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{{short description|1986 film by Sondra Locke}}
{{short description|1986 film by Sondra Locke}}
{{for multi|the musician|Rat Boy|other uses}}
{{for-multi|the musician|Rat Boy|other uses}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name = Ratboy
| name = Ratboy
| image = Poster of the movie Ratboy.jpg
| image = Poster of the movie Ratboy.jpg
| caption = Cover of VHS release
| caption = Cover of VHS release
| producer = [[Fritz Manes]]
| producer = Fritz Manes
| director = [[Sondra Locke]]
| director = [[Sondra Locke]]
| writer = [[Rob Thompson (director)|Rob Thompson]]
| writer = [[Rob Thompson (director)|Rob Thompson]]
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| gross =
| gross =
}}
}}
'''''Ratboy''''' is a 1986 American [[drama (film and television)|drama film]] directed by and starring [[Sondra Locke]].<ref name="Ratboy">{{cite web|url=http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/87719/Ratboy/full-credits.html|title=Ratboy|work=[[Turner Classic Movies]]|location=[[Atlanta]]|publisher=[[Turner Broadcasting System]] ([[Time Warner]])|access-date=July 10, 2016}}</ref> The make-up effects were designed by [[Rick Baker (makeup artist)|Rick Baker]]. The film's scenario is at times [[Comics|comic]] or serious, and one of its peculiarities is that there never is any explanation for Ratboy's origin and existence as a human-rat hybrid.
'''''Ratboy''''' is a 1986 American [[comedy-drama]] film directed by and starring [[Sondra Locke]].<ref name="Ratboy">{{cite web|url=http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/87719/Ratboy/full-credits.html|title=Ratboy|work=[[Turner Classic Movies]]|location=[[Atlanta]]|publisher=[[Turner Broadcasting System]] ([[Time Warner]])|access-date=July 10, 2016}}</ref> The make-up effects were designed by [[Rick Baker (makeup artist)|Rick Baker]]. The film's scenario is at times [[Comics|comic]] or serious, and one of its peculiarities is that there never is any explanation for Ratboy's origin and existence as a human-rat hybrid.


''Ratboy'' had a troubled production<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-08-19-ca-17164-story.html|title=LOCKE EXERCISES CONTROL OVER 'RATBOY,' HER CAREER|date= August 19, 1986|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date= November 18, 2021}}</ref> and was both a critical and commercial failure.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ratboy|title=Ratboy|access-date=18 November 2021|website=Rottentomatoes.com}}</ref> However, it received better reviews in [[Europe]]an countries, especially [[France]], winning the [[Deauville American Film Festival]].{{citation needed|date=August 2022}}
Principal photography started on September 6, 1985, and ended in October 1985. ''Ratboy'' had a troubled production<ref name=mills>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-08-19-ca-17164-story.html|title=LOCKE EXERCISES CONTROL OVER 'RATBOY,' HER CAREER|date= August 19, 1986|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date= November 18, 2021}}</ref> and was both a critical and commercial failure.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ratboy|title=Ratboy|access-date=18 November 2021|website=Rottentomatoes.com}}</ref>


== Synopsis ==
== Synopsis ==
A former [[window dresser]] named Nikki overhears mention of a mysterious "Ratboy" named Eugene while [[dumpster diving]] at a dump. After finding and befriending him, Nikki makes several attempts at marketing his uniqueness to the public. At the same time, Eugene wishes to avoid public attention.
A former [[window dresser]] named Nikki overhears mention of a mysterious "Ratboy" named Eugene while [[dumpster diving]] at a dump. After finding and befriending him, Nikki makes several attempts at marketing his uniqueness to the public. At the same time, Eugene wishes to avoid public attention.

In the end, the police are searching for Eugene's body, as Nikki stands by, saddened, until a crystal in her jacket pocket begins to glow. Eugene has survived the police gunfire and is hiding atop a tree, signaling to Nikki. Nikki is happy that Eugene is alive. Eugene then flees as the police continue searching for him.


