Willard (1971)

The cycle of "nature's revenge" films started with The Birds, but it was the success of the low-budget Willard that really made the genre a force in 1970s cinema. In its day, Willard was a powerful little horror movie; if time and subsequent horror films have dimmed its power somewhat, it still packs a decent punch. Although the rats are the stars here -- and they are so effective that the animal trainers deserve special praise -- Willard still boasts a very moving and well-modulated performance from Bruce Davison in the title role. Davison makes Willard a sympathetic, likeable character, even as he descends into the madness of his revenge plots, and he gives the film a great deal of its special flavor. Elsa Lanchester also does well, and Ernest Borgnine's wonderfully repugnant performance makes his death-by-devouring a particular treat. While Willard has its share of "gross" scenes, overall it's a subtler, less "in-your-face" kind of horror film. Director Daniel Mann takes advantage of several opportunities to suggest rather than show, and he's quite good at setting up the big moments so that they obtain maximum pay-off. The subplot involving Willard's love interest doesn't really work, and there are a few sections where the screenplay could have been trimmed, but overall Willard is an effective rainy-day chiller. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide