User Reviews

The Rat Thing is an awesome thing. I did not know this filmmaker before I saw the movie, nor any of the actors, and this comment is 100% honest and from the heart. If David Mamet was writing comedies right now this is would be the result. Great dialog, super timing from the actors, and this movie has the look of a very polished high budget movie. Everyone in the audience where I saw it at a festival in Oklahoma rolling was in the aisles. The three actors playing the leads are excellent, and the editing is tight. Not to mention the Rat! It's one thing to make a great indie feature, it completely another to make one with a live Rat! This movie deserves to be up on the big screen. Great work! I highly recommend it.

I really, really loved this movie. Besides being so funny, it had real heart. The characters were well defined (including the rat!) and the dialog was so very smart. Beautifully filmed with a terrific sound track. Very impressed with Kevin Keresey for his writing, directing, producing and acting. A real talent that should be recognized. The whole film worked for me and truthfully, this independent film puts big budget studio movies to shame. Kudos for The Rat Thing. And now I see rats in a whole different light! Saw at the Rainier Indpendant Film Festival in Washington, in May and without a doubt, The Rat Thing brought back my faith in movie-making. Because of the intelligence of the script, the nutty scenario of getting a rat to bite a guy to then sue a market for big bucks was completely believable to me. Most fun was the back and forth snappy dialog between Jack and Joey. My final comment on this hysterical film with it's 'biting' humor: The Rat Thing is a comedy caper you can really sink your teeth into.

The term "Independent Film" gets thrown around a lot in Hollywood these days, however, most of the films put into this category have a pedigree that more closely resembles a small studio film - not an independent film. The Rat Thing, deftly written and directed by Kevin Keresey, is actually an independent film that aspiring filmmakers can point to and say, "good movies can be made outside of the studio system."

As a writer who's about to experience my first screenplay getting made into a film this summer, I can't begin to express what a miracle it is that any film gets made. I don't know the back story that led to the Rat Thing actually taking flight, but I do know that the rock solid screenplay was heavily sought after and it took tremendous courage (and perhaps balls the size of church bells), to pass up guaranteed money for the chance to make it on Keresey's own terms.

Without writing a Netflix type of synopsis, I will convey that the film has a style that is a throw back to 1970's film making - "California Split," "The Late Show," and "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot" all seemed to be films that may have influenced Keresey. His cast is capable and up to the challenge of handling the dialogue and moving the story forward. This film is not perfect. It doesn't have the gloss of a Michael Bay blockbuster, or the smile of Tom Cruise, but it does have the imperfect visage of an alley cat that moves confidently among the rich and in today's Hollywood, that makes us love this movie all the more.

"what thing?" you ask? you know! the rat thing! if you haven't seen it yet, you're missing out. this indie feature is as polished as a studio flick, relying on well-crafted writing, outstanding acting, and sound direction--instead of big budgets--to make it fly. the stars, kevin keresey and michael mcgee, nail their roles and are so utterly believable as the misguided mastermind and his semi-retarded sidekick. cleverly written, the screenplay depicts the perfect combination of humor and sensitivity to draw the viewer in and really make him care about these guys, their story, and, of course, their rat. well-paced and extraordinarily engaging with a very satisfying ending, this movie is sweet enough to warm your heart and funny enough to make you pee your pants.

I saw "The Rat Thing" this week at the Seattle True Independent Film Festival, and I loved every minute of it.

This is one of those films that demonstrate that you don't need hundreds of millions of dollars to make a great comedy, and that many of the best movies these days aren't on the big screen or even on cable, They are found at film festivals and in the direct-to-DVD distribution channels... although if there are any film distributors or cable TV network programming buyers with even a tiny amount of good taste, they'll meet whatever producer/director/writer/co-star Kevin Keresey is asking for the rights because it is that good. It's a film that deserves to be seen by an audience far larger than any film festival can offer.

This is a well-written and well acted film that is further augmented by great cinematography and an excellent use of soundtrack music and sound in general. It's also possessed with a unique style that causes it to be a thoroughly modern comedy that nonetheless transmits a classic vibe. It's a film firmly rooted in the modern day, with modern characters struggling in dead-end low-paying service jobs who come up with a modern scheme to enrich themselves in the law suit lottery that passes for the civil court system in the United States, but the crispness of the dialogue delivered by the two lead characters and the rapid-fire nature of their patter--not to mention their natures and relationships--give the film an air of the best Abbott & Costello movies. (The fact the film is populated entirely by hard-luck characters that we are alternatively laughing with and laughing at also serves to strengthen the film's classic feel.)

