The Rum Diary (2011)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Tired of P

  
  Directed (and written) by Bruce Robinson, GK Films, 2011. Starring Johnny Depp, Giovanni Ribisi, Richard Jenkins, Amber Heard, Michael Rispoli and Aaron Eckhart. Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller Question: What would your reaction be if you were hired to work for a failing… More
  Directed (and written) by Bruce Robinson, GK Films, 2011. Starring Johnny Depp, Giovanni Ribisi, Richard Jenkins, Amber Heard, Michael Rispoli and Aaron Eckhart. Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller Question: What would your reaction be if you were hired to work for a failing newspaper, the editor doesn't care for the writers at all, you have a bit of alcohol problem and you can't find your writer's "voice"? Well, you actually have more problems than that but I won't give the whole movie away. However, I just saw The Rum Diary - a movie based on the book by Hunter S. Thompson and that's what's this movie is about, mostly. If I were in a situation like that, my reaction, if you must know, would look like this: I would write about what I love (movies), really hope Karma works because payback's a bitch, have a few glasses of red wine or maybe I should try a gin and tonic, realize most days are like Fridays (best day of the week) because I had my "voice" all along. I would also befriend the staff at the newspaper because that's what creative minds do..find a support system that actually understands you. But this movie isn't about me now, is it? I must say right off the bat - that the preview I saw for The Rum Diary was bit misleading. It portrayed the film as a comedy or a really offbeat story. Now, don't get me wrong, there were parts where I smiled and even giggled but I would call this a drama. Also, I am unclear why it was also listed as a mystery & thriller by IMDb. I didn't find it to be either. The Rum Diary is about a man, Paul Kemp played by Johnny Depp, who moves to San Juan to write for a newspaper. He is an unpublished novelist who doesn't have faith in himself as a writer and he's a bit of a lost man. However, when he gets down to Puerto Rico he gets sidetracked when he becomes in involved with some unscrupulous people. Paul Kemp has a bit (understatement) of a drinking problem but apparently everyone on the island likes to drink rum. That's it - no more detail about the story. I started off liking the film, it was quick, funny and I enjoyed meeting all the characters. However, the movie slowed down a bit towards the middle - to almost a standstill and I got a little bored. In fact, I almost stopped caring about the characters including the lead. I am not sure the vision of the book translated well to the screen but since I didn't read the book I can't be certain. Plus, something was off with the editing of The Rum Diary. It seemed like scenes were either cut short, cut out completely or some just added in to show off the dialogue. (I'll get the dialogue in a minute.) There was one thing that I loved throughout this film: the dialogue. It was brilliant. I want to leave some quotes here but there were so many I could share that I don't think I could pick just one. Hunter S. Thompson was a stellar writer with his own unique vision of how to describe things. For that alone I would recommend the movie. Plus, Johnny Depp delivered the lines beautifully and in such a subtle way. I really want to see it again just for dialogue. There is some narration in the beginning and then it picked up again at the end. Not sure why there wasn't much in the middle. I believe it would have helped when the story stagnated. Anyway, if you are writer and if you have ever struggled with it - and you know we all have - this story might just inspire you. My favorite thing: So many great quotes. Wish I could manipulate words that brilliantly. My least favorite thing: I got a little bored. Rating: R Length: 120 minutes Review: 5 out of 10

