Flushed Away Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
Someone's Going Down
Plumbing Soon
Roddy is a decidedly upper-crust "society mouse" who lives the life of a beloved pet in a posh Kensington flat. When a sewer rat named Sid comes spewing out of the sink and decides he's hit the jackpot, Roddy schemes to rid himself of the pest by luring him into the "whirlpool." Sid may be an ignorant slob, but he's no fool, so it is Roddy who winds up being flushed away into the bustling sewer world of Ratropolis. There Roddy meets Rita, an enterprising scavenger who works the sewers in her faithful boat, the Jammy Dodger. Roddy immediately wants out, or rather, up; Rita wants to be paid for her trouble; and, speaking of trouble, the villainous Toad—who royally despises all rodents equally, making no distinction between mice and rats—wants them iced ... literally. The Toad dispatches his two hapless hench-rats, Spike and Whitey, to get the job done. When they fail, the Toad has no choice but to send to France for his cousin—that dreaded mercenary, Le Frog.
| Hugh Jackman | Roddy |
| Kate Winslet | Rita |
| Ian McKellen | The Toad |
| Jean Reno | Le Frog |
| Bill Nighy | Whitey |
| Andy Serkis | Spike |
| Shane Richie | Sid |
| Kathy Burke | Rita's Mum |
| David Suchet | Rita's Dad |
| Miriam Margolyes | Rita's Grandma |
| Rachel Rawlinson | Tabitha |
| Susan Duerden | Mother |
| Miles Richardson | Father |
| John Motson | Football Commentator |
| Douglas Weston | Newspaper Seller |
| David Bowers |
7.10 out of 10 (10975 votes)
Visitor Reviews
An Overall Really Funny And Entertaining Movie
posted on 08 Aug 2009Flushed Away was a really cute little film.The comedy, most of it, was decent, and funny without being mindless.The script was interesting and new.The characters were likable and fresh, and the film completely satisfies you.There was nothing wrong with this film, but it wasn't the best animation film ever, and it's not a wonderful masterpiece, so I felt I shouldn't give it TOO high of a rating.This is a kind of movie the whole family can sit down and enjoy, while at the same time actually laugh at it and not leave your seat from how funny and entertaining this movie really is.Go out and see it, because it's worth at least one viewing.
Amusing. Resembles, but doesn't live up to, earlier Aardman work
posted on 04 Aug 2009First, is this movie weird, or what? Imagine the concept pitch meeting, when some eager Hollywood type eagerly pants with excitement as he proposes the idea of some rats and frogs riding turds around the London sewer system. Odd. But it is entertaining. Do note that it is very scatological, and sometimes even disgusting--- but in the name of experimenting, and having fun, why not? I am an American living in the UK. I'm no expert, but in my opinion the jokes and remarks in 'Flushed Away' would have equal appeal on both sides of the Atlantic. Yes, Americans may not know that 'England loses on penalties' is a real life cliché and heart-breaker over here--- but savvy audiences would nonetheless get the joke. The rest--- such as the frogs all being French, and when their team leader yells for 'Action!', they all throw their hands up and shout 'We surrender!'--- everyone will understand.There were kids in my audience, but missing in the theater was the hysterical laughter and glee normally associated with a great kid movie. Maybe they were amused nonetheless? Maybe they were entranced, and were too engrossed to make comments? After all, I was not aware of them squirming, nor asking about what they would do after the film, etc. So maybe kids did like it. Dunno....As an adult, I can say that this resembled an Aardman production some of the time. Other times it only looked like a cartoon. Overall, I have to say that it did NOT live up the charm and artistry of previous Aardman claymation work.The voices were first rate talent, and the humor was amusing enough. Overall, I liked it. But, it was not of the rich, see-it-three-times-to-get-all-the-jokes multi-layered variety, such as Shrek and Toy Story. Oh well. I gave this a considered 7 out of 10. Maybe it deserves an 8? I didn't go there, however, because I was not that excited about it.
