The Boat That Rocked (2009) User Reviews

In a 60s party mood - no more.. but no less, either

[steinerelt · 8/10 · 8 August 2009]

Although the film received its fair share of criticism for its historical inaccuracies and feeble plot, in my view, the film does exactly what its authors set out to achieve and - not only in terms of the soundtrack - rock it really does.

If you're looking for an evening of pure escapist fun, feeling generally nostalgic and cool about the legacy of the 60s fashion and music, and would like to forget history for a while and go with the party mood, go see this film - you won't be let down and you'll get what you're looking for: an amazing soundtrack (although, as many didn't hesitate to point out, not entirely historically accurate), with the likes of The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, Dusty Springfield, The Hollies, Jimmy Hendrix, Buddy Holly, and many many more, with the charismatic Bill Nighy and a bunch of other not-quite-so-ordinary eccentric characters, more or less familiar to you, depending on how you enjoy British (and American) comedy (e.g. IT Crowd). Even if you don't know the actors, even if you're not into the music of the 60s, you've got pure feel-good fun thrown in to top it off for a great evening of the 60s Rock'n'Roll partying. And it's partying in the true 60s sense of the word.

On the other hand, if you're looking for profound plot development, historical accuracy and consistency, or a true story of a real pirate radio station Caroline that inspired the story, or, in fact, would like to see a true depiction of the life in the UK in 1966, do NOT go see this film, because you might leave disappointed.

It's as simple as that.

So, a definite recommendation for cinema viewing because of the necessary volume that the speakers allow you there to enjoy the music to the fullest (and, let me say one more time what music it is!), but stay out if you're not in a party mood.

I give it 8/10 for the feel-good, cool entertainment it brings and.... well, for the Rock'n'Roll.

Have fun!

Right Fun Time

[mzmorpheus09 · 8/10 · 24 August 2009]

What a cute flick! As a (former) film reviewer I have absolutely no desire to dissect or critique this movie. I'm just taking it at face value. It's fun, uplifting and witty. It's obvious the cast had a hell of a good time making it (even the 'bad' guys). Hoffman and Nighey are in top form. The gags are good, even when they tank. And the ending gave a surprising increase in the tension/suspense.

Really can't find anything terribly wrong with this aside from the mild sexism but it's so subtle, I hardly noticed.

I've been going through a really rough time personally and watching this cheered me. What more could you hope for?

the film that rocked

[big_bea · 7/10 · 16 April 2009]

I have been wanting to see this movie since I saw the trailer for the very first time. Today I finally got the opportunity. The plot sounded interesting and I was hoping to see a comedy that wasn't as predictable and forced romantic as a lot of comedies are. I wasn't disappointed. Sure, this isn't the most profound story ever told, but I wanted to have fun, and this movie definitely gave it to me. Another bonus is the great soundtrack, which carries the whole movie. After leaving the cinema you will want to listen to the songs featured in this film, just so you can enjoy the feeling of it a little longer. This film is funny from the beginning to the end, and there were moments when I couldn't stop laughing. If you want to see a feel-good movie with a plot that was, at least as far as I know, not used before, than this is the right film for you.

Growing up in the 60's

[Msbnitski · 10/10 · 11 October 2019]

Wow. I grew up in the 60's and into the early 70's and this movie says a lot of what we were all feeling if you were into the British invasion and the USA rock and lovin' it roll. If you were there, in the moment, you can really appreciate this movie.

I saw this movie years ago and came upon it again just today and it is still as good as the first time I saw it. Come on, British rock, mini skirts, white boo ga loo boots and everything else that came from Britain. Life was fun, exciting and free. I can only wish that new generations can listen to the wonderful sounds of British and new wave US rock from that era. It was a great time to be alive!

A simple "feel good" movie

[birkir16 · 8/10 · 26 August 2009]

I'm going to keep this short. Watched it, loved it.