• Chris W

  
  Based on Hunter S. Thompson's long lost novel, this is not only a return for Johhny Depp to the world of his colleague Thompson, but also a return to the world of directing for Bruce Robinson, who had been in hiding for the last 19 years. The story follows American journalist… More
  Based on Hunter S. Thompson's long lost novel, this is not only a return for Johhny Depp to the world of his colleague Thompson, but also a return to the world of directing for Bruce Robinson, who had been in hiding for the last 19 years. The story follows American journalist Paul Kemp who arrives from New York to Puerto Rico to work for a floundering newspaper. While there, Kemp gets caught up in the booze fueled hedonism of the tropical paradise, and also gets invovled in various shananigans (including a love triangle) with various colorful characters. The story is heavily semiautobiographical, like the majority of Thompson's work, yet, unlike the last film adaptation of one of his books, this one seems more grouned and restrained, which is kinda good, since the film seems immediately more watchable. Of course though, since this is Thompson, everything devolves into a rambling plot free excursion into the odd and quirky. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, though. It's just an observation. Not only that, but it is the thing I love and simultaneously hate baout Thompson's works. I dig that the plots are loose, and rambling is fine at times, but with him, all of his stuff was rambling, unfocused, and chaotic, and a little bit of this goes a long way. As for this film, I liked it. It's a mixed bag for sure, but as mentioned above, it's immediately more watchable than Fear and Loathing, mostly due to the shooting style. How each film was shot though was/is appropriate for the book beign adapted. The cinematography is wonderful, and the location shooting is gorgeous, especially the 'real' parts of Puerto Rico. Things do run out of steam after a while, and I do think that the film could have been more tidy, but it's pretty agreeable nonetheless. Depp once again takes on a Thompson alter ego, and of course he nails it. It's funny too, because, this is a Thompson work, and Depp's portrayal of Kemp is one of his more low-key and restrained performances in a long time. It's solid, if typical work. The real stars of the show though, are the wonderfully offbeat supporting cast. My favorites were Michael Rispoli as Sala, and Giovanni RIbisi as the totally unpredictable and unchained Moburg. This jsut might be the best and most fun work he's put in. Richard Jenkins is good, though rather thankless, and even though I like Aaron Eckhart, he's rather bland and underwhelming here. I liked Amber Heard as Chenault, since she was a good casting choice, talented, and gorgeous, but she seems surprisingly underwhelming here. All in all, this isn't a perfect film, but it's serviceable enough. It had been in development hell for a long time, and, even though this might not have been the best adaptation we could have hoped for, it's passable enough considering the circumstances.

• Lorenzo v

  
  <i>"One part outrage. One part justice. Three parts rum. Mix well."</i> American journalist Paul Kemp takes on a freelance job in Puerto Rico for a local newspaper during the 1950s and struggles to find a balance between island culture and the expatriates who… More
  <i>"One part outrage. One part justice. Three parts rum. Mix well."</i> American journalist Paul Kemp takes on a freelance job in Puerto Rico for a local newspaper during the 1950s and struggles to find a balance between island culture and the expatriates who live there. <center><font size=+2 face="Century Schoolbook"><b><u>REVIEW</u></b></font></center> I suppose we are to give Hunter S Thompson the benefit of the doubt. Some of his writings are historically invaluable and models of brilliant writing. I doubt many would include The Rum Diary in that category. Director Bruce Robinson (Jennifer Eight, Withnail and I) does the best he can with enormous help from Thompson's friend and biggest cheerleader, Johnny Depp. The film plays as an autobiography supposing Thompson's character Paul Kemp (Depp) would have been employed in 1960 at the San Juan Puerto Rico Star, a newspaper run by English speaking Americans trying to report in Spanish speaking land. The editor is Lotterman (Richard Jenkins) who just wants simple human interest stories that the tourists will enjoy. When Kemp arrives, Lotterman asks him what kind of drinker he is. Kemp replies "the high end of social". A greater understatement may never have been uttered. Kemp, and of course, the real life Thompson ingested liquor at a pace and volume greater than a marathoner takes in water. Kemp finds a drinking buddy in Sala (Michael Rispoli) who is the paper's photographer. He is drawn into a shady land development plot by Sanderson (Aaron Eckhart), an American looking to capitalize financially by raping the undeveloped beach front land. He needs the help of Kemp to "sell" the project to investors, tourists and locals. Not surprisingly, Kemp's vision is a bit cloudy and he screws this up while also turning the head of Sanderson's lady, Chenault (Amber Heard). Depp does a standout job as Thompson again (Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas) with his speech pattern and ever present sunglasses. The feel of the 1960's is on display with fashion and autos, but this one just didn't do it for me. I suppose the message from Thompson here is that he did what he always envisioned himself doing, he went hard after the establishment bad guys and brought them down hard. However, this story rings a bit hollow and there are just too many missing pieces and too many holes.

