"Flushed" from so much laughing

"Flushed Away" is a hit with kids. A big hit. So big, it was sold out the night after it premiered and was then packed the next day with youngsters ready to laugh their pants off and have the time of their lives. And that's saying something.

Roddy (Hugh Jackman) is a spoiled, upper-class rat who lives a life of splendor in his owner's posh penthouse in London. When his owner goes away for vacation, Roddy is surprised by the arrival of an unexpected sewer rat. Roddy's plan to get rid of the imposter is foiled when the rat, Sid (Shane Richie), pushes Roddy into the toilet and flushes him away. Roddy ends up in the sewer-city under London, life is a whole lot different. Rats of the city think of "up-above" as a foreign land of pleasantries and splendor. While trying to find someone to help him get home, Roddy meets Rita (Kate Winslet) and they soon both fall into trouble with the Toad (Ian McKellen) and his thugs. Through his adventures with Rita, Roddy learns that there is more to life than being a spoiled, lonely pet above ground.

The animated flick, directed by Sam Fell and David Bowers, even has parents laughing with quirky, more "grown-up" jokes that they appreciate. Most kiddie films nowadays forget about the adults who also have to sit through the film with their children, but "Flushed Away" thanks them for coming by giving them their own moments to laugh and enjoy the movie.

"Flushed Away" boasts a cast of some very well-known names. Included in the voices of characters are Jackman, Winslet, McKellen and Andy Serkis (Golum from "Lord of the Rings"). Few viewers actually distinguish their voices because each does well to disguise their voices.

The actors deliver some great, quirky lines that keep both adults and children laughing through the film. They poke fun at Nemo (from "Finding Nemo," that is), and James Bond and there are even some hilarious singing slugs that—while both random and completely absurd—send the audience into giggles whenever they come on screen.

Sure, "Flushed Away," may not be another "Toy Story" or "Finding Nemo," but kids are leaving the theatre pink in the face from all their giggling and excitement. The film is highly enjoyable and shouldn't be shrugged off simply because it is a kiddie, animated flick.

If you are looking for a carefree 80 minutes, "Flushed Away" should be on your To-Do list.

"Flushed Away" is rated PG for crude humor and some language and is showing at area theatres.