The Rat Thing is a lesson in how to make a fantastic yet commercial independent film without sacrificing production value or vision. If this were a star-studded studio feature it would have already grossed $100,000,000 before the end of its third week. With studios consolidating or eliminating their indie production companies on a daily basis, The Rat Thing would be a wise acquisition to re-establish any major distributor's street cred. The characters are incredibly saturated with depth yet the screenplay is simple and straight forward. This is the kind of movie that once you see it, you want to become a champion of it and shout about it from the rooftops. With the right distributor and the tlc needed to support its distribution The Rat thing has the ability to generate the kind of response and returns that little gems like My Big Fat Greek Wedding was able to achieve.

I had the pleasure of enjoying this film at the Bare Bones Film Festival. It is a wonderful comedy. The screenplay is witty and fast. The comedic pacing is furious and funny. The plot is original and the performances are played to perfection. Keresey as the straight, no-nonsense, smart con-man plays the part to perfection. McGee as the bumbling sidekick is so funny I thought my lungs were going to explode from laughing.

There is never a dull moment as the plot move forward with fast paced dialogue and banter between the two main characters.

Shot with Venice, CA as it's backdrop, the camera work is excellent.

Do yourself a favor and check out this film.

I saw the film without knowing any of the background surrounding how it was made. The cinematography is captivating. The writing crisp and intelligent. Many films crumble by having just those two attributes and nothing else. The Rat Thing builds upon those attributes by adding excellent direction and a cast of very qualified actors. With all of this put together, the film plays out as a wonderfully witty and charming audience pleaser. The screening I saw had the crowd laughing and rolling along for the ride. With all of the components of a large studio production, and I assumed it was, it is so inspiring to see a film that stayed true to form and maintained the vision of the writing. It is especially inspiring to find out that large studios had offered great sums of money for the script, but were refused when Kevin Keresey(Writer/Director/Actor) stuck to his conviction that those studios would undoubtedly alter the integrity of his vision. Way to go! This film is an all around hit in all aspects of film-making!

The Rat Thing is a film you do not want to miss. I was privileged to see The Rat Thing at a film festival in Oklahoma just recently. The Rat Thing is a perfect example of an Independent movie with a studio look and feel. It shows how when passion and patience are put into a film the result is a work of art and not a waste of time. The movie is hilariously funny and the rat is amazingly talented along with it's cast and crew and the story behind it. Overall The Rat Thing is a very well written, well acted independent movie that I would recommend for anyone to go and see. It's very rare to find an independent movie for all ages and genuinely to be for the whole family.

This is a very heartwarming film about a couple of down-and-out guys who hatch a fraud scheme to get bit by a rat in a supermarket chain so they can get rich with a lawsuit. Only problem is these guys might just be too sweet natured for their own good. In addition to constant laughs, the film has a serious core to it that serves as a social commentary on how we define our success and identity in today's stratified world, and how far we'll compromise ourselves to improve our circumstances.

The lead performances are spot on as working class denizens of Venice, CA, and along with the supporting cast perfectly capture the colorful and quirky types you find in that town. This is a must-see film for anyone who likes films depicting an underdog striving to overcome.

Every aspiring filmmaker should screen the Rat Thing for these important reasons: 1. It's funny, entertaining and above all else, life affirming.

2. It looks, feels and plays like a big budget film.

3. It was completely independently financed.

Keresey through the Rat Thing proves that you can make a true independent film that has the look and feel of a major studio release. It must be noted that the Rat Thing benefits from a tight script and actors that are properly cast who have gifted comedic timing.

Everyone should see see the Rat Thing because it is a cute film and a slice of life as seen thru the eyes of two guys lookin' for a big score thru a big plan.

The best thing is to go and see the Rat Thing!