• Bruce B

  
  .Finally a movie that Johnny Depp does a half way decent job of acting in. About a newspaper reporter that is in P.Rico working for a newspaper whose publication is in English early 1960's. Shows his life and times which are very comical most times. During his travels he meets a… More
  .Finally a movie that Johnny Depp does a half way decent job of acting in. About a newspaper reporter that is in P.Rico working for a newspaper whose publication is in English early 1960's. Shows his life and times which are very comical most times. During his travels he meets a beautiful women who is already engaged to a very rich man who is involved in a scheme to buy up land to build hotels/casinos. So should he expose him? 3 1/2 stars

• Mark W

  
  The last adaptation of a Hunter S. Thompson novel was Terry Gilliam's "Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas". It had the talent in front of and behind the camera but ended up a real mixed-bag. This second adaptation by "Withnail And I" director Bruce Robinson,… More
  The last adaptation of a Hunter S. Thompson novel was Terry Gilliam's "Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas". It had the talent in front of and behind the camera but ended up a real mixed-bag. This second adaptation by "Withnail And I" director Bruce Robinson, again, looks like it's in good hands but doesn't fair much better. In San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1960, Paul Kemp (Johnny Depp) gets a job on a local newspaper. He also rooms up with fellow reporter Bob Sala (Michael Rispoli) and gets a little too indulgent in drugs and alcohol. Another job falls his way though, from local, ruthless businessman Sanderson (Aaron Eckhart), who hires him to do some public relations work on a secret hotel development that will undoubtedly exploit the natives. Kemp soon finds out that everyone on this island is pretty much out for themselves. "Fear and Loathing..." didn't have a coherent storyline and suffered because of it. This plays out Hunter S. Thompson's story in a more tame and linear fashion but even this doesn't work. Maybe Thompson is just one of those writers whose prose don't transfer well to the screen. On this evidence, that would seem to be the case. It keeps threatening to deliver some chaotic behaviour from it's drug and alcohol induced characters but never follows through. Instead, it meanders and ultimately ends up a real slog. This is surprising, as Robinson had covered similar ground with the boozy eccentricity of "Withnail And I", yet he never really gets a handle on this one. The performances are good; Depp can do these off-beat characters in his sleep and there is fine support from Rispoli as his new friend and drinking partner. The highlights come from two of my favourite supporting actors though, in Richard Jenkins and Giovanni Ribisi. Jenkins, as always, is a treat as the short-tempered editor, throwing out line after line of sharp dialogue, adding much of the humour in the early part of the film. He soon disappears from view though which leaves it up to Ribisi to flourish. He's the most interesting character, as a crazed and constantly drug-idled reporter, but unfortunately, he never really gets let loose the way he should. It depicts both the glitz and the grime of Puerto Rico and has all the makings of a lunacy filled adventure but, sadly, doesn't live up to expectations. Director Robinson hadn't made a film for nearly 20 years... it shows.

• Josh L

  
  Absolutely loved its vivid recreation of 1960's Puerto Rico. The movie is all kinds of gorgeous and the actors do a good job with what they are given, but the story is half-baked and doesn't gel together well at all. It's interesting in the beginning when everything is… More
  Absolutely loved its vivid recreation of 1960's Puerto Rico. The movie is all kinds of gorgeous and the actors do a good job with what they are given, but the story is half-baked and doesn't gel together well at all. It's interesting in the beginning when everything is being introduced and you are as intoxicated as the characters just from looking at the scenery, but the beauty is only skin deep with this one. It's entertaining to watch Depp go crazy and it has some funny parts, but the movie is too long and about half way through I was left wondering where the movie could go from there. Turns out it didn't really go anywhere.

