Rat Race (2001) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Rat Race is a 2001 ensemble comedy directed by Jerry Zucker, best known for his work on Airplane! and The Naked Gun. The film is a high-energy, slapstick-filled comedy about a group of strangers who are unknowingly pitted against one another in a race to win $2 million in a locker in Silver City, New Mexico. With a star-studded cast that includes Rowan Atkinson, John Cleese, Whoopi Goldberg, Seth Green, Cuba Gooding Jr., and many others, Rat Race is a madcap adventure that thrives on absurdity and physical humor.
If you love outrageous gags, ridiculous set pieces, and a mix of clever and goofy humor, Rat Race delivers all of that and more. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the film’s plot, performances, comedic style, and where you can stream or rent it online.
Rat Race – Plot Summary
The story begins in a Las Vegas casino, where eccentric billionaire Donald Sinclair (played by John Cleese) concocts a wild competition for his high-rolling guests. Sinclair selects six random individuals from the casino floor and invites them to participate in a race to win $2 million hidden in a locker 563 miles away in Silver City, New Mexico. Each contestant is given a key to the locker, and the first person to reach the destination and unlock the locker gets the cash prize.
However, there’s a twist: Sinclair and his fellow wealthy patrons are secretly betting on the outcome of the race, observing every contestant’s progress through surveillance and placing side bets on the ridiculous situations that ensue.
The competitors are a diverse group of characters, each with their own quirks:
- Rowan Atkinson plays Enrico Pollini, a narcoleptic Italian tourist who frequently falls asleep at the most inopportune times.
- Whoopi Goldberg and Lanai Chapman play Vera and Merrill, a mother-daughter duo trying to reconnect.
- Seth Green and Vince Vieluf are brothers Duane and Blaine Cody, who bicker endlessly and come up with the most ludicrous schemes.
- Cuba Gooding Jr. plays Owen Templeton, a disgraced NFL referee who gets roped into the race after making a controversial call in the Super Bowl.
- Jon Lovitz plays Randy Pear, a family man who inadvertently drags his wife and kids along for the chaotic ride.
As the race kicks off, the participants face increasingly absurd and unpredictable challenges—from hot air balloons to cow-stampeded highways, from mistaken identities to helicopters gone awry. The film builds toward a climactic finish with all the racers converging at the same time in Silver City, resulting in a hilarious and chaotic finale.
Film Review: What Makes Rat Race a Fun and Entertaining Ride?
A Comedy of Chaos and Absurdity:
What sets Rat Race apart from other comedies is its commitment to chaotic, over-the-top humor. The film’s premise is intentionally ridiculous, and Jerry Zucker takes full advantage of the madcap nature of the plot. The characters encounter one absurd situation after another, with each scenario growing more outrageous than the last. The film is an unapologetic love letter to slapstick and screwball comedies of the past, delivering a barrage of sight gags, physical comedy, and larger-than-life set pieces.
Ensemble Cast Chemistry:
One of the biggest strengths of Rat Race is its talented ensemble cast. The movie gathers an eclectic mix of comedic actors who each bring their unique flair to the table. Rowan Atkinson, in particular, stands out with his signature physical comedy, while Jon Lovitz and Cuba Gooding Jr. deliver some of the film’s funniest moments. John Cleese as the eccentric billionaire mastermind Donald Sinclair is a perfect blend of pompous and absurd, reminiscent of his Monty Python days.
Each actor shines in their respective role, and the chemistry between the cast is palpable. While the characters rarely interact directly with one another until the film’s finale, their individual stories and mishaps weave together seamlessly to create a cohesive and highly entertaining narrative.
Hilarious Set Pieces and Physical Comedy:
The film thrives on slapstick humor and set pieces that defy logic and common sense, but that’s exactly the point. Whether it’s Cuba Gooding Jr. being forced to drive a bus full of Lucille Ball impersonators, Jon Lovitz’s family accidentally joining a neo-Nazi rally, or Rowan Atkinson’s narcoleptic character running through a busy street while asleep, the film throws one crazy scenario after another at the audience.
The unpredictable nature of the race ensures that there is never a dull moment, with every twist and turn serving up a new laugh. While not every gag lands perfectly, the sheer volume of jokes guarantees that you’ll be laughing at least every few minutes.
Fast-Paced and Feel-Good Energy:
Rat Race is a fast-paced film that rarely slows down, with the momentum building from the moment the race begins. The movie is structured like a series of interconnected vignettes, jumping between characters and their escapades in rapid succession. The energy is infectious, and by the time the characters reach the finish line, the audience is fully invested in the outcome.
The film also delivers a heartwarming message about greed, human connection, and the value of kindness in its feel-good finale, which involves a surprise twist at a charity concert that leaves the audience with a smile on their face.
Where to Watch Rat Race Online – Streaming Services and Availability
If you’re looking to watch Rat Race (2001), here are some platforms where it’s currently available for streaming or rental in the United States:
Streaming Services Available in the United States
- Amazon Prime Video
Rat Race is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video, where you can stream it in HD. [Available for rent or purchase] - Hulu (with Live TV)
You can watch Rat Race on Hulu with a Live TV subscription, which provides access to the movie as part of its channel offerings. [Available on Hulu with Live TV] - Vudu
Vudu offers Rat Race for rent or purchase, allowing you to watch the movie instantly in HD or SD quality. [Available for rent or purchase] - Apple iTunes
Apple iTunes provides Rat Race for rental or purchase, accessible through Apple devices or via the Apple TV app. [Available for rent or purchase] - Google Play Movies & TV
Rat Race is available for rental or purchase on Google Play Movies, making it a great option for Android users or anyone using Chromecast. [Available for rent or purchase]
Rent or Purchase Rat Race Online
If you prefer renting or buying the movie, here are the platforms where you can do so:
- Amazon Prime Video
Rent the film for about $3.99 or purchase it for $9.99. You’ll have 48 hours to watch after starting. [Available for rent or purchase] - Vudu
You can rent it for $3.99 or buy it for $9.99, with options for SD or HD streaming. [Available for rent or purchase] - Apple iTunes
Rent Rat Race for $3.99 or purchase it for $9.99 and watch it on Apple devices or through Apple TV. [Available for rent or purchase] - Google Play Movies & TV
Similar to other platforms, Rat Race can be rented for $3.99 or purchased for $9.99 on Google Play. [Available for rent or purchase]
Final Thoughts – Is Rat Race Worth Watching?
Rat Race (2001) is a highly entertaining comedy that will appeal to fans of zany, over-the-top humor. While not every joke hits the mark, the film’s relentless pace, talented cast, and outrageous gags make it a fun and memorable watch. It’s an excellent choice for a lighthearted movie night with family or friends, especially if you enjoy slapstick comedies with a nostalgic nod to classic ensemble films like It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.
If you’re in the mood for a comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously and is packed with unpredictable laughs, Rat Race is a great pick.
Conclusion: Stream Rat Race Today
Whether you’re in it for the laughs or the absurdity of the characters’ chaotic race, Rat Race is available for streaming and rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, and Apple iTunes. Don’t miss out on this hilarious ensemble comedy—start streaming Rat Race today!
