Rat Scratch Fever

Rat Scratch Fever, released in 2011, is a low-budget, independent sci-fi/horror movie that uniquely melds various genres together, offering an eccentrically entertaining narrative that pays homage to the B-grade monster movies of the 50s and 60s. Directed by Jeff Leroy, the movie features Randal Malone, Tasha Tacosa, and Ford Austin in pivotal roles.

The movie follows an engaging narrative of an interstellar catastrophe that takes place when a space shuttle embarks on a mission to recover a lost spaceship that supposedly collided with an alien planet. The crew of the shuttle is horrified to discover that the crippled spaceship was overrun by gigantic extraterrestrial rats, bent on causing mayhem. They inadvertently bring these monstrous creatures back to Earth, initiating a horrific sequence of events.

The protagonist of the movie is the hard-boiled detective Lastro (played by Randal Malone) who unwittingly finds himself tangled in this nightmare, tackling the monstrous rodent invasion. His character deftly juxtaposes noir detective fiction with the horror/monster genre, offering a fresh viewing experience.

Ford Austin skillfully plays the conniving Dr. Newald, an eccentric scientist trying to conceal the truth from the world, while facing the deadly repercussions of their space exploration. Tasha Tacosa lends her talent to the role of Nikki, a civilian victim of the rat invasion who finds herself in an unlikely alliance with Lastro. The dynamic between Lastro and Nikki as they navigate through the infested city, tussling with giant rats, forms one of the exhilarating undercurrents of the plot.

Rat Scratch Fever not only serves up horror and crime but also splices them with a healthy dose of science fiction and comedy. The movie is peppered with exaggerated battles, over-the-top scenes, and intentionally hilarious dialogues. While it embraces the elements of its low-budget production, it does so with a sense of self-aware humor, making the movie a guilty pleasure for viewers who relish campy entertainment.

The special effects in the movie are unapologetically quaint, recreating the charm of classic creature features with a nostalgic vibe. Jeff Leroy's direction shines in his ability to strike a balance between suspense, comedy, and gore using these effects. The rats, in their grotesquely gigantic avatars, not only serve as center-stage villains but also exhibit a hilarious absurdity, prompting both laughter and gasps simultaneously.

The movie’s interiors and exteriors are shot aesthetically, wonderfully capturing the essence of the ravaged city overcome by the rodent invasion. The director efficiently uses the setting to compound the horror on one hand, while on the other, offsetting it with the bizarre humor infused into the narrative. The overall art direction and cinematography lend richness to the scenes, enhancing the viewing experience.

The performances of the lead actors, especially the chemistry between Malone and Tacosa, further add to the charm of the film. Their performances are punchy and engaging, leaving viewers hooked to their unusual combat against the rat invasion.

Rat Scratch Fever is replete with eccentric characters, satirical dialogues, and wacky situational comedy, all bundled into an engaging storyline. The uniqueness of its narrative lies in mixing the uncanniness of B-movie sci-fi and horror tropes with a ludicrous yet captivating story of giant rats from outer space.

In conclusion, Rat Scratch Fever remains more than just a creature feature film. It's an homage to the delightfully schlocky B-movie traditions, and a glorious celebration of low-budget science fiction and horror genres. With its tongue-in-cheek humor, unexpected plot twists, and larger-than-life characters, Rat Scratch Fever is sure to tickle your funny bone and leave you on the edge of your seat simultaneously. It's a rare find indeed, promising nothing short of an entertaining ride for lovers of unconventional cinema.