It may be digital, but it's still Aardman
posted on 02 Aug 2009Aardman's first foray into CGI rather than Plasticine was reportedly due to the fact that there are a lot of scenes involving water that would have been impossible to animate by hand. I'm not so sure, after all the combination of CGI and miniatures is commonplace in movies today (see X-Men, Superman, anything recent by Peter Jackson) and recent Wallace and Gromit productions have had a CGI element. Digital water might have been easier to add than they're letting on.The real reason for the move to digital was, I think, firstly that hand animation is extremely expensive with a very long production lead time that makes producers nervous. Secondly it was a test of whether Aardman design and humour (the 'brand', if you like) was strong enough to stand delivery through a variety of media.Well, the good news is that it is: after a few minutes it's easy to forget that the characters are pixels rather than Plasticine and just bask in the warm glow of this view into Aardman's universe. The voice work is first class throughout, with special mention to Bill Nighy as well as the leads. Although the movie plays with cultural stereotypes the characters are more rounded than many a live action movie and, more importantly, are for the most part undilutedly British.In the end the plot is of little consequence compared with the jokes and the details, but the movie never drags and has an interesting subtext of the value of social and ecological connectedness.I did miss the fingerprints though.
Terrible Title/Wonderful Movie
posted on 23 Jul 2009This is such a great movie!!! It's just a shame that it was titled the way it was, because I'm sure it will dissuade people from seeing it. I know when I saw the previews it looked very cute but the title was so...crude! I'm sure parents pass it by thinking it's all crude toilet humor (when the toilet only plays a small part in the story) but other than that, it has really witty dialog for adults and a message for the kiddies. It's one of those movies that is on several levels and is enjoyable no matter what your age. Loved the slugs especially and the mime frog! Hysterical!!! See this movie and bring the kids. Good Clean Fun
I totally thought that I was watching a G film
posted on 21 Jul 2009i saw this movie on it's November release and I certainly did not like it very much. Though after I watched it I found out that it was PG and I totally thought it should be G. first of all it has no scary humor what so ever and there was no bad humor. It is true that Roddy was flushed down the toilet but that didn't seem to have much of a PG sense. after all the Wallace and Gromit movie and cartoons were absolutely great and so was CHICKEN RUN. and I liked both those movies and I liked the short film's to.but of all the Aardman movies both short's and movies this was my least favorite.This is a geek thing I thought that my parent's thought.They loved it which i don't think they should. I'm sorry if this would hurt there feeling's I just don't think they should is all.Still the idea of a rat being flushed down the toilet didn't seem much of a good idea when I heard more about it.If you don't like potty humor I suggest that you don't see this movie. Though I still totally think that this movie should be G instead of PG because it definitely does not have much bad humor in it.
Pleasantly entertaining animation, excellent McKellen
posted on 21 Jun 2009This film turned out to be solidly entertaining. The animation is a blocky Aardman-like, but done using CGI. The results are fine. The story is light, basically just an excuse for an adventure through London's sewers where there's an entire community of creatures living, Dickens style. Ian McKellen is tremendous voicing the villainous Toad. Hugh Jackman and Kate Winslet are dependable as a pair of constantly bickering opposites who ultimately attract. There are some inappropriate Americanisms throughout the production, which otherwise retains a typically British sense of humor. Recommended.Overall 7/10
Overly reliant on slapstick
posted on 06 May 2009Although I enjoy Wallace and Gromit and their quirky style of humor, I found Flushed Away disappointingly dull and overbrimming with slapstick humor.The film moves along too quickly, with very little character or plot development. The writing doesn't adhere tightly and neatly to a theme, compared to many Pixar movies.A lot of screen time is devoted to visual gimmicks and slapstick stunts. I got the impression that the movie is aimed at young kids. It has funny moments but I found myself frequently bored. Like other Dreamworks animated movies, Flushed Away capitalizes on references to current pop culture; these references are enjoyable for the moment but will contribute to the movie aging very poorly. The slugs are fun and cute, but the movie overuses them and they grow stale as well.All in all, I found Flushed Away to be below average compared to other modern animated comedies.
