RATS

Now here's an unusual and darn clever documentary. You might well ask yourself if you can take an 80-minute documentary about rats, those vile vermin, infesting the nation's capital. You can always think about them as squirrels without bushy tails. But of course this is only the backdrop for a wholly-fascinating exploration of city life on one of Washington's best streets, ironically name Willard Street, near Dupont Circle as well as D.C.'s homeless problem and garbage problem. Included in the film are some marvelous philosophical musings from street people and garbage men who honestly discuss the difficulties of their unenviable lives. Does the movie ever delve into rats in the White House and politics? Only obtusely. It's too smart for the obvious. When you see some of the yahoos on the street going out at night with rifles shooting the rats like it's a carnival game, you may never want to move to Washington. But don't be surprised if you start sympathizing with the rats.

-- Barbara Lester

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