You have to see this beautiful horror movie for that to make sense. See Willard first, but it's not a requirement. Ben is the Leader of the Rats who befriends a lonely, terminally ill boy. Yes, they are killer rats, but they kill to defend him or to protect their territory. I don't get why some people hate this movie. It is a movie about friendship and to some extent, man. The 70's were a time of the Ecology movement, and this film is not subtle in actually managing to portray man as the enemy, rather than the rats. I am only sorry I went my whole life without seeing this movie until tonight.

Michael Jackson's title theme is a moving ode and that it applies to a deadly pet rat makes for an odd, if memorable association in this sequel to the hugely successful "Willard" the year before. Youth Lee H.Montgomery is the new "Willard", essentially imprisoned in his parent's home by a rare medical condition, finding a quirky friendship in a stray rat (Ben) who is capable of marshaling the local rat population into war against mankind.Joseph Campanella is the no-nonsense police detective, while Meredith Baxter (pre David Birney) plays Lee's older sister. There are a number of familiar faces in the supporting cast (e.g. Paul Carr, Kaz Garas, Ken Tobey etc) and the film's rousing conclusion in the city's sewers with the main antagonist cornered, is a tense climax.The hyperbole written about this film relegating it to turkey status is unwarranted; while not as textured as its predecessor, it's much like the AIP genre films of the early-to-mid seventies in atmosphere and personnel and should entertain accordingly.

Last time I saw this movie I was 10 years old, that is 35 years ago. I loved this movie and that is why I am ordering it. It was made in the 70's, so of course it isn't up to todays movie standards. Even though, I'm sure that kids will still love it. I can't believe what that wet-paint watcher said about it. It is a cult classic and the song "Ben" sung by Wacky Jacko at the end is great. I cried and probably will again. His/her comment isn't worth diddly squat. I still reckon it to be a great movie. I think people should judge the movie for themselves, taking into consideration that it is a 70's movie. That way you won't be expecting to see the kind of movie you would see in the cinema today. Nevertheless, this is a great movie for its time.

An interesting novelty. This is more famous than its predecessor Willard but unseat of the sinister atmosphere it is replaced by cuteness like a cartoon. A lonely boy befriends a genius rat with homicidal tendencies. Having already eaten his previous owner the rat confines its nibbling to the boys bullies. Ther is an intended message about accpetanceÑ just because its a rat it doesn't mean it hasn't feelings or virtuous, the importance of friendship and stopping aggression and persecution whether its bullying or exterminating rats who only want a home and live peacefully. All that is undermined by the fact that it is a story about a rat! It contains 1970s deliberate bad lighting to convey a gritty realism which was popular among art directors of the time. There's also Michael Jackson's effecting song, as long as you forget its about a rat. The film is fun but could do with a lighter touch, the story of a boy dealing with bullies and finding friendship is uncomfortable for a horror film and it ends up being a cult oddity