Review of "Pirate Radio"

Pirate Radio (2009)
Directed by Richard Curtis
Written by Richard Curtis
Starring: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy, Nick Frost, Tom Sturridge, Chris O'Dowd, and Rhys Ifans

Synopsis: In the 1960s, when the English government looked down on the newly formed "rock and roll" music, radio broadcasters play rock music from their radio station (Radio Rock) on a ship off the coast of England.

Review: Pirate Radio centers around a group of men who all have one important thing in common: they love rock and roll music. To them, and to the millions of listeners in England, rock music is the coolest, best thing in the world. But to the English government, rock music is "promoting" drugs and sex and sending the people of London the wrong message. The harder the government fights to shut Radio Rock down, the harder the crew fights back to keep rock music alive. Although a little zany and crazy and even at times somewhat unbelievable, this movie was full of funny and sentimental moments that would melt even the toughest critic's heart.

The film also features an impressive cast, with Philip Seymour Hoffman as "The Count" (the lead radio broadcaster), Bill Nighy as the men's adviser of sorts, Nick Frost as an outgoing, goofy broadcaster, and impressive newcomer Tom Sturridge, as a young teenage boy who is sent by his mother to come live with the men on the ship. And considering the time period and the place, the 1960s in England, the music rocks. The soundtrack is full of great tracks from The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Kinks, The Beach Boys, and many other great artists from that time. Overall, Pirate Radio is a feel-good film with an amazing soundtrack, something to see for music lovers or someone looking for a good comedy.

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

Upcoming Review: Hesher (2010)