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

A real romp plus great music.

I loved this film! One of my favourites of the year and the soundtrack is on my ipod. I can't understand the low reviews, I normally use metacritic for all reviews but think the collaborated reviewers have missed the mark here. Rhys Ivans delivers a stunning role and Bill Nighy is great. Well worth a view.

Lot of fun! Really enjoyed it..sometimes hokey, but...so what? Ahh, how I miss the days of Free Love! ( Sorry, Honey ). Great Music...going to purchase the cd when it's available.

I too am bewildered by the critics' snarkiness. A wonderful feel-good film with great music and a terrific cast. Left the theatre in a MUCH better mood than when I went in - what more can you ask?

Having been a teen in the 60s I remember the spirit of rebellion that was part of the music and culture of the time. I really don't care about whether or not the movie had sufficient plot or character development as some have criticized. I loved it, as did my wife and teenage son. I'll buy the DVD when it comes out. Purely enjoyable entertainment. Great characters and great music, but there I'm slightly prejudiced: I could have supplied 75% of that soundtrack from my CD collection.… Expand

Watching this film is like having good, fun sex. A tad uneven but with continually enjoyable, occasionally surprising, predictable in all the best ways, and an amazing afterglow.

Very very fun. perfect soundtrack.

"Hey Hey, My My.. Rock and Roll will never die" Pirate Radio should have kept its original title because it really is The Boat That Rocked! One part Almost Famous, one part Love Actually and one part Slumdog Millionaire - Pirate Radio perfectly sums up the 60's even more than Taking Woodstock earlier this year, with an ensemble cast that are pitch perfect and the best, the Very Best rock soundtrack for a movie ever. If you love rock, you'll love this movie!… Expand

My husband (61) and I (50) had a blast - no rocket science here (and we both are quite familiar with rocket science), but it was fun night at the movies. We got more than we expected and the crowd (pretty much in our age range) laughed and cheered at the end.

He's mentored before, the great Phillip Seymour Hoffman, quite memorably, in Cameron Crowe's "Almost Famous", who as legendary rock journalist Lester Bangs, teaches young William Miller(Patrick Fugit), a cub reporter for "Rolling Stone" magazine, to be "ruthless", and above all else, to not make friends with the rock stars. Carl(Tom Sturridge), the godson of the floating pirate station's owner(played by Bill Nighy), is the right mentoring age, but "The Boat That Rocked"(the original UK title), much like the Demitri Martin character in Ang Lee's "Taking Woodstock", allows a non-fan to be our entry point into the rock and roll milieu. Hoffman, playing an American deejay named "The Count", loves rock and roll; his rival, Gavin(Rhys Ifans), also loves the most vibrant of musical genres, but its importance is secondary to the women that the job of spinning vinyl procures. (These willing girls seem to confuse disc jockeys for actual musicians.) Carl, a virgin, is more enamored by the groupies than rock and roll, and that's, as the late Fats Domino would say, "a shame", because it would have given both Quentin's godson and the American more to do. At times, "Pirate Radio"(the inferior US title) seems too preoccupied with comic bits that are irrelevant to the deejays' job of rockin' England. (And the dramatic ones with Kenneth Branagh, as a government official trying to shut Radio Rock down, get repetitive.) Carl could have been the film's vehicle which took the moviegoer closer to the music. Disappointingly, he's merely an observer to its spirit. Hoffman goes it alone. Unlike Gavin, "The Count" is no chicken; he's willing to die for rock and roll. (***SPOILER ALERT***) When the ship goes down, Carl should have been at the Hoffman character's side, enduring the onrushing sea water while spinning The Beach Boys' "Wouldn't It Be Nice", to help assure rock radio's survival. "The Count" is the only true believer. "Pirate Radio" can be construed as a metaphor; it reflects the current state of the rock format, which is losing handily to talk radio stalwarts like Rush Limbaugh, and others of his ilk.… Expand

Entertaining, with a few nice surprises.

Loved every minute of it. Cast was great. I wanted to party on the boat with them. Awesome soundtrack.

Check out a full movie review at: http://www.neocritic.com/?p=207 and give us you opinion too!

I expected a Richard Curtis movie and I got a full blown mess. Comparing this movie to "Almost Famous" is a complete lunacy.Yes, the soundtrack is good, but you do not need to waste your time in a movie to listen to good music. And the worst part is that it could have been decent, but they made all the wrong choices. This is not a rock n roll movie, this is bad american movie made in the UK.

Great soundtrack but did not capture the feel of that time period. First giveaway was a line near the beginning of the movie, "Think outside the box." That phrase was never used until the '90s. Seems like it was written by a 30 year old who had no idea what he was doing.

Judging from the scores some people must like this film, but I turned it off after 40 minutes. Awful script and bad acting.

The music is great and it is a fun and entertaining movie. It is lacking a much needed spark however. It doesn't develop the characters enough and there are a few to many slow patches as well. It's a good concept, but it does wear thin after while and loses steam halfway through. Very well acted by all and the score makes it worth watching.

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.