Just call me an English Fool
posted on 06 May 2009The fact that I could be entertained by another one of these animated talking animal movies is a miracle. Is this number 1000 over the past 2 years? I just love English sarcasm, wit, dryness that strikes a chord in these old bones. The great news, nobody was in drag.During the movie, there are inside English jokes that Americans may not understand such as "England loses on penalty kicks" which is a modern football tradition in the UK and the English love of knick knacks. The singing slugs don't do it for me but the kids liked them.I highly recommend this movie even if you are sick of computer animated talking animals.
little to entertain adults seeking more than anime'
posted on 02 May 2009Yes this movie has wonderful anime' detail and realism.Aside from that however, the movie fails from the beginning to create much interest in the main character, nor much about his identity or anything that might create the viewer's empathy or identification with the character.Therefore, his various encounters and adventures seem random, holding much continuity or interest in keeping one's attention, unless one is infatuated with all of the cutesy characters and silly songs.For an adult seeking some sort of entertainment, this movie is little more than visually high-quality background Saturday-morning cartoon material in its plot and storyline.
Exciting and action packed adventure
posted on 27 Mar 2009This film is about a pet rat's adventures after being flushed down the toilet. He befriends another rat from literally another world, and saves the world from evil amphibians.I really liked this film. It approaches the world from a kid's view; the toilet as the jacuzzi is something I would not have come up with! The plot is warm and has a human touch to it. The characters are likable and cute, and the inverted T shaped head of them is a distinct resemblance to the "Wallace and Gromit" series. The animation is smooth, and the scenes are always so colourful and rich. There is something to keep one's attention all the time. This film is a fun and warm film for anyone.
It was totally Fun and Awesome
posted on 23 Mar 2009The movie was totally fun and awesome. The Toad looks like a pucca Villain. Amongst the rodents, Roddy was very funny and cute. The last Scene was totally awesome and thrilling. When, the bad guys are chasing Roddy and Rita, that scene is totally awesome and cool. Even, the boat Was totally awesome and cool because the features of the boat was awesome.Even, the house of Roddy and the town in the sewer is very Beautiful and colorful. Even, the songs of the slugs are beautiful and superb.Even, Sid looks cute and cuddly.Even, Spike and Whitey is also Funny and the house of Rita and her family is also funny. I should really appreciate The creators of "Flushed Away".
You are all kidding, right?
posted on 17 Feb 2009Don't understand how these animated movies keep coming out, and no matter how good (or bad) it is people love it.I saw this movie with my two kids (5,7). They like pretty much anything animated (like most people who rated this film). The theater was almost full, and I looked forward to seeing the movie with its superb cast. To tell the truth I was bored silly. It was unbelievably predictable and just plain unfunny. There were a couple chuckles throughout the film and that was it. Of course they tried time and time again to get the cheap laugh, but just didn't work. My son almost always says to me that he wants the DVD after we see an animated movie, but not on this one. My daughter fell asleep half way through. Also, the kids thought the character animation looked weird. I haven't heard that from them since seeing The Polar Express, which gave my daughter nightmares.Trust me, I'm not the type who looks for the negative in everything. But quality is quality, and like so many animated movies they throw out there, it has very little.
those aren't chocolate buttons...
posted on 30 Jan 2009Roddy is a decidedly upper-crust "society mouse" who lives the life of a beloved pet in a posh Kensington flat. When a sewer rat named Sid comes spewing out of the sink and decides he's hit the jackpot, Roddy schemes to rid himself of the pest by luring him into the "whirlpool." Sid may be an ignorant slob, but he's no fool, so it is Roddy who winds up being flushed away into the bustling sewer world of Ratropolis. There Roddy meets Rita, an enterprising scavenger who works the sewers in her faithful boat, the Jammy Dodger. Roddy immediately wants out, or rather, up; Rita wants to be paid for her trouble; and, speaking of trouble, the villainous Toad--who royally despises all rodents equally, making no distinction between mice and rats--wants them iced ... literally. The Toad dispatches his two hapless hench-rats, Spike and Whitey, to get the job done. When they fail, the Toad has no choice but to send to France for his cousin--that dreaded mercenary, Le Frog...not a bad effort from Dreamworks and Aardman, but it doesn't really bring anything new to the world of computer animated movies. the voice cast are exceptional and all stand out as being recognisable. my only problem is that Reno was obviously typecast as Le Frog.but there are references to dozens of other movies and the animation is stunning, so in some respects, it does call for a repeat viewing. and it's good to see predominantly British Movie be self deprecating toward our views (eg. the whole sub-plot surrounding the world cup).adults may find this a little dull and predictable, but the kids will lap it up. the characters are bright and funny, but there are plenty of characters involved in the whole story.worth a watch.
