Flushed Away

Flushed Away is an animation-adventure-comedy film released in 2006. This exciting, family-friendly exploration of the hidden world beneath our feet was produced by renowned DreamWorks Animation and Aardman Animations, the powerhouse behind the Oscar-winning Wallace and Gromit. Directors David Bowers and Sam Fell bring this subterranean world to life, with exceptional voice work from Hugh Jackman, Kate Winslet, and Ian McKellen among others.

The movie opens with Roddy St. James, distinctively voiced by Hugh Jackman, leading an aristocratic life as the pet rat in a posh Kensington flat in London. Roddy has everything a rat could want: top-notch amenities, abundant toys and games, and a luxurious lifestyle. However, he struggles with loneliness as he's completely alone when his owners are away. Life goes on undisturbed until one day, an intrusive sewer rat named Sid (Shane Richie) crashes into Roddy's paradise via the kitchen sink.

Sid, in all his rowdy and unruly glory, turns Roddy's life upside down, leading to a series of unfortunate events. The turn of events plunges the sophisticated and clean-living Roddy into a swift journey down the drain. Flushed away from his perfect life, Roddy finds himself in the grimy and bustling city of Ratropolis - a grand underground sewer city modelled after London, but inhabited by rats, frogs, and slugs.

In Ratropolis, Roddy meets the feisty scavenger Rita Malone, portrayed by Kate Winslet. Rita commands her boat with the same ferocity and determination that she uses to challenge Roddy's pampered existence. Pixieish, fearless, and street-smart, Rita becomes Roddy's unlikely ally as he navigates this vast, mucky and wonderful underworld.

The main villain of the movie is the notorious Toad, voiced over by Ian McKellen, who has an invaluable collection of royal artefacts and a dangerous hatred for rodents. Toad, an amphibian of epicurean taste and evil intentions, plots to annihilate the entire rat population, replacing it with his brethren. This nefarious plan forces Roddy and Rita to set aside their differences and fight the impending doom together.

Amidst the clashing personalities, creator-duo Bowers and Fell craft an enticing and charismatic rivalry between the characters. Integrated with a great sense of humour, the film becomes an enjoyable watch for audiences of all ages. The script is cleverly sprinkled with nods to British culture and history, subtly educating the younger viewers about the city's iconic landmarks such as the sewers, mimicking the grandeur of the Buckingham Palace, and more.

The film showcases a blend of Aardman's hand-modelled claymation merged with seamless digital graphics giving it a unique texture. One of the film's most significant highs is the musical slugs, a Greek chorus commenting on the plot's twists and turns via familiar pop tunes, providing comical interludes.

The real charm of Flushed Away lies not just in its big laughs but its commitment to nuanced storytelling and character development. The film is packed with thrilling chase sequences, funny gags, and heart-warming moments, making it not just an adventure quest but a gentle exploration of the value of friendship, courage, and grit.

Hugh Jackman, as the voice of Roddy, delivers a fantastic performance, displaying great versatility. His transformation from a pampered house rat to a courageous hero is commendable and engaging. The voice acting of Kate Winslet as Rita, the strong and capable female lead, is an absolute standout, as is Ian McKellen's charismatic portrayal of Toad. McKellen presents an imposing and yet hilarious villain, bringing complexity and depth to his character. The trio and their energetic performances bring life to Flushed Away, driving the narrative forward brilliantly.

In summary, Flushed Away is an action-packed comedic adventure that is sure to delight and engage both children and adults alike with its colourful characters, riveting story and wellsprings of humour. This movie is filled with moments of heart, heroism, and hilarity, which makes it a must-watch for animation lovers. Its unique perspective of life underneath the bustling city creates an engaging experience, taking viewers on a wild and thrilling ride down the drain!