It's a simple, "feel good" movie with the greatest music of the 60's and 70's that will make you smile. Sure it's not realistic when it comes to peoples communications and reactions to certain incidents but thats the charm of it. It even has a little twist of drama but not enough to ruin the comedy.

It was amazing to me how the soundtrack just managed to get better and better, endless amount of rock/pop singles, thoughts like "aaaa i love that song" and " ohh man i had forgotten that one" often occurred to me.

I thought the characters and the actors were great although some of the characters we're a bit useless i liked them after i was about 20 min into the film.

I think we could use some pirate rock stations where i live, stations that will play and say what ever they please.

Final words. A movie witch is fun to watch.

Uplifting, above all else

[LieneMik · 7/10 · 17 July 2015]

Entertaining. Hilarious. Cheesy at moments and not always historically accurate, but so uplifting! A solid feel-good film. That's how I would describe „The Boat that Rocked". The film is set in the late 60s and its story follows young Carl, who is sentenced by his mom to go live on a ship, where his uncle works. As he steps on board, he takes a spin on a carousel ride that will flip his life upside down. The ship shelters an illegal radio station, its eccentric DJs and a few other, but, just as important, characters. As Richard Curtis is a well known director, he's managed to gather one of the most exceptional casts I've seen for a while. Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy and Nick Frost add another great performance to their list of already impeccable work. Tom Sturridge, supposedly the main character of the film, is a new discovery. You can see that the cast had great fun filming this movie. The one thing that makes this ride truly rock is the music. If you haven't fallen in love with the 60s music, you will after this film. The Kinks, The Rolling Stones, Leonard Cohen, The Who and Jimi Hendrix, these are just a few of the artists which form its amazing soundtrack. Many diss this film for its historical inaccuracies, for the partly anachronistic music that is used. This film is flawed, no doubt. There is no revolutionary message hidden in it or a strong plot. And it weirdly consists of mainly subplots. Despite all that, the film makes you want to join the cast dancing on board. It is a film of friendship and love. It is lighthearted and makes you smile like a dork even at the cheesiest moments. Even its very predictable ending doesn't take away much of that. I dare to say that this film will give energy to both the young and the old. Do not watch it for the plot or in search for accurate facts. Watch it for the characters and the emotions. Just lay back and enjoy the party.

Delightful

[mamamimi · 10/10 · 12 August 2009]

I saw it twice on my overseas trip to Egypt and twice on my way back and loved every minute of it. I mimed the songs (passengers on the plane would not have appreciated me belting out Rolling Stones and Donovan:)) and danced on my seat all the way. Philip Seymor Hoffman was a delight and quite a fantastic actor and he really had tough competition since the whole cast was exceptional. Rhys Ifans is a far cry from the skinny weirdo on Notting Hill. Bill Nighy was a bit similar to his Love Actually role, still a favorite of mine. Emma Thompson was on for a few minutes, but you cannot imagine anyone else in that role. And, you can hardly recognize Kenneth Branagh! A must see movie for young and old, especially old because it will make them feel young again. I am 57 today!!

A film that rocks

[Gordon-11 · 7 August 2009]

This film is about a pirate rock radio station in British North Sea in the 1960's.

I have watched several movies about British music history, and I have enjoyed none of them. So it was a pleasant surprise when I watched "The Boat That Rocked", as I find it very enjoyable.

The plot emphasises on the the character's interpersonal dynamics, their passion for music and their strive to rebel. It is a well written and well told story. Character development is excellent, each of them have different charisma and charm. They engage me throughout to the point that I feel what the characters feel. The film is very good, you have to see it to believe it.

A good-humoured and moving British comedy as a tribute to pop-rock

[yris2002 · 7/10 · 18 June 2009]

If you think of "Four weddings and a Funeral" or "Notting Hill", you will be a little disappointed, being here the overall tone not so brilliant, dialogues not so sparkling, however, the both humorous and moving atmosphere of Richard Curtis's comedies is still recognizable.

