Willard by Glen Morgan [2003]

Title: Willard
Director: Glen Morgan
Starring: Crispin Glover, R. Lee Ermey, Laura Harring
Runtime: 100 minutes
Year: 2003
Source: Scream Television


I never saw the 1971 original Willard, so I had nothing to compare this too [which is usually for the better].

Crispin Glover does a fabulous job as Willard. He's creepy, yet charming. He's quite the loner, but half the college girls I know would still do him.

Rats creep me out, always have, and these little co-stars are no different. They serve as Willard's little soldiers, out to do whatever he wishes. Willard has no real motivation in life, his boss [his late father's business partner] has no love for him at all and treats him as such.

Once Willard comes into contact with the rats, it kind of gives you that warm, gushy feeling to see how he interacts with then. This socially awkward man finally finds companionship in an army of furry friends. Even as he stands at the head of his mothers corpse, he seems to feel more for his dear rats.

The dark comedy aspects are what carry Willard for the most part. At times extremely slow and sorta boring, but the good make up for it. If it wasn't for Crispin Glover, this would easily be a disaster. Someone, give that boy some candy for a job well done.

Recommended.


j.