Thought I'd do a bit of a review for you on this movie...
Film synopsis from IMDB:
This movie isn't as strong as films like 'Love Actually' and 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' (both also by Richard Curtis who wrote and directed 'The Boat That Rocked'). It comes across as a series of sketches loosely tied together with several thin plot lines, the main one being the British Governments plan to outlaw pirate radio stations. There are a few subplots such as the rivalry between the two top Radio Rock DJ's and Quentin's (Bill Nighy) nephew (I think), John, trying to find love - or at least get laid - to name two.
You never really get to know any of the characters for very long because there are so many of them and they try to give most of the major DJ's equal screen time.
Life on the Pirate Radio station boat seems very fun, over the top and very enjoyable to watch whilst anyone who plays any character related to the British Government is portrayed as stiff, emotionless and not interested in the new rock music in any way shape or form.
Jack Davenport, who plays a government staffer simply known as 'Twatt' (his surname, there for a cheap couple of laughs in the movie), is really wasted in this role. He plays his part as the 'creative' government official scheming new ways to outlaw pirate radio really well but, as an actor he's has so much more to offer than what he's given here. He played a similar role in the Pirates of the Caribbean series but was given far more opportunity to transform from 'by the rules' government official to a more free thinking, independent character).
Bill Nighy plays Quentin, Radio Rock's irreverent Manager. As always Bill makes the most of his screen time but really doesn't have a lot of comedic lines to work with. Hence it's harder for him to scene steal in this film. He does a good job though, playing the kind of character that falls somewhere between the washed up Rock Star in Love Actually and the credible Newspaper editor in State of Play.
The rest of the cast are less memorable but each have their moments to shine, except for maybe 'Thick Kevin' (Tom Brooke) who gets a few more of the better comedic moments.
The music plays a big part of the film as you would expect. Whilst the sound track is good it does mean that many sequences are played out more like music video clips than actual story telling.
Whilst I did enjoy this film it wasn't quite as funny as I expected and I spent several moments doubting that pirate radio was really this fun for the DJs (boat loads of women groupies coming out to hook up with their favorite DJs and partying to the point of having sex orgies - not graphically shown but suggested by one particular scene).
There was a much better story to tell here. It's a fun film but you kind of come out feeling you never really got to know very much about anyone. Not Richard Curtis' best work but still quite enjoyable all the same.
Film synopsis from IMDB:
"The Boat That Rocked" is an ensemble comedy in which the romance takes place between the young people of the '60s and pop music. It's about a band of rogue DJs that captivated Britain, playing the music that defined a generation and standing up to a government that, incomprehensibly, preferred jazz. The Count, a big, brash, American god of the airwaves; Quentin, the boss of Radio Rock -- a pirate radio station in the middle of the North Sea that's populated by an eclectic crew of rock and roll DJs; Gavin, the greatest DJ in Britain who has just returned from his drug tour of America to reclaim his rightful position; Dave, an ironic, intelligent and cruelly funny co-broadcaster; and a fearsome British government official out for blood against the drug takers and lawbreakers of a once-great nation. Written by Production office
This movie isn't as strong as films like 'Love Actually' and 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' (both also by Richard Curtis who wrote and directed 'The Boat That Rocked'). It comes across as a series of sketches loosely tied together with several thin plot lines, the main one being the British Governments plan to outlaw pirate radio stations. There are a few subplots such as the rivalry between the two top Radio Rock DJ's and Quentin's (Bill Nighy) nephew (I think), John, trying to find love - or at least get laid - to name two.
You never really get to know any of the characters for very long because there are so many of them and they try to give most of the major DJ's equal screen time.
Life on the Pirate Radio station boat seems very fun, over the top and very enjoyable to watch whilst anyone who plays any character related to the British Government is portrayed as stiff, emotionless and not interested in the new rock music in any way shape or form.
Jack Davenport, who plays a government staffer simply known as 'Twatt' (his surname, there for a cheap couple of laughs in the movie), is really wasted in this role. He plays his part as the 'creative' government official scheming new ways to outlaw pirate radio really well but, as an actor he's has so much more to offer than what he's given here. He played a similar role in the Pirates of the Caribbean series but was given far more opportunity to transform from 'by the rules' government official to a more free thinking, independent character).
Bill Nighy plays Quentin, Radio Rock's irreverent Manager. As always Bill makes the most of his screen time but really doesn't have a lot of comedic lines to work with. Hence it's harder for him to scene steal in this film. He does a good job though, playing the kind of character that falls somewhere between the washed up Rock Star in Love Actually and the credible Newspaper editor in State of Play.
The rest of the cast are less memorable but each have their moments to shine, except for maybe 'Thick Kevin' (Tom Brooke) who gets a few more of the better comedic moments.
The music plays a big part of the film as you would expect. Whilst the sound track is good it does mean that many sequences are played out more like music video clips than actual story telling.
Whilst I did enjoy this film it wasn't quite as funny as I expected and I spent several moments doubting that pirate radio was really this fun for the DJs (boat loads of women groupies coming out to hook up with their favorite DJs and partying to the point of having sex orgies - not graphically shown but suggested by one particular scene).
There was a much better story to tell here. It's a fun film but you kind of come out feeling you never really got to know very much about anyone. Not Richard Curtis' best work but still quite enjoyable all the same.
............... I didn't realise she was out there on the 'net with this song - never thought to look, or I'd have saved it sooner! The
song is sharper than my tape, and easier to find on my comp!