== Cast ==
== Cast ==
* [[Sondra Locke]] as Nikki Morrison
* [[Sondra Locke]] as Nikki Morrison
* [[Sharon Baird]] as Eugene / Ratboy (as S.L. Baird)
* [[Sharon Baird]] as Eugene/Ratboy (as S.L. Baird)
⚫
** Gordon Anderson as the voice of Eugene/Ratboy
* [[Robert Townsend (actor)|Robert Townsend]] as Manny
* [[Robert Townsend (actor)|Robert Townsend]] as Manny
* [[Christopher Hewett]] as Acting Coach
* [[Christopher Hewett]] as Acting Coach
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* [[John Witherspoon (actor)|John Witherspoon]] as Heavy
* [[John Witherspoon (actor)|John Witherspoon]] as Heavy
* Charles Bartlett as Catullus Cop
* Charles Bartlett as Catullus Cop
⚫
* Gordon Anderson as the voice of Ratboy
* [[Tim Thomerson]] as Alan Reynolds (uncredited)
* [[Tim Thomerson]] as Alan Reynolds (uncredited)

==Marketing==
The ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' shaved six years off Sondra Locke's age in an article to promote the film.<ref name=mills/>

==Release==
The film was given a limited opening in only two cities, Los Angeles and New York.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-02-15-ca-3253-story.html|title= ‘RATBOY’: SNARED IN THE STUDIO TRAP |date=February 15, 1987 |work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref>


== Reception ==
== Reception ==
The film has a 'rotten' rating of 25% on Rotten Tomatoes. [[Roger Ebert]] of the ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]'' gave it two out of four stars, calling the film 'perplexing' and criticizing the film's unique premise devolving into a more standard narrative.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/ratboy-1986|title=Ratboy movie review &amp; film summary (1986) &#124; Roger Ebert|first=Roger|last=Ebert|website=Rogerebert.com|access-date=18 November 2021}}</ref> Janet Maslin of ''[[The New York Times]]'' called the film 'disorganized', criticizing the script and directing choices of Locke.<ref name=NYT>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|title=Ratboy (1986) SCREEN: 'RATBOY'|authorlink=Janet Maslin|author=Maslin, Janet|date=October 17, 1986|url=https://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9A0DE2DB143CF934A25753C1A960948260|access-date=July 10, 2016|location=[[New York City]]}}</ref> On the opposite end, Michael Wilmington of ''[[The Los Angeles Times]]'' was more positive, calling the film, 'Grimm Brothers-style, mixing wonder with rough edges, undertones of pain beneath the fantasy.'<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-03-20-ca-8045-story.html|title=MOVIE REVIEW : 'RATBOY' SWIMS AGAINST MAINSTREAM|date=20 March 1987|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=18 November 2021}}</ref>
The film has a 'rotten' rating of 25% on Rotten Tomatoes. [[Roger Ebert]] of the ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]'' gave it two out of four stars, calling the film 'perplexing' and criticizing the film's unique premise devolving into a more standard narrative.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/ratboy-1986|title=Ratboy movie review &amp; film summary (1986) &#124; Roger Ebert|first=Roger|last=Ebert|website=Rogerebert.com|access-date=18 November 2021}}</ref> Janet Maslin of ''[[The New York Times]]'' called the film 'disorganized', criticizing the script and directing choices of Locke.<ref name=NYT>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|title=Ratboy (1986) SCREEN: 'RATBOY'|authorlink=Janet Maslin|author=Maslin, Janet|date=October 17, 1986|url=https://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9A0DE2DB143CF934A25753C1A960948260|access-date=July 10, 2016|location=[[New York City]]}}</ref> On the opposite end, Michael Wilmington of ''The Los Angeles Times'' was more positive, calling the film, 'Grimm Brothers-style, mixing wonder with rough edges, undertones of pain beneath the fantasy.'<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-03-20-ca-8045-story.html|title=MOVIE REVIEW : 'RATBOY' SWIMS AGAINST MAINSTREAM|date=20 March 1987|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=18 November 2021}}</ref>


===Awards===
===Awards===
Sondra Locke received a [[1987 Golden Raspberry Awards|1987 Razzie]] nomination for Worst Actress, losing to [[Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]] for ''[[Who's That Girl (1987 film)|Who's That Girl]]''.
Sondra Locke received a [[1987 Golden Raspberry Awards|Razzie Award]] nomination for Worst Actress.


