On the surface, this is a decent family flick with a great concept, positive message, brilliant animation and a cameo from Peter O`Toole that`s almost in danger of stealing the show. Something about this film however makes me want to inject a subtext that probably isn`t there.
There are more than a few nods to the idea of Progressive Evolution – the main character is notable not only because he`s a rat who loves cooking, but also for his tendency to walk on his hind paws. The implication is that this somehow elevates him above his kin, as does his related belief in hygiene, but more than that is his adherence to a higher moral code detrimental to the daily struggle a rat must face in order to find food.
This sense of right floats up at significant moments, culminating in the rats changing from unruly scavengers into sophisticated restaurateurs, and reminding me of Douglas Adams` division of evolution into three stages – “how can we eat?” “what can we eat?” and “where shall we have lunch?”
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