• Anthony L

  
  I think people have been a bit too quick to compare The Rum Diary with Fear and loathing in Las Vegas, yes there are obvious connections - and they work well as companion pieces, they are still very different stories. I think Bruce Robinson handled The Rum Diary perfectly. Casting… More
  I think people have been a bit too quick to compare The Rum Diary with Fear and loathing in Las Vegas, yes there are obvious connections - and they work well as companion pieces, they are still very different stories. I think Bruce Robinson handled The Rum Diary perfectly. Casting Depp was a brilliant move, the pace and the serious/humorous balance matched the book perfectly. You should always read the book before seeing the film, but this is as good as an adaptation as you're going to get. People didn't like Fear and loathing when it first came out, citing that even Hunter S. Thompson was against it (not realising that he's actually in it). My point is that no book is unfilmable, it's never the same but as long as it's heart is in the same place, its good. Maybe Bruce Robinson was the only guy who could have pulled this off, I'm thrilled he's making films again anyway. A fitting tribute to the book and its author.

• Tim S

  
  The Rum Diary, being another adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson material with Johnny Depp in the lead, is stylistically the opposite of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. That film needed an over-the-top craziness to it, but this one doesn't. The material is pretty straightfoward,… More
  The Rum Diary, being another adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson material with Johnny Depp in the lead, is stylistically the opposite of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. That film needed an over-the-top craziness to it, but this one doesn't. The material is pretty straightfoward, even if it's uneven. Character and performances are what shine in this, especially Giovannia Ribisi who practically steals every scene that he's in. The story itself doesn't go in one direction, but meanders. When the plot involving Sanderson is severed, there's still at least twenty minutes of movie left with add-on plot. It doesn't work unfortunately, but at this point, if you're engaged in the characters (and you should be that point), then the plot doesn't really matter all that much. It still feels fractured, and probably could have been fixable, but the filmmakers decided to let it fall to the actors to carry the rest of the film, and they do. It's not perfect, and it'll probably bore people with no attention span or anyone expecting a Fear and Loathing Part 2, but it's good anyway.

• Bathsheba M

  
  Johnny Depp is, well, Johnny Depp and I could look at him all night. And who better to play Hunter Thompson's fictional avatar? The only reason I didn't like the movie more is a personal taste thing: I just don't like movies with a lot of alcohol and alcoholics in… More
  Johnny Depp is, well, Johnny Depp and I could look at him all night. And who better to play Hunter Thompson's fictional avatar? The only reason I didn't like the movie more is a personal taste thing: I just don't like movies with a lot of alcohol and alcoholics in them--or druggies for that matter. I don't find it entertaining or cute or cool. There's no personal history here, it just seems like a cop-out on reality (one of the reasons I like fiction is interesting takes on reality) and it doesn't seem like a fun fantasy (the other main reason I like fiction.) I am, however, a fan of the late Hunter Thompson. My personal take on him is that his druggie/alchie persona was a fiction, but I could be wrong of course. I did attend a 'lecture' he gave in Boston. The student newspaper of a local U (Harvard, I think) invited him and he sat on the stage with a couple of kids from the paper and a big bottle of Chivas which they thoughtfully provided and he kept refilling the plastic cups of the students while never actually drinking any himself. In a while the students were schnockered and he was still his enigmatic self behind those aviator shades.

• Jason C

  
  "The Rum Diary" marks the second time that Johnny Depp has starred in a movie that was derived from the writing of Hunter S. Thompson. The first go around was the drug-induced adventure, "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas". Viewers tuning into "The Rum… More
  "The Rum Diary" marks the second time that Johnny Depp has starred in a movie that was derived from the writing of Hunter S. Thompson. The first go around was the drug-induced adventure, "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas". Viewers tuning into "The Rum Diary" to relive the bizarre entertainment of the first black comedy, are going to be very disappointed. In fact, people who are sitting down to watch a movie that has any entertainment value, are going to regret watching "The Rum Diary". I haven't read the original work by Thompson, but if this script holds true to the source material, it's possible the writing wasn't meant to be put on film. The story is severely disjointed and rambles on endlessly without any reasonable conclusion. There are a few uninspired attempts to relive the hysteria of "Fear & Loathing", but just like everything else presented, they're as flawed as they are bland. "The Rum Diary" was lame. Avoid this one.

