The Boat That Rocked 2009

     Broadcasting live 24/7 from an old tanker anchored in the middle of the North Sea just beyond British jurisdiction, Radio Rock sends out a vibrant and unifying signal to millions across the nation.  The age of listeners ranges from wide-eyed pre-teens secretly tuning in long past their bedtimes to everyday people in need of a musical pick-me-up.  The Radio Rock roster is overseen by the station owner and ship’s Captain Quentin.  Other announcers include a risk-prone American known only as The Count, mystic deejay royalty Gavin, slyly amorous Dave, idiosyncratic New Zealander Angus, the rarely seen Bob, the aptly named Thick Kevin, lovelorn Simon, ladies’ magnet Mark, shy Harold, reporter News John and lesbian ship’s cook Felicity.  One night in 1966, Captain Quentin’s teenaged godson Carl comes aboard.  Carl harbors romantic aspirations that he hopes will be fulfilled during one of the biweekly visits by Radio Rock’s prettiest fans.  He also hopes to learn more about his long-absent father.
 
     This film also has the title Pirate Radio.  It is about rebellion of every type.  It’s ultimately a good-natured film filled with good-hearted characters and it will appeal to mature teens as well as parents who are fond of rock 'n' roll.  The movie's events are seen through the eyes of a teenager who spends a lot of time with several free-spirited 1960’s DJ’s.  He pursues losing his virginity in the process.  It's all due to them urging him to "loosen up" and "have fun”!  This translates to plenty of rude, dangerous and anti-authoritarian behavior, sex and sex talk, drinking and other illicit activities.  Be ready to talk to teens about the real-life consequences of what they're seeing on the screen.  It's important to note that the only real female character in the movie is a lesbian and this is a fact that's repeated again and again, mostly with comedic intent.  3* (This movie is OK)

117 min, Comedy directed and written by Richard Curtis with Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy, Nick Frost, Michael Hadley, Charlie Rowe, Lucy Fleming, Tom Sturridge, Ian Mercer, Will Adamsdale, Tom Brooke, Rhys Darby, Katherine Parkinson, Chris O-Dowd, Ike Hamilton, Stephen Moore.  

Note:  Imdb 7.4* out of 10* with 107,624 reviewsThe Guardian 2* out of 5* Peter Bradshaw, Roger Ebert 3*, Common Sense Media Jeffrey M. Anderson 3* out of 5*, age 16+, 1* positive messages, role models, violence 3* drinking, drugs & smoking, 4* language, Metacritic 58 out of 100 with 31 critic reviews, 6.5* out of 10* with 98 user scores, Amazon 4.7* out of 5* with 2,119 reviews.