The one with the mini movie review – The Boat that rocked

For some people, their impression of pirate radio is something that consists of bangin’ toons and requests to the biys crusing down Pana in the glanza. Back in the day, pirate radio was a different beast.

In the late 60’s and 70’s boats, ships and life rafts were hanging on for dear life in the North sea, broadcasting rock, 24 hours a day to over 20 million people in the UK. And this is what the boat that rocked is basically all about. A group of DJ’s on a boat, doing their thing with a coming of age story for a teenager, who’s on the boat after his mother ships him off to his uncle, as a dose of sea air will do him good.

The man behind the likes of Love Actually, Noting Hill and countless other movies, Richard Curtis is getting credited for writing and directing this time round. Theres a solid cast here including Nick Frost, Rhys Ifans, Bill Nighy, Kenneth Brannagh and of course the heavy weight of all of them, Phillip Seymour Hoffman.

There’s a solid performance from all in the boat that rocked, and you cant help but love the count, played by Phillip Seymour Hoffman who puts in a great performance. The movie, clocks in at just over 2 hours, and is paced quite well, but not quite as quick as some might like. As well as a solid performance from the cast, the movie is also constructed from similar solid materials. The boat that rocked has plenty of comedy, but for me there certainly wasnt any laugh your lungs out through your nostrils moments. So dont worry about choking on the popcorn!

On a final note, in a time where there is so much shite coming out from Hollywood with remake after remake (running moan throw recent reviews) The Boat that Rocked offers something different and original. By the very end of the movie, you cant help but feel a warm, happy feeling on the inside. The soundtrack is outstanding, but I just feel the boat that rocked could have rocked a bit more on the laughter front. Either way an enjoyable and original movie that is a great date movie and will certainly cause a cheesy smile or 4!

7/10