• ♥˩ƳИИ &

  
  Cast: Johnny Depp, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Rispoli, Amber Heard, Richard Jenkins, Giovanni Ribisi, Amaury Nolasco, Marshall Bell, Bill Smitrovich Director: Bruce Robinson Summary: Eager to flee his humdrum life in 1950s New York, booze-loving journalist Paul (Johnny Depp) moves to… More
  Cast: Johnny Depp, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Rispoli, Amber Heard, Richard Jenkins, Giovanni Ribisi, Amaury Nolasco, Marshall Bell, Bill Smitrovich Director: Bruce Robinson Summary: Eager to flee his humdrum life in 1950s New York, booze-loving journalist Paul (Johnny Depp) moves to Puerto Rico and begins writing for a local rag, but his life becomes unhinged when he falls for a gorgeous woman (Amber Heard) and clashes with her shifty fiancé (Aaron Eckhart). Written and directed by Bruce Robinson, this adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson's early novel also stars Richard Jenkins as Paul's editor. My Thoughts: "I really enjoyed the movie. There is great acting by everyone, but especially by Depp, Ribisi, and Rispoli. The story is interesting and the movie is quite funny. A very entertaining film to say the least. Although I loved Depp in this, Giovanni really stole every scene he was in. His character, Moburg, was just so bizarre and crazy I couldn't keep my eyes off him when he was on the screen. He was great in this film. Not everyone is going to like the movie, especially those who don't like character driven films. But it's worth taking a look at. One I wouldn't mind seeing again."

• Crash E

  
  am lost while waiting it to begin, 2 hours later I realized that the movie is over! to be honest I didn't get it, what this movie was supposed to be? and only Johnny Depp make this move watchable.

• Everett J

  
  "Rum Diary" is a dramady based on a novel by Hunter S. Thompson("Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas"). I was expecting a hilarious, wild film about the trappings of Puerto Rico. But what I got was a jumbled movie that didn't take itself serious enough to be… More
  "Rum Diary" is a dramady based on a novel by Hunter S. Thompson("Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas"). I was expecting a hilarious, wild film about the trappings of Puerto Rico. But what I got was a jumbled movie that didn't take itself serious enough to be dramatic or that funny at all. A few great moments throughout don't make a movie good. Johnny Depp stars as Paul Kemp, a journalist who comes to Rico to work for a newspaper. He is then recruited to write an article for a businessman, Sanderson(Aaron Eckhart) who wants to turn Puerto Rico into a capitalist paradise. Does he write it favorably for Sanderson? Or write an article to take him down? Along the way Kemp becomes obsessed with Sanderson's fiancee Chenault, and gets into a lot of mayhem involving drugs and Rum(obviously). There are several times when if the movie went further with some things, it could have been a comedy classic. But it feels like it is holding back some, and this causes the movie to not gel as well as it should. Depp is good, as is the rest of the cast, but the movie as a whole is just "meh". If you like Hunter S. Thompson movies, or other drug movies, then you should check it out. But just keep your expectations in line.

• Pierluigi P

  
  Some funny moments and a few great insights of the central character's writing, but all the efforts by Johnny Depp and Bruce Robinson to make a round film fall flat, the story is not fluid, the tone rambles, the romance has zero chemistry, all the potential situations for… More
  Some funny moments and a few great insights of the central character's writing, but all the efforts by Johnny Depp and Bruce Robinson to make a round film fall flat, the story is not fluid, the tone rambles, the romance has zero chemistry, all the potential situations for hilarity fade away too soon.

