The Boat That Rocked [DVD] [2009]

Amazon.co.uk Review:
Richard Curtis turned his talents to telling the story of 1960s pirate radio with The Boat That Rocked. And while the film may not have scaled either the commercial or critical heights of some of his earlier work, there are still plenty of reasons to commend the film. Chief among them is the excellent cast. The Boat That Rocked brings together a welcome collection of British talent, including Bill Nighy, Kenneth Branagh, Rhys Ifans, Nick Frost and Gemma Arterton, and then they’re joined by Philip Seymour Hoffman. Between them, they effectively recall the Radio Caroline story, as a pirate radio station is set up on a North Sea cruising yacht, broadcasting to England. Said broadcasts become wildly popular, making celebrities out of some of those concerned. Yet naturally enough, the authorities, led by Branagh’s Sir Alistair Dormandy, aren’t best pleased. Curtis then laces The Boat That Rocked with plenty of comedy, and a killer soundtrack. But he loses his focus when editing the film down, as it’s a movie that, try as it might, still manages to outstay its welcome by a good 20 minutes. It doesn’t help that he’s simply trying to cram too much in here, and contrasted with the tight screenplays of some of his earlier films (take the script of Notting Hill as an example), it’s curious that he chooses to do so. Yet quibbles aside, The Boat That Rocked is still a fine comedy, with a real love for its subject matter. It arguably works best in the home, too, over the big screen, and with many laugh-out-loud moments, and some memorable characters, it’s ultimately hard to resist the film’s many charms. --Jon Foster

I just love Bill Nighy! 
The film was rather long and the out takes were funnier than the film itself. Worth watching if only to remind yourself of the 60s happening!

The Boat that Rocked (DVD) 
Nostalgic, funny with a great cast and well selected music. have bought it as a present for a like minded friend.

Loved it! 
It seems that this in one of those films that you either "get" or don't! - I really loved it!

Good Feel Movie 
Great Movie with lots of laughter and really great music - one for the over 40's!

Loved it 
A friend lent me his copy of the dvd, I wasn't even aware this film even existed until that point, not quite sure how this one completely passed me by until now as I usually like Richard Curtis films. Anyway, I absolutely loved it, just hilarious, one of the best films I've seen in a long time with a great cast, great characters and fantastic music. It has also introduced me to Tom Wisdom who plays the mysterious Midnight Mark and for that I shall be eternally smitten.

Loved it so much I'm now about to order my own copy so I can watch it again, and again quite probably.