The Rum Diary: Review By Bawnian©-Dexeus

The Rum Diary is a 2011 adventure film.

Directed by: Bruce Robinson.

Starring: Johnny Depp, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Rispoli, Amber Heard, Richard Jenkins, and Giovanni Ribisi.

Based on the novel of the same name by Hunter S. Thompson (1937-2005)

October 25th, 2011, I was treated to see an advanced screening of The Rum Diary. With four very watchable movies being released over the weekend, why not see one of them early? Ignoring how uncomfortable it is to find a good seat in an advanced screening auditorium, luckily, a row reserved for members of the press opened and well of course I'd be the first crazy Joe to jump out of the front to head to the back. At the risk of pulling an all-nighter, it was well worth viewing home again, even if it was set in the late fifties.

Hunter S. Thompson's novel of the same name follows the story of an itinerant journalist named Paul Kemp (Johnny Depp) who has grown tired of the Eisenhower America and moves from New York to Puerto Rico and work for the American language paper, The San Juan Star. Here he adopts the common alcoholic lifestyle while falling in love with Chenault ( Amber Heard), fiancé to rich man Sanderson ( Aaron Eckhart) who recruits him secretly to write about his secret devilish construction project that could leave a great deal of locals homeless. He has a choice to go with the flow or fit back with paper and ink.

I have this natural excitement when I watch movies set from the 90s down to the ancient days. It's always enjoyable to watch classic settings with modern faces. It gives a chance for the performer and auteur to play around and bring back to life the past like fine wine: old, but the taste grows with age. Originally born and raised in Puerto Rico, this movie I just had to see. Sure it had favorite lead roles and a bombshell actress, but I was more interested in seeing a little bit of home, and at the same time, a period that pictures could not describe. I've always asked my dad what home looked like when he was growing up. Did the color of things seem as bright as today or was it more of a sepia time. According to him, there wasn't that many roads to begin with. One great factor that the movie does marvelously is to try and not show too much of the interior. Only showing the public and private beaches and the rain forest establishments. Only places that aren't rules by asphalt and McDonalds. Of course, these free places I talk about are the number one tourist attractions, and where the movie takes place most of the time.

In reality I was expecting a rather serious toned adaptation but clearly, the way the trailers had advertised the movie, I should have known better. It was quite enjoyable to a degree. It did have it's serious tones when hey needed to be inserted, but the movie prevails with it's comedic performances and let's not forget, Rum. Thanks to Don Q and a brief mention of Bacardi, Rum is the driving force behind this production. The movie not just explore the fine night life and party ambience that classic and modern Puerto Rico, but the usual culture games: c*ck fights. Illegal in the U.S.but our version of the sport of kings.

Getting serious about the movie, while Kemp gets drowned in culture, he begins to explore the ugly side of the island. The kids and families reduced to poverty and sickness by the American disease. Like the conquest of the past, it's no surprise a higher authority would cash in on a tourist attraction. It completely Americanized this part of island, where before the locals could watch, sit and explore the beautiful beaches only to later start paying to view what is rightfully theirs. The sad ugly truth really. Only a few left free beaches today and the rest operated and owned by American companies. I was time where Puerto Ricans wanted the gringos off and away. As Kemp witnesses the negative effect, it becomes something g eh wishes to base his writing on but the San Juan Star would refuse because why on earth would an American press want to publish the harm that they are causing?

Sanderson is the same as he also sees a "sea of money" where he wants Kemp to publish their secret resort down in Viequez. His greed and lust for wealth nearly corrupts Kemp, that had him questioning where he belongs in the world from one he tried to escape. To make matters worse, he forms random love affair that is mostly explained by meets, greets and rescue. You can judge for yourself. In the end, he chooses to stand fro what is right, fights back with pen and paper and becomes one of America's most renowned journalist.

The Actors:

Johnny Depp: lt has been a while since I've heard him speak when not in character, even if he sounded like Rango most of the time. His performance was good, funny as usual, and gave the viewer a clear example of what Sparrow might look like had he taken the fountain of youth.

Aaron Eckhart: A decent antagonist with a pretty good explosive moment throughout the move. He should be the bad guy more often.

Amber Heard: A true bombshell in the industry, and one who is slowly gaining some talent. With flawless beauty, it's all the eye candy a man could ask for. Too bad she plays for the other team. A favorite starlet.

Giovanni Risbi: While I didn't mention him in the review, I did so with good reason. Give this man an Oscar for best supporting actor. His nature and performance was unbelievable, funny and unexpected. Trumping out even that of Jack Sparrow. If this role nominates him, I wouldn't be surprised and would be quite happy if he were to win. Did a better job than Depp in my opinion.

The Bad:

Yes, it takes place in Puerto Rico, but lacked some culture music. Too Americanized for my taste. You be the judge. I already have.

Overall:

A funny fast paced adventure with great performance and a brilliant surprise role. Recommended for a fan of Thompson, a lover of Depp and the average Puerto Rican.

Written by: Bawnian©-Dexeus