Rhum Express

"Rum Diary" is a retro movie made in the style of all too many films from the early 1970's; the "heroes" are smug, slacker, inconsiderate slobs, but because they talk the talk of peace and love, we are are supposed to overlook their cruelty to individuals and boorish behavior. The kind of movie where the good guys are people that in the real world, you wouldn't want living next to you, or even sitting next to you on a bus or plane. Even with the great Johnny Depp, and a $5.50 seniors' rate ticket , this movie was almost a total yawn. It was so bad,that the ushers requested that we leave our cell phones on.Or at least I wish.

A perfect film. They hit all the marks with a sledgehammer. The acting was phenomenal, the locations were gorgeous, and the writing and direction of Bruce Robinson was well worth the wait. You don't need to be a fan of Hunter S. Thompson to enjoy or understand this film. But fans of his should rejoice! Admittedly the voice brought to life in this story through writer/director Bruce Robinson was sublime and fresh. Combined with the passion and love brought to screen with Johnny Depp's acting in this role - as well as the rest of the cast - I certainly imagine Hunter raising a glass to the entire cast and crew with a big smirk on his beautiful, weathered face. He would be proud. Do not miss this movie or let some vacant review keep you from it. It's the best film I have seen in a very long time!

I have read the book and this movie holds true to the voice that Thompson writes with - this is what makes the movie works. Depp's role, unsurprisingly, mimics his portrayal of Hunter in Fear and Loathing (only with less drugs, not counting alcohol).

The movie can, realistically, be summed up in one "revelation" Depp's character has with a rather unusual counterpart. Throughout the film we see examples of the opulent lifestyle of few and downtrodden livings of the many.

What Depp confides with his "friend", allows us to use what we have learned up to that point in the movie and chew on for the remainder of the movie, is this - the banks hold the wealth while leaving us (and the starving children) to stare at empty brass plates hanging on their front doors. Whether you agree with it or not, this is not a stretch to compare with the "occupy" movement settling into America and around Europe today.

This movie is good. Much like the original book, this movie doesn't try to entertain the viewer; it allows the viewer to sit back and follow along as one man experiences a lifetime of ups and downs in a matter of weeks. And be prepared to go out for a drink afterward, you'll need it.

I adored the novel, The Rum Diary and as an aid worker I related to many of the character's struggles. Although the film does stray quite a bit from the book itself, I think it's a perfect homage to Hunter S Thompson. The language still reeks of his Gonzo fury writing and manages to transport the audience into a drunken rant, as well as secretly educating them on the struggles of a free press. It had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion, as well as the packed out cinema that I viewed it with.

I rated this movie a 9 and the last film I rated that high was The Shining. I personally think this film was perfect. The leading actress/actors were perfect and the supporting cast phenomenal, especially Giovanni Ribisi. The only problem with this film in my opinion is that if you are not a fan of the gibbering, artistically nervous tone of most of Thompson's work, this film may be too heavy for you. Although it's easier to follow that Fear and Loathing (which scrupulously stuck to the dialogue from the novel Fear and loathing), many would find the dialogue bizarre.

Personally I loved every minute of this film and think it's already truly underrated.

A Labor of Love, Johnny Depp's Homage to Offbeat Journalist and sometime Novelist Hunter S. Thompson is Affectionate, Warm, and at the Same Time Desperate.

The Novel was Written Early in Thompson's Career when He first Discovered Alcohol and the need for Journalistic Integrity (that defined the writer's output).

Those Expecting the Hallucinatory Visuals and Bombastic, Outrage of Terry Gilliam's and Johnny Depp's take on the Author's most Popular Work, "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas"(1998) will most Likely be Disappointed. Critics and Moviegoers Reflected this resulting in Poor Box Office and Scathing Reviews.

The Strength of the Movie are the Words, the Dialog that is filled with Insights and Rhetorical Rage. Almost Every Scene is Riddled with Entertaining Oratorical Observations.

The Look of the Movie can't be Faulted as the Beauty of the Island is Contrasted with the Dehumanizing Poverty.

The Cast is Outstanding with Bravura Performances from Michael Siboli, Giovanni Ribisi, and Richard Jenkins. Amber Heard is the Eye Candy. Aaron Eckhart is the Capitalist Villain, a Role that is Not Very Demanding.

Overall, it is an Offbeat Movie that does not have Wide Appeal. Thompson Himself Struggled for Wide Appeal, while Maintaining His Integrity and Never quite got there, at least Not Until very Late in Life, as He Gained Respect and Admiration as a Cult Figure.

The Wordsmith was Given High Tribute by Depp as He Strove to get the Unpublished Novel in Print and the Movie Made.

It's an Odd Film that most likely will Gain in Reputation in the Coming Years when Expectations aren't so High and Knee-Jerk concerning the Long Awaited Novel and Movie.