• Jeff "

  
  The Rum Diary is a bizarre comedy drama film based on Hunter S. Thompson's book of the same name. I had been intrigued by the film, as I am an avid fan of Hunter S. Thompson's work. I've always seen him as really avant-garde and an author who took risks, which made his… More
  The Rum Diary is a bizarre comedy drama film based on Hunter S. Thompson's book of the same name. I had been intrigued by the film, as I am an avid fan of Hunter S. Thompson's work. I've always seen him as really avant-garde and an author who took risks, which made his work quite different from other works. This film based on one of Thompson's books is a terrific film that mixes all his styles into one film. The Rum Diary is underrated, and the cast deliver great performances which brings Thompson's eccentric sensibilities to the screen. Johnny Depp delivers yet another great performance, and he redeems himself after the dreadful The Tourist. Director Bruce Robinson crafts a great film here. Though not as memorable as Thompson's other adapted work, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, The Rum Diary is nonetheless a great film, with a great cast. I very much enjoyed The Rum Diary and if you're looking for something quite different, then give this one a shot. This is an underrated film that is supported by a great cast, and that's what makes this film worth seeing. The mix of great actors elevate this film from being just a regular flick to a really good film. There are a few good comedic bits here and there that keep this film interesting. I very much loved the film, and I think it's a fine return for Johnny Depp.

• Dan S

  
  A gorgeous but thematically mixed bag of ideas concerning an alcoholic writer (Johnny Depp) who journeys down to Puerto Rico to write for a newspaper headed by an unstable editor (Richard Jenkins), only to be overwhelmed by the infectious drinking culture that threatens to tear his… More
  A gorgeous but thematically mixed bag of ideas concerning an alcoholic writer (Johnny Depp) who journeys down to Puerto Rico to write for a newspaper headed by an unstable editor (Richard Jenkins), only to be overwhelmed by the infectious drinking culture that threatens to tear his life asunder. Depp is good at playing Depp, as he has done for years and years (the last time I could pick apart his performances would probably date back to the great, under-seen "Ed Wood"), which works well given the content of this story. It is not a great or good movie by any stretch, but it remains consistently interesting despite never really making total sense or having the confidence to pick a lane. In comparison to Thompson's other notable work, that being "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas", this one is a thousand times more comprehensible and likeable enough to maybe be worth a view. But it probably isn't, given the incomplete feel it has at the end of it with an ending not structured well enough, despite the astounding cinematography and intriguing takes it has on 1950's America and the politics going on there.

• Manu G

  
  One part outrage. One part justice. Three parts rum. Mix well. Very good movie! Filmed almost entirely in PR my hometown about 15 miles from where I live and I'm so very proud of this film. If you like Johnny Depps films you will enjoy this one too. It has some very good acting… More
  One part outrage. One part justice. Three parts rum. Mix well. Very good movie! Filmed almost entirely in PR my hometown about 15 miles from where I live and I'm so very proud of this film. If you like Johnny Depps films you will enjoy this one too. It has some very good acting in it and the story although not very topnotch but fair enough to enjoy. Nice cast, go watch it! Great cinematography! Paul Kemp is a freelance journalist who finds himself at a critical turning point in his life while writing for a run-down newspaper in the Caribbean. Paul is challenged on many levels as he tries to carve out a more secure niche for himself amidst a group of lost souls all bent on self-destruction.

• Stuart B

  
  Decent enough, with a few brilliant stand out moments but not enough to really carry the film through it's 2hr runtime.

• Joe M

  
  It's basically Fear and Loathing in Puerto Rico.

• Veronique K

  
  sanitized hunter s thompson. johnny depp is losing the edge for sure. what could you expect, he's stepping into middle age, proper time to settle down and embrace happiness wtih family and kids. still, fear and loathing in las vegas directed by terry gillian is the best… More
  sanitized hunter s thompson. johnny depp is losing the edge for sure. what could you expect, he's stepping into middle age, proper time to settle down and embrace happiness wtih family and kids. still, fear and loathing in las vegas directed by terry gillian is the best cinematic hunter still. it was made when depp was younger and still quite edgy. even aaron eckhart kicks more ass than depp here. swell villain who you hate to love, love to hate! gee, i hope terry gillan was directing this! it would be much much more fun!

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