Advanced Search Beta »
Basic Search Fields
Pirate Radio
Pirate Radio Image
See the trailer
Metascore
58 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 31 Critics What's this?

User Score
6.2 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 58 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
Rate this:
  • Starring: Bill Nighy, Nick Frost, Philip Seymour Hoffman
  • Summary: Broadcasting live 24/7 from an old tanker anchored in the middle of the North Sea (just beyond British jurisdiction), Radio Rock sends out a vibrant and unifying signal to millions across the nation, ranging in age from wide-eyed pre-teens secretly tuning in long past their bedtimes to everyday people in need of a musical pick-me-up. The Radio Rock roster, overseen by unflappable station owner (and ship’s captain) Quentin, includes a risk-prone American known only as The Count; mystic deejay royalty Gavin; slyly amorous Dave; idiosyncratic New Zealander Angus; the rarely seen Bob; the aptly named Thick Kevin; lovelorn Simon; ladies’ magnet Mark; shy Harold; reporter News John; and lesbian ship’s cook Felicity. One night in 1966, Quentin’s teenaged godson Carl comes aboard. While Carl harbors romantic aspirations that he hopes will be fulfilled during one of the biweekly visits by Radio Rock’s prettiest fans, he also hopes to find out more about his long-absent father. (Focus Features) … Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 31
  3. Negative: 2 out of 31
  1. Christian Science Monitor
    Reviewed by: Peter Rainer
    83
    The best of it has the comradely, free-swinging bawdiness of Robert Altman's "M*A*S*H."
  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Ray Bennett
    60
    The real pirate radio ships, whose days ended in 1967, wound up being towed away for salvage but the film avoids that fate -- like the best rock songs -- with a rousing finish and a pleasing climax.
  3. Austin Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Marjorie Baumgarten
    30
    Despite a title change from "The Boat That Rocked" to Pirate Radio, this British import exudes about as much outlaw swagger as Tom DeLay in a dance competition.

See all 31 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 36
  3. Negative: 10 out of 36
  1. phililq
    10
    I heard nothing about the movie but was there for pirate radio so of course I went. When the film started with my favorite group I was hooked. The ship is a stage with great actors, characters and non stop comical situations and lines.… Expand
    • 2 of 2 users said yes
  2. JimS
    5
    Slow to find its legs, this was a disappointing film. The scenes with the British politicians stole the show. Honestly, it would have been better as a rock opera. It also would have been much better if they played the full songs through instead of cutting them short. An unsatisfying mix of British style comedy, one dimensional characters, and a lackluster portrayal of a fabulous era.… Expand
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  3. AlexK
    1
    Curtis takes a fair premise, nice setting, and some great actors, and wipes the whole lot on his bum. I kept looking for the tell-tale tongue-in-cheek looks that these performers should have been sneaking in, but I guess the pay kept them on the straight and narrow; they should be ashamed. I felt dirty and insulted after watching this... and angry. Complete tripe. I can't even imagine listening to The Who for at least 6 weeks.… Expand
    • 1 of 2 users said yes

See all 36 User Reviews

Trailers