If there were anyway I could vote lower I would. What a travesty of a film. Considering the subject material that the film was based on, and the end result, this effort is especially terrible. It’s the kind bomb could end careers. I'm embarrassed to admit I finished watching it. Screenwriting: F. Direction: F. Production: F. The Christian Science Monitor should be mortally ashamed with their critic’s likening of the film to M.A.S.H. and Robert Altman.… Expand

Saw this in April in Amsterdam (the British, uncut release) with a close girlfriend and we were bored to tears. This is a non-starter and it gets worse by the minute - shallow characters, dodgy story (to put it mildly), lame jokes. And a great soundtrack, yes! But that is 1966 for you, the 'magic year' of rock. Mind you, the movie ends in August 1967, with the soundtrack offering tracks from 1968 (Jumping Jack Flash) or later. And the Grateful Dead album that features in the movie's climax wasn't released yet in August 1967. Nitpicking? Hardly, that's the kind of thing you start noticing when all on-screen input is just so d#$% lame... So the rating's pitiful 3 stars are for the soundcheck, the movie is a big fat nought.… Expand

This movie was not only awful but it actually p***ed my off. The sound track owes nothing to the movie and should get the only credit for whatever fake coolness this movie manages to allude to. A movie about pirate radio set in 1966 Britain that has no Beatle music (for whatever reason) and nary a joint or tab of acid is a curious caper indeed. Pretentious twaddle about covers it. I give it one star for Tom Sturridge, young Carl, the Ray Davies look alike and one for Bill Nighy's Peter O'Toole take-off. Take my word for it, this is crap.… Expand

When my wife turned to me and asked if we wanted to leave and go over to the Michael Jackson movie across the hall, I knew it was not her favorite. We stuck it out however to get a few laughs but nothing special. Save your money.

Maybe the worst movie I have ever seen, considering my disappointment level. The writing was appalling...didn't at all capture an era I was around for...lazy, stupid...what happened to Curtis, whose films I usuallly love (actually)?

One of the worst films I have ever seen. It left me feeling ultra-violent. This film should come with a sick-bag and a large bat. But really it just should not exist. Garb.

Good, though not very original, performances. We should have waited for the DVD's release, and I recommend you do that.

Awesome music, great cast, excellent storyline, and loads of fun! I love this "Rock and Roll will never die" movie!! Own this movie as you will watch it over and over again.

Great soundtrack! The movie that came with it was a little distracting though. But in all seriousness, Pirate Radio is a fun-but-flawed period piece of when Rock and Roll on the radio was all but illegal in 1960's Britain. The cast gives out mixed performances with a borderline-mediocre job from the protagonist and a pretty poorly-developed baddie. However, the pros outweigh the cons in this case, being more of a guilty pleasure than anything.… Expand

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great movie, really enjoyed it ! Yes it could have been a better movie, the characters could have been more developed , however it is a great film. Very entertaining and funny. It also has a fantastic soundtrack.… Expand

"These are the best days of our lives." -The Count Pirate Radio (Richard Curtis's second time in the director's chair) comes six years after his impressive directorial début, Love Actually (2003). This time Curtis returns with the theme of love intact, but his lack of a big enough story to fill the near two-hour runtime, threatens to capsize Curtis's rock 'n' roll love boat as waves of unnecessary drama, toss the story about on the rock 'n' roll sea. We jump into the Pirate Radio sea in 1966, things are going good for rock n' roll, offshore pirate radio, and the ship, Radio Rock. Which is getting a new crew member, 'Young' Carl (Tom Sturridge), whose mysterious mum (Emma Thompson) feels it's necessary for Carl to spend some time on Radio Rock with his godfather, Quentin (Bill Nighy), who is the captain/manager of Radio Rock, filled with sex, drugs, alcohol, and did I mention, great rock music. Meanwhile, the British government is working to find a loophole to legally cut off Radio Rock's signal. The problem for the government was that the pirate radio stations were doing nothing illegal, so, as one government official points out, if the government doesn't like something, they pass a law to make it illegal. Pirate Radio has a good story to tell, and it needs telling, especially to the younger generation who knows nothing of this kind of censorship, nor the determination and love put forth by the people who risked their livelihood, and even lives, to bring great rock music to millions across the airwaves. Many early shots in the film are handheld with fast edits and frantic pacing. As the story evolves and the audience feels at home with the crew of Radio Rock, there are more static shots and less frantic editing. The technique works well here, as the handheld scenes showthe rocking of the boat on the sea, as well as the uncertainty of Radio Rock's future. The heaping helping of rock songs played throughout the film provides most of the soundtrack, and only a few moments have need of a score. There's a great cast of known and not-so-well-known actors aboard this ship of rock. Bill Nighy, who leads the expedition, is in top form, as always, delivering his lines in the best of deadpan seriousness (his good news/bad news speech is one of his finest moments). Philip Seymour Hoffman keeps the energy alive as The Count, an American DJ whose love of rock has brought him out to the North Sea. Nick Frost is even on board, with a performance that's not on par with his work in Shaun of the Dead (2004) or Hot Fuzz (2007), but still provides plenty of laughs. The remaining cast members are also good in their roles, and you may find a couple to look out for. I especially enjoyed Thick Kevin (Tom Brooke), whose only revelation comes after a night of drinking, Midnight Mark (Tom Wisdom), who says very little, even when on the radio, and Bob Silver (Ralph Brown), the deadhead who'll do anything to save his records. The main flaw of Pirate Radio is too much padded drama with the DJs, most of which takes place over sexual escapades with women, who are only allowed on the boat every other Saturday. It would have been great to see more time spent on real events, instead of fictional spats between characters. If you're looking for a (mostly) lighthearted adventure at sea, filled with great rock, and interesting characters, or an excuse to educate the younger generation about the long hard road of 1960s rock 'n' roll, Pirate Radio will keep its mast held high and bring you safely into port.… Expand

