really cool. It was good and funny, especially if you are below the age of 15. The person who said it was poorly acted and written, was absolutely wrong.

Fun Chick Flick

[Katie_Scarlett_OHara · 10/10 · 12 August 2003]

I first watched this movie with my family after we taped it from Foxtel and I thought it was great movie! A modern-day Cinderella story, although filled with many cliques and stereotypes, it's a good movie for younger teenage girls and the whole family. It is rare to find a good fun chick flick that is suitable to the younger youths, starring people their age nowadays (with the exception of the Lizzie McGuire movie, amongst others). So if you're looking for a movie for younger teenagers, it is worth the watch. =)

I enjoyed it.

[VagrantRogue · 9/10 · 24 January 2001]

I saw this vid on a shelf in blockbuster when I was wondering what to get. You don't really get much of a laugh out of it unless you have pet rats. I do, and I thought it was funny. Maybe not the best acting, but everyone has to start somewhere, right? I loved the rats. I thought it was terribly funny!

This movie is so good and so cool

[mats.nilsson · 10/10 · 9 September 2000]

I and my teenage daughters loved this film. Good story, good actors, good script, good music, good special effects and more. If the good quality could be maintained this film could be the basis of a very good TV series. This films style, main characters, music etcetera, portraying a small town through a teenage girls perspective, could provide enough material for a series.

simply rocks!

[swav · 10/10 · 27 April 2001]

This movie was the best comedy that I've seen in a long time. The argument that the acting was poor and the entire film was kind of cheesy doesn't hold, since it made it only funnier. For kids in junior high and high school this flick can be a real drama, but older people who are past the high school life and behavior will find it really hilarious (since the movie makes fun of the junior high life and dilemmas). I felt that the director put just the right amount of sarcasm in there so that it wouldn't be noticeable for a young viewer but would be for a more skilled eye. I give it two thumbs up and can honestly say that it was the best movie I saw in year 2000.

Cute movie!

[purpleduck21 · 10/10 · 25 July 2001]

This is a movie for pre-teens to sit and enjoy. It's not some award winning artsy type movie. I think the whole story was very cute and creative. The actors all seemed to work well with each other. It reminds me of something that I would have wanted to happen when I was a pre-teen.

Light-hearted farce has plenty of laughs.

[HikeCanada · 9/10 · 3 November 2001]

I enjoyed this movie. I stumbled across it on tv while surfing channels, and was immediately intrigued by the hilarious plot. My daughter and I watched it from the beginning the following afternoon, and both laughed hard at the situations and characters.

A funny concept is made funnier by the performances of some talented, if lesser known, actors. Vanessa Lengies as Marci and Caroline Elliot as Summer do a terrific job as two preteens caught in a funny dilemna. Kathy Baker and Ron Glass play their dysfunctional characters to a "T", and the rest of the cast does an excellent job of portraying this charicature of small town life set awry by a magical ring.

Not a masterpiece, but a fun piece of fluff for a rainy Sunday afternoon!

Loved it

[Stepy_2 · 8/10 · 6 February 2005]

I saw this movie the day it premiered on show time I think it was and I love this movie, I taped it as soon as possible. It especially the end song. This is a good perky movie and the girls are so dumb but I love it. Plus I had braces so I can relate.Also I had a pet rat. If you like watching stupid girls and cute movies I highly recommend this movie. That's all I can say is I love it!Overall the acting is decent. The plot is a very cute one. The guys are totally hot. There is actually a couple stars in the movie.The dialoge might make you say "so" a lot after you watch this movie but it really is a worthwhile movie to watch. In my opinion.

fun family film

[allie214 · 23 September 2000]

It doesn't seem like this movie set out to be a blockbuster. It was to be a cute, fun family film and that is what it accomplished. Unlike other family films, the characters are dressed realisticly, and the music they listen to is appropriate for their age group. Although, their linguistics are trying, it is accurate, as well. Overall this movie has an amusing plot that keeps the viewer interested.

A very funny, cute kids movie

[Soccer-5 · 14 July 2002]

This was a very funny, cute kids movie. Definitely directed toward kids, but kept me laughing. It is definitely not the worst movie ever made, but a very clever, funny, at times ridiculous spin on a Cinderella story.

I love this movie.

[ToneeRhianRose · 10 March 2003]

I totally love this movie. Spike, Scooter, Rod, & Tod are so cute. I especially love the song Dishy. I also love the behind the scenes at the end of the movie. I also thought it was very funny. Well what more can I say. I think most people will like this movie.

Good Times

[nuggitynug · 29 June 2001]

Despite the obvious cheesiness of this movie I loved it. In fact I ordered the movie today because it was so much fun to watch. It reminds me of back in my pre-teen/childhood days when I would have been obsessed with this movie. Not to mention Woah member Levi James (2gether fans will understand) It was a great movie for the young and young at heart! I'm 16 and I loved it!