I saw The Rat thing at a small L.A. film festival not too long ago and it still has me smiling. First of all, the script is a well thought out skewed look at The American Dream taken on by two buddies who are fairly down-and-out for various reasons quite easy to relate to, yet humorous. The dialogue is witty and the action is fast-paced with touches of well executed slapstick. The writer/director, Kevin Kersey (who is also part of the scheming duo) knows how to let the script be king and also add technical innovation without it overpowering the story. Case in point,the wonderful scenes showing the rat's POV with a slight color degradation. So, we get treated to not only great, solid writing and performances, but innovative visual story telling. There are numerous scenes that show both great dialogue and visual story telling, but I don't want to go into them here. Better you should seek out this little gem of a film, which really has more of a right to be on the big screen than some films out now. It is also a great film for young aspiring film makers to see because it shows how to do a wonderful, entertaining, and heartwarming film on an indie budget!

I have seen the Rat Thing 3 times and enjoy it more each time! The first time I saw the film was through a private screening and I totally enjoyed it. I laughed to myself throughout the whole film. The next time I saw it was at the Venice Film Festival and was completely blown away by the audience response. I knew it was funny and touching but when I saw it with an audience, It really was amazing what a crowd pleaser it is. It did also win best film at that festival.

Kevin Keresey has done an amazing Job writing, directing and acting in this film. The acting is superb. The two main character's relationship is one that is meaningful and downright funny. Kevin and Michael Mcgee are great. The supporting cast is excellent. Photography is terrific. It feels like a great California summertime good time movie. Get your popcorn. I look forward to seeing what Kevin Keresey comes up with next!

I went to the bare Bones film festival in Muskogee two weeks ago and was so glad to catch The Rat Thing. Before I saw it, I was being pelted with such problematic films that I was about to leave.

Succinctly put. 5 reasons you should see this film:

Dialogue. The dialogue of The Rat Thing was so impressive to me that I was taken back to a time when words actually carried weight. I was very impressed and have had a hard time watching anything since the screening. It was beyond David Mamet because it wasn't trying to be David Mamet. It was effortless and perfectly timed without taking a huge amount of energy on my part to become accustomed to the patterns and jargon of the piece.

Cinematography. The cinematography was the best. It was shot on 35mm film and the DP really knew what he/she was doing. The Sound...I never even thought of the sound. It was that seamless. Just wonderful. Shots that wow you.

Production Value. You will see that the producers promise a huge location in the script and then they pay it off by taking you there at the end. Something most filmmakers may not have known to be important. It is.

Little adorable animals in the cast. No one, I repeat, No one has the balls to work with an animal. The costs are outrageous, the ability to get the animal to do what you want is nearly impossible, and being able to create real moments between you and the animal is like trying to catch lightning in a bottle. Mr. Keresy's scenes between he and the rat rise above and leave you charmed by the connection they have.

Acting. The two leads have such a connection because of their balance, that it is like watching Midnight Run. The quirky weirdo played by Michael McGee is like some endearing nut-job from Brooklyn. A scene where there is a deliberately long take is the basketball scene. After he throws the basketball over the wall, jack leaves and Joey is left to scale the wall and get it. the camera stays on him a long time as he struggles to climb it. It's truly a perfect opportunity to show his low character status and most filmmakers would have let it slip through their fingers. All the other actors are perfectly cast. Most of all, the star, Kevin Keresy who carried the film as any Hollywood name-actor would. His scenes where he befriends the rat are akin to the scenes in IRON MAN where Robert Downey Jr. talks to his robots as he tries to learn how to fly. the arc of his character is the strongest as it really is his journey. First class, two thumbs up job.

I was in Venice last week and I ran into a musician who knew Kevin Keresy for years and he mentioned that Mr. Keresy is also a martial arts master. This makes sense to me so I will mention it here. It is truly a testament to this man who probably used all the discipline and inner-power he learned to channel through his martial arts. Then he drove a small movie like The Rat Thing to not one, but SEVERAL AWARDS.

So, there you go. This movie is playing many festivals as I see it being plugged when I am on the road looking for things to interview. Do yourself a favor and just drop your baggage and go to the screening. I promise you...it is a gem.

