The Telescope

Issue Date: 11/9/09

'Pirate Radio' disappoints despite all-star comic cast

2 1/2 stars (out of 4)

By Nigel Harris

Media Credit: Courtesy Photo

"Pirate Radio" is a decent period piece brought down by its lack of identifiable characters and a dragging plot.

The film is about the British government limiting the amount of rock and pop music allowed on the radio, only to have its efforts squashed by pirate radio stations broadcasting from a ship in the ocean.

"Pirate Radio" manages to feature stunning shots of the ocean and an old ship, if only a couple of times - but when it does, it leaves an impression. The film starts with a strong opening sequence and normally keeps things looking fresh and new; the film's sets, however, can only go so far as the movie is set on a ship and can only have so much space and keep the illusion of reality.

It is hard to say that there is a main character in "Pirate Radio." The closest candidate would probably be Carl, a young man who was recently kicked out of university to go and live on his godfather's ship where Radio Rock broadcasts.

The film tries to show viewers a little bit about each crew member, and Carl is the instrument to do so. While this works out for some of the characters I found myself wanting to know more about characters and not getting it.

When these side stories didn't work however, it felt like the plot was left behind and the film was having trouble staying on track.
"Pirate Radio" has an amazing sound track. It is filled with classic rock and Motown tracks, which lead into setting up some great audiovisual combinations.

The reason that they work so well is because, one, they are all songs of the era which keeps you in the film, and two, the characters are on a ship that has countless records at their disposal.

Music is a big part of the movie, and that means that for the majority of the movie some sort of music is being played, and it is hit after hit from that era, there are a lot of very recognizable tracks. When music isn't playing the film almost takes on an awkward tone.

With actors who have such comedic talent, it was a surprise to see that the film was more on the serious side. The film isn't completely serious, but the sense of humor seems to be targeting a specific type of humor rather than seeking the broader audience.

The humor is very much like "The Office" in that it takes awkward moments and tries to put a humorous spin on them. The jokes only deliver some of the time, and the failures stick out awkwardly.

While "Pirate Radio" had its shortcomings with its characters and a driving plot it was still an interesting period piece with an amazing sound track, if classic rock and Motown interests you, check it out - if not, wait for the rental.

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