The Highway Rat

Set in a vibrant, picturesque forest filled with spellbinding creature characters, the Highway Rat is an engaging one-off animated drama that carries viewers away through a captivating adventure. Released in 2017 and inspired by the children's book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, the movie showcases an enchanting world, with the iconic David Tennant playing the lead character.

David Tennant, recognized for his virtuoso performances in Dr. Who and many other shows, brings to life the character of the Highway Rat, a rodent with an insatiable sweet tooth and an unruly sense of entitlement. This rodent brigand relentlessly roams the highway, acquiring sugary delights through means fair and funnily foul. Tennant breathes charm into an otherwise rambunctious character with his effortlessly captivating voice acting, making the Highway Rat as lovable as he is mischievous.

Also featuring in the movie is Rob Brydon, a man of many talents, who gives voice to several characters in the forest. His versatility is on full display as he provides a diverse array of voices, from the scuttling squirrel to the long-suffering rabbit. His voice talent provides a dynamic and multi-faceted soundtrack that beautifully complements the movie's characteristic animation style.

Frances de la Tour, known for her profound acting prowess, completes the star-studded cast. She voices the character of the Duck, a brilliant, strong-willed creature that proves essential in teaching the Highway Rat some hard-learned lessons about greed and kindness. de la Tour's performance brings depth, wisdom, and sly humor to the character of Duck, creating a delightful onstage rapport with Tennant's comically villainous rat.

The Highway Rat is a visual treat for the eyes, created by the talented hands of the same wonderful team behind Stick Man and Room on the Broom. The forest is depicted with exquisite detail and filled with all sorts of endearing animals that will steal the viewer's hearts. The animators have crafted a lush world that beautifully changes with the seasons and plays host to all the adventures of the cheeky Highway Rat.

The film captures and retains the extraordinary poetry-into-animation style that is the trademark of Donaldson and Scheffler's books. It excellently manages to glorify the messiness of the source material, relying heavily on its lyrical script to weave a story of delightful escapism. It is strewn with humor, high-energy chases, restless meanderings, vibrant characters, and profound life lessons.

The score, composed by René Aubry, is both enchanting and complementary, perfectly capturing the whimsical, carefree spirit of this charming tale. It enhances the visual experience by setting a captivating tone that underlines the changing moods and moments of the narrative.

The script, adapted from the well-loved children's book, holds its own. It's clever, funny, and stays true to its source material while adding in its own unique flourishes to make it inviting for both the young and the young-at-heart. Characters are fleshed out in relatable ways, with the dialogues steering clear of overbearing moral lecturing. Instead, the film tactfully handles mature themes like selfishness, transformations, and second chances in a lighthearted, approachable, and charmingly British manner.

The Highway Rat's narrative remains engaging from start to finish thanks to its unique blend of engaging storytelling, high-stakes adventure, and brilliantly nuanced character arcs. It's an enjoyable romp that's as eager to tickle your funny bone as it is willing to impart a meaningful message or two.

In conclusion, The Highway Rat is a deliciously sweet tale with a great moral at its heart, a well-realized world that children and adults alike can lose themselves in, and performances that elevate the film from not just an adaptation but to a story all of its own. Whether you're a fan of Tennant's trademark charisma, Brydon's voice versatility, or de la Tour's wise and witty Duck, there's a piece of this movie that's likely to delight you. Grab your snacks, prepare a cozy nook, and get ready to enjoy an adventure filled with sweets, laughter, and important life lessons.