I think the real protagonist in "The boat that rocked" is music, that sound pop-rock that in the 60's began to move the world, and to be opposed by the establishment as a dangerous weapon in the hands of the multitudes, as a threat to a well consolidated but no longer valid system. Among unreal situations, a totally-lacking plot, among odd and eccentric characters, what only matters is that power of music to revive one's spirits, to give voice to the most uncontrolled, animal, ancestral instincts of man. And thus becomes, in my opinion, the most vivid scene that of those hundreds of records floating on the water, the symbol of a generation, of an era that was then ready to explode, and that no strict establishment could have wiped away, even once illegal radio stations were shut down.

No revolutionary message is conveyed: it's a good-humoured and at intervals melancholic tribute to a generation who, maybe ingenuously, but deeply, and truly believed in out of time-values, friendship, respect, love, and believed that music was a strong, and powerfully effective means to convey them. Even if you don't belong to that generation, each of us has experienced, one or more times in one's life, the communion of a piece of music with the most sensitive chords of our soul: it's about something emotional, but also physical and that's what the director just wants to celebrate.

If you are fond of music, or simply you have once in your life been moved by a song, you will like this movie, or at least enjoy it for what it is, without the necessity of too much criticism.

Great Movie! One of the best in years

[zenrunar · 10/10 · 19 August 2009]

This is the Film of the year! No specials effects and CG and just a nice vibe to it. I found this film to be profoundly good. MUCH, MUCH better than I ever expected. Hoffman always delivers and with great UK talent. I was truly dumbfounded. Writing is good, plot is solid, Acting is fantastic, story line is great and the best movie score/soundtrack I have heard in recent history. It is fairly long but goes well with a cold one on a weekend. I hope it gets huge distribution in the US! It's a fun,uplifting, feel-good, strange and yet inspiring film. To be based on a true story and deliver this is impressive. I will tell everybody about this one. Watch it.

1966-nostalgia, a good laugh and historically not always precise

[wvisser-leusden · 7/10 · 20 April 2009]

'The boat that rocked' is your average English comedy.

Its highly original setting, on a 1966-clandestine Sixties' pirate-radio ship, surely warms the heart of everyone around at the time -- listening in when you were supposed to sleep or to do your homework. All excitement of those long-gone days is well revived.

This 1966-nostalgia keeps you on your seat, laughing & marveling until 'Boat's very Titanic-like end; this film's love-stories also revives sweet memories of your own first encounters back then.

In spite of all this, one cannot overlook that 'Boat's storyline is pretty average & fairly predictable. Those with a good memory will also have noticed that several pop songs date from 1967, or even later than that.

I wouldn't call 'The Boat that Rocked' a great film; nevertheless it entertains from beginning to end.

Good, honest fun.

[Baldrick44 · 8/10 · 14 April 2009]

Richard Curtis' first 'non romantic comedy film' is really another romantic comedy film- it's just that the romantic bit gets swamped within 20 other sub-plots so you try and not notice.

The Boat That Rocked sees Carl ( Tom Surridge ) go aboard Radio Rock- a pirate radio station owned by Quentin ( Bill Nighy ) whose DJ's (Phillip Semour Hoffman, Rhys Ifans, Nick Frost, Chris O' Dowd, Rhys Darby, etc. ) broadcast 24-hour rock and roll music to the UK. They are adored by the populace but hated by the government, including the Minister of Communications ( Kenneth Branagh ) and his chief subordinate ( Jack Davenport ) who aim to shut them down.

If that was the extent of the plot then it would probably be a 100 mins film. However the Boat That Rocked has so many little sub-plots- many seeming like excuses to put in another montage or cameo cast appearance that the time has ballooned out to 154mins and it does tell at times. Furthermore, while Richard Curtis is entitled to look back on these days with an air of nostalgia, he sometimes seems to get a little too weepy eyed with the story.

