TrueJoshNight Truly Dreadful Film

SteinMo What a freaking movie. So many twists and turns. Absolutely intense from start to finish.

Neive Bellamy Excellent and certainly provocative... If nothing else, the film is a real conversation starter.

Erica Derrick By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

a_chinn An even weirder sequel to the original. One of the main rats of the first film, Ben, befriends a lonely boy, who like Bruce Davidson's adult social misfit character, Willard, did in the first film, uses his rat friends to take care of his enemies and also to keep the him in good spirits regarding his health condition. Things get difficult for the boy and Ben when the police get involved and try to stop to Ben and his underground colony of rat friends. Directed by journeyman director Phil Karlson ("Walking Tall" "Kansas City Confidential"), Ben is competently made, but the story is just ridiculous, though it is definitely enjoyable on a camp level. The film's memorable theme song sung by Michael Jackson over then end credits is the perfect coda to this weirdo movie. Ben, the two of us need look no moreWe both found what we were looking forWith a friend to call my ownI'll never be alone, and you, my friend, will seeYou've got a friend in meBen, you're always running here and thereYou feel you're not wanted anywhereIf you ever look behind and don't like what you findThere's something you should know, you've got a place to goI used to say I and me, now it's us, now it's weI used to say I and me, now it's us, now it's weBen most people would turn you awayI don't listen to a word they sayThey don't see you as I doI wish they would try to'I'm sure they'd think again if they had a friend like BenA friend like BenAnd do yourself a favor and watch Crispin Glover's surreal music video cover version he directed for the "Willard" remake/reimagining. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4HmRhnoa38

Michael_Elliott Ben (1972)* 1/2 (out of 4)As the tagline promised, "Where WILLARD ended... BEN begins." This sequel to the 1971 film takes place moments after the original film ended as the police arrive at the home of Willard and realize the damage done by the rats. Before long the rats, being led by Ben, befriend a young boy (Lee Montgomery) but at the same time they're terrorizing the city as the police try to figure out what to do.BEN is the perfect example of a film making money and a sequel being rushed into production to try and make some more money. Whereas WILLARD was a rather interesting character study, BEN falls into a rather cheap, money-maker that has very little story, although if you're a fan of rats then there are plenty of them here as well as a lot more attacks.For me personally, BEN was a major disappointment but I guess you had to go into the film somewhat expecting that. After all, WILLARD featured some great performances, an interesting story and it worked on most levels. Sadly what made that film work is pretty much missing here as we're given a rather generic story and it's one that you the viewer really can't connect with. I'm not even sure kids could connect with the young child here or any of his family members.Director Phil Karlson at least keeps the film moving at a good pace and for the most part the performances are good. There are several more rat attacks here and for the most part they are mildly entertaining but there's no question that the climax lacks any real suspense and it drags on for way too long. By the time the end credits start we finally get to hear Michael Jackson singing his love song.

McCamyTaylor It is a shame that this film has not been re-released on DVD. The VHS costs hundreds of dollars, presumably because of the Michael Jackson theme song. And yes, the theme song is wonderful. But not as wonderful as the love story between a rat, Ben and a human boy, Danny.This was released decades ago as a horror film, but the only thing horrifying about it is the way that the humans lose their humanity when confronted by rodents who are just trying to survive.If you love rats, you will be delighted by all the scenes of rats doing what they like to do best---eating, grooming and cuddling. If you have a rat phobia, I would stay away from this one.

MartinHafer There are MANY reasons I hate this movie: 1. The original is an excellent film (though I'm sure no self-respecting movie reviewer thinks so). I HATE IT when sequels are that poor. 2. The sequel's whole focus is lost. Instead of the unstoppable army of rats from the original, it is a story of a little boy and his friend, Ben the Rat. Ben the Rat, if you will remember, was responsible for organizing a rat army to EAT Willard in the original--and NOW he's a cuddly pet?! 3. I don't particularly like most child actors, but this cretin is among the worst! To top it off, the annoying runt SINGS a love song (of sorts) to his buddy the rat! Singing a love song to a rat is WRONG on so many levels (and I think it's illegal in some states). 4. I wanted to see some people get eaten (particularly the talentless kid). 5. Michael Jackson sings the theme song. I don't like hearing a white lady sing very much, thank you. Of course, by the time you read this, Mr. (Ms.?) Jackson might no longer be a white lady but a rhino or even as aardvark thanks to modern plastic surgery.