http://mashupmash.blogspot.com/2010/10/pirate-radio.html I decided to review Pirate Radio after an RA in my dorm had a movie night last night and played this movie. I didn't go to it as I saw it a while back but it reminded me of it I guess. Well, in case you don't know Pirate Radio is pretty much about the radio censorship in Britain I guess in the 60s or 70s. It of course puts a comedic spin on it. For what it is I really liked this movie actually. Found it very hilarious, the music score was a great collection of classic rock songs and the overall story line wasn't too bad. Also I like the decade portrayed, which always helps. Based on my personal, sheer entertainment on this movie I rate it a 4.5 out of 5. And I must suggest it to anyone who likes the 60s, classic rock, british rock or music in general actually.… Expand

Excellent film!!! I usually don't give a 10, but a 9 is not enough for this one. Great story, awesome cast, Phillip Seymour Hoffman is great, as usual. Interesting how England didn't have Rock and Roll playing on the radio and these lovers of Rock and were rebels got the music out there and changed a whole country. The music is perfect, the comedy is so real, not over the top or stupid. I enjoyed the reaction of the English people who listened to the radio station, makes you want to dance and sing! I loved this film, and recommend this as a must see!!!!… Expand

Tremendous Rock n Roll atmosphere I have ever seen since ALMOST FAMOUS (2000). It feels like break free all rules and doing what we always desire to do. The power of thiz movie is on its soundtracks, entire movie fills with great passion and vintage Rock n Roll music all around. In 1960, Rock n Roll music was limited to play. BBC played less than 45 minutes Rock and Pop music a day. But 25 million people (almost half of Britain) were listening silently to the Pirate Radio which its station in a boat anchored in North Sea. There are a lot of unique and powerful characters played by talented Casts. Personally for me, there are three important characters in thiz movie, fun and exhilarating Dave (Philip Seymour Hoffman), easy-going and free-minded boss Quentin (Bill Nighy) along with cool and charismatic Gavin (Rhys Ifans). The other Casts also deliver some fantastic performances, like: Kenneth Branagh, Tom Sturridge, Chris O Dowd and others, plus Guest Star performances by Gemma Arterton and Emma Thompson. Recently Branagh himself has known as Director for upcoming THOR (2011). The involvement of different characters in thiz movie is effective and succesfully balanced, which is one of the specialties of Richard Curtis as The Director. Although Curtis has just known in LOVE ACTUALLY (2003), his Writing Credits were superb like we had seen it on FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL (1994), NOTTING HILL (1999), BRIDGET JONES DIARY (2001) and some MR. BEANS TV episodes (1990-1995). One of the best scenes on thiz movie (which is my favorite) is the scene when Carl (Tom Sturridge) saves his father, Bob (Ralph Brown) in sinking ship, beautiful underwater scene with Steven Cat song THE FATHER AND SON. The comedy, drama, and even the outfits and settings were astounding. It Is really described how that era was occurred, the time when Flower Generation and golden age of Rock n Roll music lived. If I knew there was so much fun in there in that period of time, I simply will go there and have some great time. Long Live Rock n Roll Music! Visit My Blog on JONNY'S MOVEE : http://jonnyfendi.blogspot.com… Expand

This movie is fun. Listen, no one should go in expecting some kind of brilliant masterpiece, its just a fun little tale with a great soundtrack and a lot of funny moments. It makes me long for the 60s (the time i am most familiar with without having actually lived in it). Great cast too, PSH, Rhys Ifans, Bill Nighy, Rhys Darby (glad to see him getting more exposure) and without a doubt the clincher, Kenneth Brannagh, as the assassin set out to destroy radio rock. I laughed every single time he called upon **** (Jack Davenport) despite it being somewhat juvenile humor. The soundtrack is obviously phenomenal... HOWEVER The soundtrack is also a bit inconsistent with history. Being a huge 60s/70s music buff, plenty of songs written and released after 1966 (the date of the film) were used. Songs like Jumpin Jack Flash or Elenore (The Turtles) were written and released in 1968. One scene refers to a new track by The Grateful Dead who didn't come out with their debut album till 1967. The complete absence of The Beatles (except for a little mention in the beginning) is a bit disconcerting, considering they were bigger than jesus at the time. But I accept the fact that there was probably not an awful lot of consideration put into the soundtrack. I mean, a sound track from the 60s is going to be good no matter what, but it seems like they just kind of threw in all kinds of random rock songs from any period of the 60s whether before or after the moment the movie takes place. Overall though, it is enjoyable… Expand