But these faults are more than made up for in the performances; all of which are good- and some are outstanding. Phillip Seymour Hoffman's Count is a lovable character who approaches everything with great gusto, while Chris O' Dowd's Simple Simon has a wonderful part in the middle section of the movie which brings a little bit of emotion to what is a pretty emotionally vacant movie. Nick Frost is cheeky as Dr Dave and finally Rhys Darby- fresh from Flight of the Conchords- simply shines in his role as the unpopular and daggy Angus who nonetheless gets arguably the best line in the whole movie.

Overall the Boat That Rocked is silly and entertaining fun. It does get overweight by a looong script, but the soundtrack and the cast are good enough to carry it through.

A showcase for some great music.

[wisewebwoman · 7/10 · 10 June 2009]

Anyone looking for a plot or decent script should write their own.

I saw this under the title "Good Morning England" in Paris last night and it reminded me somewhat of "Across the Universe" another film based on its fabulous sound track.

It is a Good Old Boys type of film with women delegated to minor paper thin caricatures of sex-starved sixties rock fans, devoid of motivation or depth. One particular scene is particularly yucky as it involves one of the main characters, an innocent, plotting to secretly rape a woman.

The pirate station resembled nothing of what was prevalent on the air waves in my teen years and the boat was far too heavily populated. But it was a great premise for a film and the cast looks as if it is having a ball. Philip Seymour Hoffman, always appearing as if he was one day overdue for a good hosing down, is marvellous, as is Bill Nighy - can any other actor do understated elegance like he can? - in the role of the Radio Station's owner, living, of course, on the ship. None of these characters have any domestic or home lives and we know next to nothing about them. Thin as onion skin characterizations. Emma Thompson is terrific (and uncredited) and barely recognizable in a key role, as is Kenneth Branagh overplaying an overblown heavy.

Go for the music only and suspend any expectation of a good story. The ending signals from two miles away but everyone is having such a rollicking good time that it is hard not to laugh and share their glee. Be sure to stay till after the credits have rolled.

7 out of 10, the sound track is a must buy.

The Rocking Of Opportunism

[janemullinsuk · 2/10 · 13 April 2009]

Trying to satisfy the most ends up, as is usually the case, not satisfying anyone. The blatant attempt to be cute turns out out to be rather nauseating. Not a single moment of truth, not a single moment of beauty. It is quite simply atrocious. It also felt endless and I'm not giving it a 1 because there are some spot on musical moments within the otherwise opportunistic score. I like(d) Richard Curtis but he is taking his formula of odd ball characters to a place where no human being (the thinking kind) ever ventures. A French farce with typically scatological British touches. And Philip Seymour Hoffman? What's with this guy? Very good actor but his dishevelment is starting to get on my nerves. Even as Truman Capote I felt he needed a shower. Emma Thompson has a grand cameo but, quite frankly, it belonged to a completely different film. None of it ringed true and if I sound angry it may be because I am. I left my house, I drove under the rain, had to park, paid outrageous fees for parking, tickets, a drink and then I had to sit through this mess of a thing. There is a moment on the last third when the characters, hit by a Titanic style emergency, have to transmit their boat's location and you wait with unbearable impatience for the inevitable crowd of boats coming to their rescue. Oh dear, Oh dear. Kenneth Brannagh comes to elevate, slightly, the boring proceedings with a fine tuned cartoonish villain. Lost at sea, that's how I felt and as you may very well imagine, I didn't like it one bit.

Let's rock!

[MaxBorg89 · 8/10 · 11 December 2010]

There are two recurring elements in Richard Curtis' filmography (besides Hugh Grant and loads of swearing, that is): awkward romances and great soundtracks. While the former has always been the best known, Curtis now tries to rectify it with his second directorial effort, The Boat that Rocked, which firmly places the emphasis on music. With the occasional romantic moment along the way.

