Rewatching ‘Rat Race’ As An Adult

It doesn’t seem like it’s been 15 years since Rat Race was released. In 2001, a comedy about a race to Silver City, New Mexico came out and it starred some of the biggest names in the acting world. I mean, what other movie (besides most Garry Marshall holiday films) has a cast like Rat Race? Between Amy Smart chasing her boyfriend down a highway in a helicopter, to Seth Green and Vince Vieluf chasing after a man in a hot air balloon in a field of cows, Rat Race might be one of the most over the top, ridiculous comedies ever.

I saw Rat Race in theaters 15 years ago and then again when I was in college, but I can't say I was sober the second time around. Basically, haven't seen it since I was 11-years-old. Clearly my parents didn’t care about the whole PG-13 thing. I decided to sit down (with wine) and re-watch the film as an adult. What better way to spend your Sunday afternoon? There were a ton of things I never noticed until now, like all of the Nazi jokes, for example.

Happy anniversary, Rat Race. May you continue to encourage everyone to gamble for years to come.

1. So. Many. Famous. Faces.

Literally though, who isn’t in Rat Race? The lead actors include: Cuba Gooding Jr. John Cleese, Jon Lovitz, Rowan Atkinson, Whoopi Goldberg, Breckin Meyer, Amy Smart, and Seth Green. What did I say? All-stars!

2. The Intro Scene

This credit roll is super creative. I’m pretty positive I have never seen it before, even though I know I’ve watched the whole movie.

3. Cuba Gooding Jr. And His Football Roles

Have you guys noticed that most of Gooding Jr.’s roles have something to do with football? The People v. O.J. Simpson, Jerry Maguire, Radio and this one, where he plays a football ref who made a terrible call. Just something I noticed.

4. Gloria Allred

I was too young to know who Gloria Allred was when this came out, but of course now I know as she runs to a woman’s aid who trips on a glass saying she will sue for millions. Yes, Gloria! Great cameo.

5. Silver City

Did you guys know Silver City, New Mexico is a real place? I didn’t either until today.

6. This Throwback Tune

As the group takes off running from the hotel, they play the classic song, “Who Let The Dogs Out” by Baha Men. Yes, I still know all the words and so do you. Yay, 2001.

7. The Brothers

I’m not quite sure how two people could be as stupid as Duane and Blaine. I still don’t really think I understand why he didn’t just take the tongue ring out?

8. John Cleese’s Dentures

Are out of control. They are fake, right?

9. Prairie Dogging

Why does this young girl know what prairie dogging is? Why do I know what prairie dogging is?

10. Kathy Bates

What a great cameo moment. Kathy Bates plays the crazy squirrel lady that sends Whoopi and her daughter off the road for not buying one. You should have bought a squirrel — my new motto.

11. The Barbie Museum

In case you wanted to know Klaus Barbie was a real Nazi, but there is no museum dedicated to him.

12. Don’t Cheat On Amy Smart

Seriously, that’s like the one thing I learned in this movie. I’m not sure how Breckin Meyer still went for her after she attacked her cheating boyfriend.

13. ‘I Love Lucy’

I knew it happened, but I didn’t know just how much they ALL sounded like Lucy. Especially when they cry.

14. The Bets

The bets between the men keep getting better and better through the movie, but by far the best one is when they have all the maids hanging from the curtains of the hotel rooms. Great game.

15. Smash Mouth

It’s been 15 years, but we all still know every single word to Smash Mouth’s “All Star.”

16. This Movie Actually Makes No Sense

I love this movie, but it literally doesn't make sense. Nothing that happens would ever happen in real life, but it’s still awesome. Just felt the need to point out that it’s completely insane.

Images: Rat Race/Screenshot (8); Giphy (5)