The Rum Diary

This is one of the worse movies I have ever seen. Yes, I understand it's a tribute to Hunter S. Thompson, and yes, I "get" it. But once I "got it" I didn't want it anymore. This movie has no plot. Period. It rambles on and on, and for 2 hours. The viewer is left with no take home message, no lesson, nothing. It's a movie that was put together by a drunk who didn't organize any of his thoughts to make the movie memorable, meaningful or impressive. The only thing that deserves credit here is Puerto Rico itself. The images of Vieques and Old San Juan, as well as its people, really come alive. However, this is all background for a seemingly never-ending dialogue that amounts to nothing. All of you who think this was "great and rocking" are vane and naive. Just because HST is revered to have been some sort of genius, there is a stark contrast between literary rebellion and success at the box-office. People are seriously afraid of seeming stupid and ignorant if they don't like this picture- which is sad because they are going against their instinct...which is that this movie is a waste of time and money.

This is completely disrespectful and demeaning to Hunter Thompson and his world. I knew Johnny had sold out a long time ago, but he always stayed true to Hunter's work and their relationship. This movie exemplifies how a truly brilliant author can, even by a close friend, be completely warped into pop culture. I remember Johnny was afraid of what Hunter's reaction would be to Fear and Loathing. Hunter was a man of a time long gone now, and this film pushes him out more and more. The book - 10/10

A film adaption based on the first auto biographical fiction novel that legendary novelist, journalist, folk hero, and father of "gonzo" journalism Hunter S. Thompson wrote. It tells the tale of Hunter beginning down the path to becoming Gonzo as well as his misadventures during his time in Puerto Rico. A must watch for any fan of Hunter or Depp. Not quite as excellent as Fear and Loathing, but still a good movie and sequel/prequel to a cult classic.