Although successful enough to rate a sequel and at the time of its release achieved the distinction of a parody of it's poster in 'Private Eye' depicting Harold Wilson as 'Wislard', the film plays more like a black comedy than the horror film suggested by the poster; an impression reinforced by Alex North's eccentric score.
Sondra Locke looks decidedly out of place in such surroundings, while Elisa Lanchester as Willard's mother mother manages to be even crazier than Piper Laurie in 'Carrie'; and who hasn't wanted (SLIGHT SPOILER COMING:) their boss to suffer an undignified fate like Ernest Borgnine does?
As for Willard's little friends themselves they actually seem rather cute (rats in reality are highly intelligent and make excellent pets) and the closeups of Ben are frequently worthy of Lassie.
Sondra Locke looks decidedly out of place in such surroundings, while Elisa Lanchester as Willard's mother mother manages to be even crazier than Piper Laurie in 'Carrie'; and who hasn't wanted (SLIGHT SPOILER COMING:) their boss to suffer an undignified fate like Ernest Borgnine does?
As for Willard's little friends themselves they actually seem rather cute (rats in reality are highly intelligent and make excellent pets) and the closeups of Ben are frequently worthy of Lassie.