The Rum Diary

Based on the novel by Hunter S. Thompson, The Rum Diary is an occasionally amusing if rambling tale of alcohol, the perils of corruption, and more alcohol set on the pristine island of Puerto Rico.

Paul Kemp (Johnny Depp) stars as a journalist who has escaped from the noise and madness of New York to write for a downtrodden local newspaper in Puerto Rico. In characteristic ‘Gonzo’ fashion, Kemp imbibes the rum-soaked lifestyle and indulges in its innocent pleasures with his eccentric companion Bob Sala (Michael Rispoli). However, this carefree existence is soon interrupted by his involvement with Sanderson (Aaron Eckhart), an American entrepreneur interested in converting Puerto Rico into a paradise for the rich. Sanderson solicits Kemp to write favourably about the new scheme in the newspaper and he unwittingly accepts. While consorting with Sanderson he meets his stunning fiancée Chenault (Amber Heard) and a Hollywood love story inevitably ensues...

The Rum Diary is a mildly entertaining film with a haphazard and, at times, incoherent plot. Unfortunately, Depp’s performance is surprisingly subdued in comparison with his recent work (Pirates of the Caribbean and Alice in Wonderland). As a result, Kemp fails to convince us of his righteous indignation at the demise of the journalistic trade and, along with it, the American Dream.Nevertheless, the film does have some comical moments including scenes with Moberg (Giovanni Ribisi), the newspaper’s religious affairs correspondent and the resident Nazi sympathiser. All in all then, the film is a creditable adaptation of Thompson’s novel even if it lacks the touch of class necessary to truly excite.