I have seen many versions of the famous Kenneth Grahame classic story, too many in fact, and this was the very first live action version. You probably already know the story, but this one has had a few changes made so it is a bit more exciting, but not too much. Mole (Steve Coogan) is painting his wall when suddenly his home starts to collapse and he runs away to find the river, and Rat (Eric Idle). They go to Toad (Terry Jones, also directing) at Toad Hall to find out that Weasels from the Wild Wood have bought the meadow where Mole's home was, it was Toad's father's meadow. They soon meet up with Badger (Nicol Williamson) and try to erase Toad's warped mind of motor cars. Later in the film you find out more from the Chief Weasel (Antony Sher) that he wants to turn Toad Hall into a slaughter house, and there is a new Dog Food Factory in the meadow. Apart from the small changes made, the story is still the same. Also starring John Cleese as Mr. Toad's Lawyer, Stephen Fry as The Judge, Bernard Hill as The Engine Driver, Michael Palin (also in the Rik Mayall cartoon version) as The Sun, Chicken Run's Julia Sawalha as The Jailer's Daughter and Victoria Wood as The Tea Lady. Okay, mainly for the kids!
Review of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
