Bloody Rock N Roll!

Probably one of the most important decades in music, and arguably of the best, is the sixties. Its impact was so great that we can still see the ripples in music today. Not to say other decades aren't important, but if one would to only mention one decade, it would have to be the sixties.

And this is the setting for Richard Curtis' film, Pirate Radio, or known in its home, the UK, as The Boat that Rocked. It tells the story of a group of djs who embark on a ship to play rock and pop songs for the United Kingdom, who is depraved of this great music.

The film is told mainly through the viewpoint of Carl, a young man sent to the ship by his mother due to his troublesome behavior. While no doubt an odd choice on his mother's part, Carl does go through a series of life-changing events, all in the name of rock and roll.

This is Curtis' second film, after Love Actually. He worked for years as a screenwriter, scribing such films as Notting Hill, and Four Weddings and a Funeral. He also practically invented the British romantic comedy single-handily. However, for a writer turned director, the film is quite visually interesting. The sheer contrast of the wild, and loose Radio Rock ship and the cold, sterile government buildings is a subtle, but effective choice.

In those buildings, we generally see Kenneth Brangah, delivering a delicious performance as a government official determined to end Radio Rock's reign. He is joined by Jack Davenport, and the two make a great team, comedically.

The rest of the cast is sharp too. Bill Nighy, Nick Frost, Rhys Ifans - the best of the best of British acting talent is on display. Phillip Seymour Hoffman is also featured, as the lone American DJ. Despite being top-billed, he is hardly the main character. However, his presence is highly necessary and notable. As he did in Almost Famous, he just LOOKS like a man who loves rock and roll. And not because he can score chicks off of it, but because he loves the artform.

The film is actually inspired by a series of real pirate radio ships in the sixties. Foolish bastards, trying to take our rock and roll from us. They'll never learn.

AJP.