Focus Features — the production company known for its artistic films and uncanny ability to choose scripts outside of the mainstream — does it again with “Pirate Radio: The Boat that Rocked.” Director Richard Curtis (“Love Actually”) offers viewers a rockin’ comedy about ’60s British radio, which was managed by the government and provided no room for rock ‘n’ roll. However, there were some willing to go above and beyond the law. “Pirate Radio” gives a glimpse into one such station that thought outside the box.
Bill Nighy (“Underworld: Rise of the Lycans”) plays Quentin, the overly calm captain of Radio Rock, a ship anchored in the North Sea just outside of the British government’s jurisdiction. Broadcasting 24/7 and reaching out to 25 million listeners — over half the British population — Radio Rock speaks to everyone from young kids listening past their bedtimes to a.m. partiers. But when Quentin’s godchild, Carl, (Tom Sturridge, “Being Julia”) comes aboard, the story shifts to a coming of age tale.
While hoping to discover love and possibly a chance to score during one of the biweekly visits from the obsessed lady fans (or boat groupies), Carl actually discovers more about himself than he could have imagined, as well as some interesting things about his lifelong absent father. But back on dry land, British Minister Alistair Dormandy, (Kenneth Branagh “Valkyrie“) is plotting to rid the airwaves of such rubbish.
“Pirate Radio” sets itself apart right from the start. The editing during the opening credits is unique and fun, setting the tone for the rest of the film. With clips of listeners dancing and listening along to the broadcasts flying in from all angles, the viewers are thrust into the excitement that was rock ‘n’ roll in the ’60s. It is also obvious that the deejays were specifically selected and cast perfectly. With the huge cast of DJs, the movie could have easily been lost to overacting, but each actor portrayed his roll flawlessly. It is apparent the cast had an amazing time filming; they create an environment that makes one want to set sail alongside them.
It’s a full cast, but each of the actors depicts their role to a tee. Ranging from Philip Seymour Hoffman (“Synecdoche, New York”), who plays a loudmouthed American DJ dubbed The Count; to Rhys Darby (“Flight of the Conchords”) playing Angus, the comedian everyone supposedly dislikes (but truly loves); to Nick Frost (“Hot Fuzz”) as Dave, the smooth talker with a bit more to love. Even semi-newcomer Sturridge plays the perfect wide-eyed teenager ready to learn about life and love.
Set in a time when some of the most influential and historic artists were creating music, it goes without saying there is an enormous amount of outstanding music throughout the film. From Hendrix to The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, there isn’t an awful song in the entire film.
Along with the music, the costumes were perfect as well. The whole atmosphere created makes one feel as though “Pirate Radio” was actually filmed in the ’60s.
The interactions aboard the ship between Branagh’s Dormandy and his associate, Twatt (Jack Davenport, TV’s “Swingtown” and “FlashForward”) back in England are also impeccable and hysterical. Writer and director Richard Curtis creates a film where the audience cheers for the underdog, Radio Rock, and hates the power hungry regulator. Not only that, but viewers are kept chuckling the entire time. Even in the climactic scene of peril when viewers are left biting their nails wondering if the ship will survive, jokes are cracked that keep the tears from spilling over, or simply push them out as one belly laughs even more.
Through the spot-on acting, perfect casting, impeccable costumes and spectacular writing, it would be surprising if “Pirate Radio” did not win any awards for the incredible entertainment that it offers. “Pirate Radio” will make you laugh until you cry and has a lasting power that keeps one talking about it all night and humming the songs the next day.
4 1/2 stars out of 5.