This film is very entertaining. I laughed unstoppably, especially toward the end. While my abs were getting a workout, I was gasping for air! The following week, while at work, I kept giggling silly from time to time, raising my co-workers eyebrows. What can I say? The Rat Thing had a lasting effect on me! This film is a successful comedy, considering that it's really hard to squeeze a good laugh out of me. At most, I usually just smile at punch lines, and I was really laughing out loud. Wait until you see the scenes at the supermarket lol :D I can't wait to see this movie again! Hopefully it comes out on DVD soon. Until then, I'll just have to keep checking my local independent film festival lineups.

The Rat Thing is a delightful, funny movie that I would easily recommend to everyone. The story is well written with humorous dialogue. I saw the film at the Mt Rainier Film Festival in Washington State where it won the best full length film award. The audience response was lots of laughter and long applause. It is well constructed with beautiful photography, very good acting and an ingenious plot. The casting was brilliant. The rat is adorable. Two weeks later and I am still chuckling as I think about it.

I hope that The Rat Thing will get distributed in the theatres so that a larger audience can get the benefit of seeing it.

The humor is polished and real and does not depend on slap stick and technical effects like so many of the modern comedy movies. Most movie and TV humor is bold and over done while in this film the humor is quick, witty and tasteful.

I randomly saw 'The Rat Thing' @ one of the many festivals that it's been touring, & it was unique, funny & charming! I applaud the efforts of Kevin Keresey to write, direct & star in such an entertaining, warm-hearted, worthy film. Michael McGee's performance is awesome as he plays such a likable, odd-ball, space-cadet character that you just get a kick out of, & McGee & Keresey play opposite each other superbly not unlike the 'Odd Couple'. The Rat Thing gets going & takes you by surprise. Proof to me that something's good is when I laugh out loud multiple times as well as am touched enough to shed some tears, & I did both with this film. I'm an animal lover, & I'll never look at a rat the same again (although I've always liked them just fine). Congratulations to 'The Rat Thing' on all of your much-deserved success!

One of the reasons for going to small film festivals is the hope of discovering little gems that could turn into a big hit. The Rat Thing is one of those gems that I discovered at the Bare Bones Film Festival.

The dialog is witty and entertaining - flowing naturally and with total believability. Joey Flanagan played by Michael McGee and Jack Kelly played by Kevin Keresey are two down and out characters who will "stick with you" long after the credits have rolled. The story is one that you will be telling others about - it is totally water cooler chat worthy.

And by the way, prior to seeing the film, I did not know nor am I related to anyone involved with The Rat Thing. I'm reviewing the movie because I genuinely liked it.

I hope they get distribution and create a DVD with all the outtakes and commentary. I would certainly buy it. I encourage everyone to check out this wonderful, funny film.

I had so much fun watching The Rat Thing at a recent independent film festival. This movie had me laughing out loud, so hard that I was crying, and by the end of the movie I actually hurt from laughing that hard for that long. This independent film was made extremely well - from the intriguing and unusual story line, to the hilarious dialogue and interactions between very unique characters (cheers to Keresey and McGee for their outstanding performances), and the film-making process - the directing, filming, camera angles, casting, editing - all of it created a movie that is top notch. And of course I loved how the Rat was incorporated into the story - hats off to the animal trainer too (you're my hero!). I can't wait to see this movie again!

Fabulous Movie! The story was amazing...the screenplay was excellent. The acting was terrific...and the production great...The cinematography was well done. The sound was good; the costuming excellent...I thought Kevin Keresy did a particularly good acting job. He was both very funny and also quite sensitive when the script called for it. Also, whoever trained the rat did a wonderful job. The supporting acting was very good and Joey's girl friend did a wonderful job with her laughter. Joey was very funny and well cast. The scenes of Venice were realistic as were the "extras"...particularly that beautiful woman in the hat walking on the beach and the mother with the twins. It was a nice touch to have Gloria Alred play the lawyer.

This movie is SO funny! The chemistry between the two main characters is crazy...you'd think they were best friends in real life! ;) This movie is a must-see for anyone who loves to laugh! You'll fall in love with the characters and stay entertained throughout the entire movie. The movie is about two guys struggling in L.A. with dead-end jobs, they decide to catch a wild rat and train it to bite Joey (Mo) in a grocery store so that they can sue the store. My favorite part is when Joey decides that he wants to buy a yacht, that scene is too funny. I thought that both of the main characters were really good at giving the characters little quirks. Like how Joey deals with his boss. The movie is non-stop laughing!! All I can say is...Go see it!!!!