Partly based on real events, the movie deals with the struggles faced by rock and pop music to emerge in England in the early '60s, when the BBC only played one hour of that music per day. The solution: pirate radio stations, situated in the North Sea, playing rock music 24/7. The young protagonist of the film, one Carl (Jim Sturridge) is sent to help on the boat that broadcasts Radio Rock, and ends up sharing experiences with the eccentric manager (Bill Nighy) and the DJs, which include the sardonic Count (Philip Seymour Hoffman), the philandering Gavin (Rhys Ifans) and the weirdly lovable Doctor Dave (Nick Frost). Their biggest problem: the British government, specifically an uptight minister (Kenneth Branagh) who intends to shut down pirate radio for good.

With romance taking a step back (albeit with enough room for a fun subplot or two), The Boat that Rocked is an affectionate and irreverent tribute to a lost era, deftly blending the right tunes - "Wouldn't It Be Nice" plays during a scene that gleefully spoof Titanic - and a mix of sweet and raunchy comedy, with the latter having a more prominent spot in this very guy-centric picture (a scene involving the use of the F-word on the radio also serves as satire, given the picture itself, released almost 50 years after the events, is R-rated for its liberal use of expletives). Strangely enough, though, the political bit of the story, while benefiting from a brilliantly stiff-upper-lipped Branagh, is the weaker section of the film, if only because Curtis, famously unable to restrain himself at times, overplays the joke of an assistant (Jack Davenport) being named Twatt - a poor hangover from the fourth Blackadder series that becomes grating after the first few times.

Then again, such issues are compensated by a lively pace, creative camera work and energetic performances. Sturridge does a good job as the audience surrogate getting us acquainted with the team, but the show is inevitably stolen by the more consummate players and, despite Hoffman's riotous work, the best laughs are inevitably British, with Nighy and Ifans delivering their customary Curtis-inspired performances and Frost proving he doesn't need Simon Pegg to shine. And for all the male-dominated atmosphere, fun cameos by January Jones and Emma Thompson make for some truly funny moments.

In other words, The Boat that Rocked isn't exactly as good as Curtis' biggest hits (then again, not many films can match Four Weddings and a Funeral), but as a piece of excellently scored and foul-mouthed escapism it's quite brilliant on its own terms. Only a real Twatt wouldn't want to watch it.

A smart and witty story about love and friendship ON A BOAT!

[cypheristikal · 10/10 · 14 August 2009]

Dude, I went into this only caring that it was starring Philip Seymour (?) Hoffman, and pretty much had little expectations as long as the movie was entertaining- well it was. The very well-scripted (all-star casted) characters created as organic a cast performance as I can remember seeing since Milk. The story of pirate radio leaves its foamtrail through the leaders of p2p filesharing and their unwavering declaration that art should be enjoyed by all, not only the few who are able to pay more than a meal's worth to be able to purchase a copy of the product, pre-packaged by an Industry that is certainly not furthering music as an artform. Getting back to the movie. This roll of film has put it together in a way that's only really reserved for (good) Academy Award winning pictures, but it doesn't get all Curious Case of Benjamin Button on you. The superb cast of actors all deliver quite genuine performances, even though it takes some growing into (like the movie) but there's enough sarcastic profanity that doesn't push it over the comfort zone. The tale of Radio Rock and its crew is one that transcends personality and nationality. Lots of sex and friendship and love, this movie is the antithesis of the consumeristic slavery of our civilization and is a (loose) guide to what we should all strive for in life. The Hitler-like English committeeman in charge with taking care of the Radio Pirates is an unabashedly serious caricature of government-led regulators holding the link between revenue generating industries and the voices of progress, each always trying to tip the balance in their favor. The plot gracefully glides into its climax and with no extended cuddling it exits leaving us a nice retrospective of the experience. For the patient and passionate viewer, this film is highly recommended.

