It’s no secret to anyone who knows me that I think “Love Actually” could save humanity. Okay maybe I’m exaggerating but there’s literally something in that wonderful movie for everyone and if you don’t like it then maybe you should do some soul searching in the mirror some time in the mornings before your coffee self arrives into the world.
It would be zero surprise then that I would think “Pirate Radio” a really fun enjoyable experience given the makers of “Love Actually” created this gem of a movie that makes a great story about rock and roll in the UK during the 60s via fabled Robin Hood and his Merry Men shenanigans.
The movie opens with all of the UK already in love with this group of bumbling DJs who broadcast 24/7 from a boat off the shores of England. Each DJ has their own unique gift to the legend of rock and roll, all quite hysterical and distinct. Philip Seymour Hoffman plays the lone legendary American “The Count” who’s love for rock and roll could nearly kill him. Billy Nighy is the leader of the gang with his quirky old man contribution, responsible for keeping the Pirate Radio airwaves afloat. Rhys Ifans (whom I loved in “Notting Hill”) plays the pure sex DJ legend “Gavin.” Tom Sturridge is the teenage “Carl” the newby who’s been freshly kicked out of school and sent to live among the merry men of the Pirate Radio ship. We experience getting to know each DJ through Carl who attempts to survive their fumbling reckless lifestyle in his own way while stumbling upon his own youthful life questions.
I love movies that have music as the main character because music more than most things can unite many of us as we all have our own interpretation and memory attached to any given song that is completely unique to us. The one that that unifies is our love and familiarity for that song with our moment, thus all of us standing there bringing together all sorts of depth to a song that just began as beat or a hum in some body’s head. This movie is a tribute to those who love rock and roll so much that you’d be willing to break laws, yours and others, to stand up for what you believe in. The moments of discovery in this movie aren’t so unique but they are rewarding and heart healthy.
In a time where film is in such a transition, it’s really great to see a movie that can allow you to escape for your plus hour and a half without you looking at your watch or wondering what the hell is going on. Being in the arts and living in Hollywood, I see it when people here go to a movie and don’t enjoy it like an audience member. They’re either actors, writers, directors, hardcore fans who will argue the facts or people who go to the movies just because they’ve got nothing else to do. The art of being an audience member is getting lost, my friends and it’s sad to see. Hopefully this movie will do well and do its part to restore that art. Let yourself go with the album cover montage which I found incredibly well balanced and not just a bunch of Dylan, Springsteen or Hendrix.
Enjoy it!
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