This article is from the WSSF 2006 AFRMA Rat & Mouse Tales news-magazine.

By Sarah Cameron

Also Known As: Ratropolis
Production Co.: Aardman Animations
Studios: Dreamworks Animation
Produced in: United Kingdom
Release Company: DreamWorks Distribution LLC
Distributors: Paramount Pictures
Release Date: November 3, 2006
Run Time: 84 min / USA: 90 min
Genres: Comedy and Animation
MPAA Rating: PG for crude humor and some language

Rats take over the Silver Screen! A Computer-Animated film by Dreamworks, this cartoon makes use of the Aardman stop-motion (clay-mation) style of animation and character design (Wallace and Gromit, Chicken Run). The difference is that instead of using clay and cameras, the film makers used a computer program to make everything look like it was done by hand. The film actually uses the same type of technology as Pixar’s Cars and Finding Nemo.

The main Character, Roddy, is a pampered pet rat . . . who lives all by himself in a cage. An unlikely series of events leaves him lost in the sewers of London! He meets a streetwise girl rat, Rita, and they decide to help each other out.

This movie is perfect for family viewing, and adults will laugh right alongside children as the film is full of gags (and singing slugs). This film not only shows why owning a single pet rat is not a good idea, it also promotes the values of family, friendship, and integrity. Two paws up!