-cypheristikal

A Boat of Honey

[ferguson-6 · 7/10 · 15 November 2009]

Greetings again from the darkness. A rollicking good time with a bunch of music loving rebels, this film is mostly fiction, yet provides a nice glimpse into the mid-1960's British Rock music scene. Don't expect Citizen Kane and you won't be disappointed.

Philip Seymour Hoffman (as The Count) leads the band of merry rock DJ's as they skirt the law and broadcast from sea onboard and trashed out ship owned by by the fabulous Bill Nighy. This troupe includes the likes of (proud and chubby) Nick Frost and Rhys Darby (from Flight of the Conchords). However, when DJ legend Gavin (in a flamboyant role by Rhys Ifans) steps on the ship, it goes to an entirely new level of wackiness.

Being a true devotee of this period of music, I do wish a bit more attention had been paid to struggles to achieve acceptance ... rather than the odd personalities and sexual hijinks of the group, but with more than 60 songs touched, it is difficult to complain.

Lest I forget, January Jones and Emma Thompson have brief, yet significant roles in the human side of the story. Still, the real star here is the music. Writer/Director Richard Curtis does a wonderful thing with some of the clips of British youths stealing a few moments with their radio. The faces often just show a look of total bliss. And that perfectly captures the magic of music - how it just captures our spirit and allows us to escape.

Fast approaching 50 years now, in the words of the great Neil Young, Rock and Roll will never die.

Brilliant!!

[barrattwest · 10/10 · 4 August 2019]

Great cast, fantastic music, lots of laughs. Get the popcorn and wine in, sit back and enjoy.

It could have been a lot better

[THELouDog · 6/10 · 22 November 2009]

I could hardly wait for this movie to come out. The whole concept could have really worked. But the historical inaccuracies. There was tunage from the future (Jimi Hendrix came out a year later -The Stone's Jumping Jack Flash was a year after that), current surfer/skater dialog ("dude!"), and the new millennium hip lesbian scene did me in. When I watch a period piece, I would like to be swept away, even in as in a comedy as this one.

And yes, the soundtrack rocked. The cast was terrific. There were lots of funny scenes. But this is not the 60s that I knew and studied.

I would wait for the DVD to rent.

This Rocks - See it!!!!

[simon3818 · 10/10 · 7 April 2009]

I'm writing this an hour after just seeing it and my god what a film. This film ROCKS!!!!!

It had the cinema in stitches, the story and plot were there (unlike in a popular film thats just been released on DVD) characters believable and likable - even the ones who do wrong.

I'm not going to spoil this for anyone by saying what happens, OK its a pirate radio station in the time when they were about and music radio was next to nothing on the legal wavelengths. I say WATCH IT!!!!

2 hours of quality film entertainment!!!!! Roll on when the DVD is out, its on my list already.

This is an 11 out of 10, Oscar & BAFTA time definitely.

Why do they have to embellish the story

[dierdreo · 7/10 · 13 June 2010]

I lived through this story and I loved going down "memory lane" with all the music and the craziness of the DJ's. I used to listen to Radio Luxembourg with my transistor radio in bed at midnight and I loved the pirate radios. With my friends, I was skeptical about the BBC Radio 1, and hated Tony Blackburn for "selling out." My problem with the movie was the ridiculous and totally untrue ending. I don't understand why movie makers insist on doing this. I spoke to Americans who watched-and loved- the movie, they were surprised to hear that all of that really happened...but disappointed when I told them that the ending was fake. I would have given the movie 10 out of 10 if they hadn't spoiled it.

A hidden gem that can't be missed

[KnightsofNi11 · 9/10 · 5 January 2011]

I freaking love movies like this. They're fun, charming, vulgar, and they rock! It's the kind of movie you just don't want to end and you can't possibly get enough of. Pirate Radio (or The Boat that Rocked to the Brits) is set in Great Britain in 1966 when rock and roll was all but banned from regular radio stations so DJ's would take large fishing boats and anchor them in the North Sea. From there they would broadcast rock and roll music to the people of Britain 24/7. Pirate Radio is a fictionalized and idealized story of one boat full of a wacky cast of characters who all share one thing in common, a love and a passion for music. The movie excellently spans multiple genres including comedy, drama, romance, and musical. It is one of the most brilliant comedies I've seen in a long time. It's got a lot of laughs and also a lot of heart. And to top it off it's got a plethora of great music which houses all the greatness this film encompasses.

