Willard is an odd little film that had me curious for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it's a remake of an odd little film from 1971, that I found both campy and enjoyable. Secondly, this is a return of sorts for the eccentric actor Crispin Glover who is probably most remembered as George McFly in the first Back to the Future film.

Glover plays the title character, a quirky, lonely soul who one might consider a mama's boy. Extremely withdrawn and virtually unable to cope with the world around him, Willard befriends a rather large pack of rats who've been living in his cellar, despite his mother's plea to get rid of the noisy little beasts. Before long, Willard has the rodents committing dastardly deeds on his behalf, led by an extra large rat he names Ben.

Glover is a strange guy, and director Glen Morgan perfectly taps into his bizarre personae. I don't want to give the impression that Mr. Glover can't act. Actually, he's quite good in this picture bringing not only a solitary desperation but a much needed sense of humor to the role. He also lends a authentically creepy vibe to this part, making Willard all the more enjoyable. Keep in mind that during most of this picture, he's acting along side a supporting cast of rats.

Director Morgan has a very keen eye, and I really was struck by the look of this picture. As I watched Willard, I was instantly reminded of the works of two film makers I greatly admire; Alfred Hitchcock and Tim Burton. This isn't to say that Willard is a rip off. It's more of a homage. He really has a fun time with this material, and even tips his hat to the original by providing a cameo of original Willard star Bruce Davison.

I also like the effects work in this picture. Some of the rats are real but the majority of them are CGI, and they don't look like an effect. They look like the real deal.

Willard (the movie) certainly has it's share of problems. I wouldn't call this a horror film necessarily, but I don't really think that's what it's trying to be. It has horrific moments, but ultimately, it's very comical. I©öve heard complaints that the rats aren't scary enough. I guess they are to people who fear rats. I don't but I'm sure many out there do. If I have a complaint, it would be the sluggish final act. The first two acts of this picture are filled with surprising visual splendor, spectacularly offbeat and over the top performances (check out a hilarious R. Lee Ermey who brings hints of his powerful Marine sergeant role in Full Metal Jacket to the part of Willard's insensitive boss), and an offbeat sweetness. I also like the strange, almost romantic spin put on the relationship between Willard and a rat named Socrates. The final act, however, doesn't really go anywhere. It's just more of the same. It never really hits pay dirt. Though it does have a fun twist ending that I sort of expected early on.

For the most part, I had a really fun time during Willard. It's just such an odd movie to remake, but it usually works because of competent direction and the perfect casting of Crispin Glover. And you haven't heard weirdness until you hear Mr. Glover cover Michael Jackson's Ben (a song featured in the sequel to the 70's sequel to Willard.)