My favorite Aardman feature so far
posted on 18 Jan 2009Wallace and Gromit are critics darlings. Chicken Run had great reviews as well. I liked all those animated films somewhat, but I never understood their appeal to the critics. To me they were just so-so. This film has not done as well with the critics. It retains somewhat the look of the aforementioned claymation that Aardman is so famous for, but as most people reading this are probably well aware, it is strictly computer animated fare. I truly enjoyed it more than the other films by the talented animators at Aardman. Not a lot more. I much preferred the Shrek films and The Incredibles for recent animated greats. But you could do a lot worse than spending 90 minutes with your kids in a theater watching Flushed Away. ( The film across the hall at my multiplex comes to mind as I really did not want to go watch Tim Allen in a Santa suit for a third time.) The slugs (or perhaps they were leeches) were my favorite characters in the film. I found myself laughing a lot at their antics, sound effects and musical talent. I had fun. Nothing great but a good deal of fun.
Do NOT under ANY circumstances see this poor excuse for an animated film!
posted on 08 Jan 2009Oh if only I could give this rubbish less than one star! There were two mildly amusing parts in the whole film and that is it! one was where a line or two from the song Don't Worry, Be Happy was sung by the slugs and the other was where Roddy fell of the toilet roll and landed with his feet and legs apart so that everything else he landed on on the way down hit him in the groin. That is it there was nothing more amusing than that, at least not for me anyway! Doctornappy2 is not right in saying 'Fans of the completely terrible "Shrek" might enjoy, but "Wallace & Gromit" fans will probably turn away in disgust.' As I loved Shrek 1 2 and 3 and I also love Wallace and Gromit. You see what it boils down to is that if an animation is done extremely well then it is definitely worth watching, this however was about as far from done well as you can possibly get! The continuity mistakes were too big in number. Some were pointed out by the makers of this site others were not. I won't point out all of the others, but here are a few more to see: When the young daughter leaves at the start of the film the catch to the cage door comes down and the hook part of it that is on the right clearly goes back around behind the round knob thus effectively making sure Roddy would not be able to get out and yet he does just by simply kicking at it. At one point the ruby falls down Roddy's back and gets pushed straight up into the the air by Rita all the while the ship is moving forwards. In the next scene Roddy has caught it again. This is impossible. Seeing as how the ship is moving forwards the only place when the ruby was ejected out from under the back of Roddy's shirt the only place it could have landed was in the water not in Roddy's hand. There was a third one I wanted to point out but for now I have forgotten it.Too many, for want of a better word, 'jokes' were repeated in one way or another, there was not enough time to establish any sort of connection with any of the characters, the characters were hollow, shallow and empty, and the whole film left you wanting....wanting to watch 85 minutes of anything else! Paint drying or grass growing are two superb options!
What a 'Slug-Fest'!
posted on 06 Jan 2009I haven't laughed so much in years! There is just so much fun to be had that more than one viewing is required - every scene has some Aardman magic: some of it so fast that it's easy to miss a delightful nuance...The 'choice of voice', from Jean Reno to Bill Nighy to Miriam Margolyes to EVERYONE is inspired.The detailed backgrounds are 'to die for'. And the story/plot line ably supports deranged villains, Heath Robinson-esquire contraptions and a suitably fraught romance. I can't discuss things in any more detail since almost ANY in-depth remarks would inadvertently supply spoilers.I'm about to rush out and buy the DVD - yes, it's THAT good!