This film starts good and then just gets better and better. It never lags and it never loses its momentum. The story is almost entirely told on the boat and it all centers around the vast amount of characters who live on that boat. The only parts of the film that don't take place there are the cuts to the various nameless groups of people who are listening to the radio station, as well as the British Parliament and Kenneth Branagh's attempts to shut down the pirate radio once and for all, so as to restore the country to its past glory and respect. The entire concept of the pirate radio is a fun one, and the amount of things that take place on this one boat are amazing, as well as hilarious. It would be easy to grow tired of this film since it does run just under two hours and there's a lot of romance and a fine mixture of drama that takes place, but none of it ever bored me somehow. I adored this movie from start to finish. Perhaps it was the cavalcade of fun characters, or the great music, or the magnificent performances from all the actors, but whatever it was I loved it and had a lot of fun with it.

Just the overall feel of this film is enough to get you excited. It is an incredible film to just to listen to, if nothing else. It has a wonderfully appropriate and fitting soundtrack that doesn't just back the on screen action, but progresses it. This movie is definitely an idealized nostalgic look at the 1960's and the music selection does it justice. Every track keeps the film alive and gleaming with heart, soul, and laughter. This film is as much about the music as it is the story and characters and this aspect is never lost amongst any of the many multiple story lines that take place within the film. The film also maintains a uniqueness in the way the story is actually told. Overall, it is fueled by the music, but the story is almost episodic in nature. I already mentioned how there are a lot of characters in Pirate Radio and all their stories are told in a subtle vignette like manner. There is still one overarching story in the film surrounding the boat and its success, but there are many subplots that develop each of the characters fully and as entertaining as possible. It isn't difficult to keep up with any of the subplots, and each one provides something different, enticing, and highly entertaining.

Of course Pirate Radio wouldn't have maintained the kind of excitement and cavalier fun it possesses if not for a riotously fantastic cast. There are plenty of big stars in this film, but also a number of unknowns who are just as great if not better than some of the A-list members of the varied cast. Phillip Seymour Hoffman plays perhaps the best role of the film as the head DJ, The Count. He is the only American on the boat and it is obvious he is living the dream, pioneering this rebellious rock revolution from his boat. Bill Nighy plays Quentin. I'm not sure if his role on the boat is ever specifically explained, but he seems to be the "manager" of sorts for the radio station. His role is significant as well as hilarious as he perfectly encompasses the rebellious old man who fits in with the kids just as well as anybody else. Another of my favorite roles was Nick Frost's role as Dave. He looks something like a fat Paul McCartney and his over the top, vulgar, and ridiculous performance is nothing short of hilarious. There are numerous recognizable British TV actors in the film as well such as Rhys Darby, Tom Brooke, and Chris O'Dowd star in some great roles as well. The whole cast compliments each other very well, and they all play a uniquely entertaining role in the film.

Pirate Radio exceeded any and all expectations I had for it, much to my surprise. It is a hilarious experience, but it also has a sentimental heart and a sincere insight on the importance of music. The film excellently reflects how important music is and the significant spiritual role it plays in our lives. The film does an amazing job at conveying this heartfelt message amidst a wide story full of so many characters all very different from each other at heart. It's sad to see how this film came and went upon its initial release back in early 2009. But because of that it has, to me at least, earned the title of a true hidden gem.

