Movie Review - THE BOAT THAT ROCKED
Centuries of action have perfected the pirate art of power retrieval. Relieving their prey of the ability to control, their methods have turned some into folk heroes. Into the 1960's social revolution came a band of scavengers attempting to claim the power of rock music via illicit means. Director Richard Curtis' latest comedy shows these new breed of pirates knew how to shake the establishment with their form of cultural liberation.
In 1966 a group of lads decide to take on their country's genteel radio system
. Tired of the restricted playlists ignoring pure rock songs, they broadcast using an illegal ship radio signal. Dubbed Radio Rock, the motley crew consisted of a ragtag bunch bound by their musical knowledge. Among them is Carl (Tom Sturridge) and The Count (Philip Seymour-Hoffman) attempting to keep their dream together amidst much personal angst. Resolute politician, Sir Alistair Dormandy (Kenneth Branagh), efforts at ruining their fun times threatens to spoil their melodious merry-making.
Filled with fantastic music, kitsch fashion and a great cast you'd think The Boat That Rocks would be more enjoyable. Whilst the eccentric group are initially amusing, after awhile the 
weight of so many characters and little story slowly sinks this potentially fun vessel. Curtis' directorial style highlights obvious gags allowing too much thespian ad-libbing. Unfortunately this becomes tiresome with main set pieces creating a very artificial atmosphere rather than something genuine. The idea is sound although occasionally it's easy to see certain actors desperately attempting to break free of their one dimensional characters.
Curtis makes a mistake in quickly introducing the concept without properly fleshing out its protagonists. The film's overlong running time also deflates its set up. Des
pite this there are moments of pure joy in seeing the bolshy lads enter into the free-wheeling musical spirit of this socially important era. Seymour-Hoffman and Bill Nighy are the best of the ensemble with their British and Yank personas slotting nicely into the multicultural pot. Overall this is a pretty disappointing effort relying too heavily on an episodic format instead of a more cohesive approach. It is a bit ironic considering Curtis' writing pedigree with TV's Blackadder - a show full of memorable characters rather than the half developed ones here.
If nothing else The Boat That Rocked should deliver a great soundtrack for collectors to buy. As a film it's a very mixed bag, with an interesting subject being turned into a rather bland and forced movie. Whilst the 60's are long gone, it's good to know the decade's spirit thrives in the classic tunes its personalities eagerly play.
Move Review Rating 4 / 10
The Boat that Rocked home page click here
Movie review by Patrick Moore
The Boat that Rocked released in Australia on Thursday 9th April 2009.
If you have any comments to make about this Movie Review, then please use the comment box, titling your comments with Movie Review The Boat That Rocked
Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.
. Tired of the restricted playlists ignoring pure rock songs, they broadcast using an illegal ship radio signal. Dubbed Radio Rock, the motley crew consisted of a ragtag bunch bound by their musical knowledge. Among them is Carl (Tom Sturridge) and The Count (Philip Seymour-Hoffman) attempting to keep their dream together amidst much personal angst. Resolute politician, Sir Alistair Dormandy (Kenneth Branagh), efforts at ruining their fun times threatens to spoil their melodious merry-making.
Filled with fantastic music, kitsch fashion and a great cast you'd think The Boat That Rocks would be more enjoyable. Whilst the eccentric group are initially amusing, after awhile the 
weight of so many characters and little story slowly sinks this potentially fun vessel. Curtis' directorial style highlights obvious gags allowing too much thespian ad-libbing. Unfortunately this becomes tiresome with main set pieces creating a very artificial atmosphere rather than something genuine. The idea is sound although occasionally it's easy to see certain actors desperately attempting to break free of their one dimensional characters.
Curtis makes a mistake in quickly introducing the concept without properly fleshing out its protagonists. The film's overlong running time also deflates its set up. Des
pite this there are moments of pure joy in seeing the bolshy lads enter into the free-wheeling musical spirit of this socially important era. Seymour-Hoffman and Bill Nighy are the best of the ensemble with their British and Yank personas slotting nicely into the multicultural pot. Overall this is a pretty disappointing effort relying too heavily on an episodic format instead of a more cohesive approach. It is a bit ironic considering Curtis' writing pedigree with TV's Blackadder - a show full of memorable characters rather than the half developed ones here.
If nothing else The Boat That Rocked should deliver a great soundtrack for collectors to buy. As a film it's a very mixed bag, with an interesting subject being turned into a rather bland and forced movie. Whilst the 60's are long gone, it's good to know the decade's spirit thrives in the classic tunes its personalities eagerly play.
Move Review Rating 4 / 10
The Boat that Rocked home page click here
Movie review by Patrick Moore
The Boat that Rocked released in Australia on Thursday 9th April 2009.
If you have any comments to make about this Movie Review, then please use the comment box, titling your comments with Movie Review The Boat That Rocked
Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.
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