The Rum Diary

FilmDistrict | Release Date: October 28, 2011

6.3	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 129 Ratings

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gfnyOct 28, 2011

A two hour movie sprinkled with comedy, lots of dialogue, little action. While the movie is mildly entertaining the plot leaves you wondering what the hell was that. There are also several scenes of animal cruelty in the film and because ofA two hour movie sprinkled with comedy, lots of dialogue, little action. While the movie is mildly entertaining the plot leaves you wondering what the hell was that. There are also several scenes of animal cruelty in the film and because of that I am sorry I had to witness it. I do not recommend this film. I should have seen the new Justin Timerlake film TIME instead.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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TVJerryOct 31, 2011

Johnny Depp literally discovered this unpublished Hunter S. Thompson novel, so he produced the movie and stars as the "young" writer. When he gets a job for a newspaper in '60s Puerto Rico, his life becomes a lame version of a Hunter S.Johnny Depp literally discovered this unpublished Hunter S. Thompson novel, so he produced the movie and stars as the "young" writer. When he gets a job for a newspaper in '60s Puerto Rico, his life becomes a lame version of a Hunter S. Thompson adventure: mildly weird characters, mediocre substance-fuelled situations and weak personal frustration. Unfortunately, most of this is drab and uninspired, so the film falls flat. Did I mention that Depp is probably 20 years older than the character should be? Of interest only to fans of the author.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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acquiredtastesOct 31, 2011

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I can't say that I didn't like the movie, however, I can say that it also wasn't what I expected. I expected a better story and I suppose the director was limited by the screenplay and the original story that they wanted to tell from the book. I think that I may have enjoyed the book more for the "no doubt" description of the characters and situations. Having said all that I just loved Amber Heard ( she is one beautiful girl ) and enjoyed Johnny's performance. They had some nice chemistry between them that wasn't used to good advantage. I think that the movie would have been better if they had more Amber and Johnny scenes. In fact, I would have re-written the final scene with Johnny sailing off and then cut to him knocking on Amber's door in NYC and them looking soulfully and lustily at one another. Then, I would have mentioned that he'd married Amber in the typed aftermath. Perhaps, in the end, I am just a hopeless romantic at times? I think really that the movie would have been so much better with more of that relationship as it was quite pivotal (to me anyway) in many respects.

I'm trying to figure out, if I came up with a more satisfactory ending why couldn't they have thought of it? In effect, it was stated in the written aftermath that they (Johnny and Amber) got together. I don't believe that this will be a good moneymaker and even on an artistic level, it doesn't quite make it although the sleazy flatmates of the Johnny character were quite naturally repulsive losers with foul body odour as well as exuding an alcoholic musk too, no doubt. However, Paul Rispoli's character wanting to get to Mexico sounded good. I also wonder why the final credits didn't update us on their fates etc.? Too may loose ends that would have helped the picture. I wonder why the director missed some wonderful opportunities to make a more entertaining picture by still remaining true to the book? Oh well,it was still acceptable but should have been so much better!… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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marclawrence66Mar 18, 2012

Trailer was edited very sneakily. Made to look something it is not. Very disappointing film & makes Depp look a weaker actor than he is. Cant make up its mind if its a comedy or something else. If a biopic, I think it misses the mark by someTrailer was edited very sneakily. Made to look something it is not. Very disappointing film & makes Depp look a weaker actor than he is. Cant make up its mind if its a comedy or something else. If a biopic, I think it misses the mark by some way. A few good scenes, but never really takes off & aside from the back drop of Puerto Rico to add a sense of glamour, it sadly left this viewer somewhat underwhelmed.… Expand