"The Boat That Rocked"

[98nurdinm-1 · 6/10 · 25 September 2010]

It's 1966, and pirate radio is at its height, broadcasting the most amazing and up-to-date rock 'n' roll there is. On Radio Rock, 18-year old Carl (Tom Sturridge) is arriving to spend time with his godfather, Quentin (Bill Nighy) who runs the ship and the station. Carl's mother (Emma Thompson) thought it would set him on the straight and narrow. Silly Mum...

There is a fundamental problem with "The Boat That Rocked" and that is Richard Curtis. Despite the winning performances from some of his excellent cast and a soundtrack of legends to boot, it just doesn't seem to gel together. The story, perfectly sound at the start of it, seems to drift away and remains unresolved for the most part at the end.

The stereotypes are all here: the loud American (a brilliant Phillip Seymoure Hoffman) and his British counterpart (a wasted Rhys Ifans); the breakfast DJ (an impressive Chris O'Dowd) who, in one of the film's many sub-plots, has his heart broken; the obnoxious prank-puller (Nick Frost, who is pretty unlikable for a lot of this movie); and the stuffy Government Minister intent on destroying Pirate Radio for good (Kenneth Brannagh, another actor not used to his full potential).

The problem really lies in the writing and direction of Curtis. So many times during the film interesting story ideas are set up, some even played through a little bit, but never do we get a satisfying pay-off for any of them. Towards the end of the film it almost becomes clichéd and unbelievable - a love interest of Carl's (Talulah Riley) who plays with his heart quite early on before jumping into bed with Nick Frost's character, returns in the last Act and, hooray, all is forgiven. A rather interesting sub-plot regarding the identity of Carl's father is given all but five minutes before a seemingly loving relationship has been set up.

The final set-piece of the film, though spectacular, sadly betrays the problem with Curtis today. He used to be braver as a writer. In "Four Weddings And A Funeral" (1994), arguably still his best work to date, he had the courage to kill off a crucial character suddenly halfway through the film. When Radio Rock starts to sink due to a massive engine failure, there are perfect chances to kill off several characters and tug at our heartstrings, thereby setting up what could have been a very satisfying end of revenge towards Branagh's character. And yet none of this is evident. The film ends all happy and feel-good, with a David Bowie song that, though excellent, is at least twenty years too late for the film's context.

It's a shame that the film wasn't a little more realistic, or a little braver. Sadly, this seems to be the case with Curtis now. His success with "Notting Hill" (1998) and, to a lesser extent, "Love Actually" (2002) seems to have turned his scriptwriting into golden sugar-coated mulch. The less said about his directing, the better.

A film that is too long and leaves too many loose ends unresolved, that also fails to mention the historical significance in the launch of stations such as Radio 1 in the downfall of pirate radio ships at that time, this boat sadly seems more like a dad dancing than actual rock, saved only by a few winning performances and a great soundtrack.

6/10

The first all-subplot movie!

[jan-603 · 2/10 · 14 May 2010]

Think it's impossible to make a film with only subplots? Well, watch this one! The main story is so poorly written, edited and directed, and takes up so little relative time on the screen, that (as the writer/director Richard Curtis admits in his intro to the deleted scenes) most of the scenes could have been replaced by the ones on the cutting room floor. Instead of a few minor subplots as in most films, minor scenes take up nearly all the film's running time. How on earth can you end a film like that? Easy - just copy the end of Titanic! What a waste of an interesting true story and some fine actors, who do the best they can with this mess.

It Rocked Indeed.

[xtreme-edgez · 10/10 · 24 August 2009]

I have to say, that this is by far the most inspirational film I've seen to date. To feel the emotion, to care about the cause, to loath the oppression. Just the idea, that few can make a difference in this dark, depressing situation. it gives hope, it gives emotion, it gives life, but only if you can truly see it for what it is. It was an incredible tale, with many aspects of human flaws, and human greatness. We all have to believe we can make a difference, rather then blindly ignore the real problems. But if ignorance is your bliss, then sadly evolution as individual, is not.

Music is Love, Peace.