==References==
==References==
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{{1980s-drama-film-stub}}
{{1980s-drama-film-stub}}
{{1980s-US-film-stub}}

Latest revision as of 01:28, 1 December 2024

For the musician, see Rat Boy. For other uses, see Ratboy (disambiguation).
Ratboy
Cover of VHS release
Directed bySondra Locke
Written byRob Thompson
Produced byFritz Manes
StarringSondra Locke
Robert Townsend
Christopher Hewett
Bill Maher
Larry Hankin
Sydney Lassick
Gerrit Graham
Louie Anderson
Sharon Baird
John Witherspoon
CinematographyBruce Surtees
Edited byJoel Cox
Music byLennie Niehaus
Production
company
Distributed byWarner Bros.
Release date
  • October 17, 1986 (1986-10-17) (U.S.)
Running time
104 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Ratboy is a 1986 American comedy-drama film directed by and starring Sondra Locke.[1] The make-up effects were designed by Rick Baker. The film's scenario is at times comic or serious, and one of its peculiarities is that there never is any explanation for Ratboy's origin and existence as a human-rat hybrid.

Principal photography started on September 6, 1985, and ended in October 1985. Ratboy had a troubled production[2] and was both a critical and commercial failure.[3]

Synopsis

[edit]

A former window dresser named Nikki overhears mention of a mysterious "Ratboy" named Eugene while dumpster diving at a dump. After finding and befriending him, Nikki makes several attempts at marketing his uniqueness to the public. At the same time, Eugene wishes to avoid public attention.

Cast

[edit]

Marketing

[edit]

The Los Angeles Times shaved six years off Sondra Locke's age in an article to promote the film.[2]

Release

[edit]

The film was given a limited opening in only two cities, Los Angeles and New York.[4]

Reception

[edit]

The film has a 'rotten' rating of 25% on Rotten Tomatoes. Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave it two out of four stars, calling the film 'perplexing' and criticizing the film's unique premise devolving into a more standard narrative.[5] Janet Maslin of The New York Times called the film 'disorganized', criticizing the script and directing choices of Locke.[6] On the opposite end, Michael Wilmington of The Los Angeles Times was more positive, calling the film, 'Grimm Brothers-style, mixing wonder with rough edges, undertones of pain beneath the fantasy.'[7]

Awards

[edit]

Sondra Locke received a Razzie Award nomination for Worst Actress.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Ratboy". Turner Classic Movies. Atlanta: Turner Broadcasting System (Time Warner). Retrieved July 10, 2016.
  2. ^ a b "LOCKE EXERCISES CONTROL OVER 'RATBOY,' HER CAREER". Los Angeles Times. August 19, 1986. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  3. ^ "Ratboy". Rottentomatoes.com. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
  4. ^ "'RATBOY': SNARED IN THE STUDIO TRAP". Los Angeles Times. February 15, 1987.
  5. ^ Ebert, Roger. "Ratboy movie review & film summary (1986) | Roger Ebert". Rogerebert.com. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
  6. ^ Maslin, Janet (October 17, 1986). "Ratboy (1986) SCREEN: 'RATBOY'". The New York Times. New York City. Retrieved July 10, 2016.
  7. ^ "MOVIE REVIEW : 'RATBOY' SWIMS AGAINST MAINSTREAM". Los Angeles Times. 20 March 1987. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
[edit]


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