Tedious movie with dull performances and even duller animation
posted on 29 Dec 2008So don't even think about renting this from the shops, because this is one hell of a bad movie. You'd think that JJ Abrahams had written this movie. Basically, a rat is flushed down the toilet and somehow has to get back out. Fans of the completely terrible "Shrek" might enjoy, but "Wallace & Gromit" fans will probably turn away in disgust. Also, why didn't they do it in plasticine or clay? I mean, CGI animation?? For an AARDMAN movie??!! Obviously, Aardman lazed around while they let Dreamworks do the whole thing. Wrong, wrong, WRONG!!! Nearly every single character is awful, apart from that freaky frog guy, who is just right for a movie villain. But everything else about the movie is DULL, DULL, DULL!!! I almost fell asleep with boredom watching this movie. No, wait, actually, I DID fall asleep with boredom watching this movie. It's just terrible. But thankfully, it's not as bad as "Shrek."
Robbed of an Oscar nom
posted on 29 Dec 2008Honestly, what were the Oscar voters thinking when they put MONSTER HOUSE on the ballot ahead of this gem.I won't give this a truly comprehensive review since others have done better jobs than I would at that. But I do want to point out the relationship between Roddy and Rita which reminds me of a present email relationship.Rita is a gem, a feisty and resourceful gal wonderfully voiced by Kate Winslett. Paired with the snobbish and lonely Roddy, we're given a relationship I'm sure many can identify with.Syd, Toad, Spike, Whitey were all great and well portrayed characters as well...I just enjoyed Roddy and Rita the most.Also to be noted is the very British humor all the way through.If you watch this, sit through the credits. They are entertaining and the final disclaimer about the slugs is terrific.
Brilliant animated film, but not quite perfect.
posted on 25 Dec 2008Flushed Away is the first CGI-animated film from Aardman. Though Aardman Animations don't make a huge load of movies, at least what they do make is bloody good, and this lived up to the high reputations it set itself.This film was so much more than just rats getting flushed down toilets - it was one of the most hilarious things I've ever seen. Beating off competition from Ice Age 2 and Over the Hedge, this is definitely the funniest animated film this year - singing slugs, thick villain's minions and frogs with French accents never get old. Flushed Away was full of vivid characters - and that is what Aardman are best at - creating characters that the audience will love. Though there's rarely any grit between Rita and Roddy, that doesn't matter - this is a kid's film. But adults will love it as well - Aardman Animations have created another universally appealing film.With an absolutely astronomical budget ($143,000,000), this film will need to take the box office by storm to become a true success. But I'm sure it will - though animated films with talking animals are ten a penny nowadays, this is more than just more talking-animal fare - it has emotion, wit and character, and that is why Flushed Away is great. Even if it bombs, at least it can be safe in the knowledge that everybody who has seen it has had a great time. 9/10
Aardman's first CGI movie.
posted on 30 Aug 2009From the people who made Wallace & Gromit/Chicken Run possible brings you an entirely different kind of British animation.The movie takes place in Kenslington, London, England. In the rich urban neighborhoods of Kenslington lived a family that's off for holiday. While they're gone, their pet rat, Roddy has the place to himself. He has everything to keep himself enjoyed day after day.Life was good for Roddy till a large sewer rat came out from the sink. He helps himself to some snacks and make a mess around the place. Roddy insists that the sewer rat goes back to where he came from, but the Rat decides to stay here. So Roddy tries to make the rat think that the bathroom toilet is a hot tub, so he could flush him down back to the sewer. Unfortunitly the rat wasn't stupid enough to fall for a trap. So Roddy ended up getting flushed down through the toilet and finds himself in a whole new world that's unlike Kenslington. The sewers are populated with slugs, rats, mice, and frogs.This movie is really good to see. It's done entirely in computer but it does have the same pastel look you'd find in Aardman's other works. You'll find many parodies and spoofs in this movie. As well as some parodies of Chicken Run and Wallace and Gromit found in the backgrounds of many scenes. Not to mention trademark songs including Tom Jones.It's a fast paced movie, but never a dull moment, so you'll be highly entertained for more than an hour. This is also the first Aardman film to get a PG rating because of the bathroom humor and plenty of comic mischief. But it's perfectly fine for the family to watch. Since I do enjoy British humor, and this movie is pure British from beginning to end. So all you Aardman fans out there, consider seeing this movie. It's worth viewing.