The story follows a ship that broadcasts Rock and Roll into the UK.  It’s called Pirate Radio, because apparently the government didn’t allow land-based stations to play that sort of music?  I don’t know.  It wasn’t clearly explained.  The ship is full of DJs that each have a show, and a few extraneous crew members there to fulfill flat character types (the lesbian, the fatherless youth looking for a family).  They listen to good music, do drugs, and bring women on board to have sex with, but they’re only allowed once a week (and they’re not allowed to live on the boat unless they play for the other team).  It’s all ‘based on a true story.’  But it seems mostly that the characters and even the boat itself (named Pirate Radio) are all really composites of several rouge radio stations and DJ personalities from the sixties on up to the early nineties).

Despite being a little overly familiar, the movie does have times when it really shines (I’ll admit that I laughed aloud a few times).  This is due to, of course, the outstanding cast, which features Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy and Emma Thompson (just to name a few).  They were helped out by the script, penned by Curtis, which, despite devolving into something melodramatic and mediocre, starts out with some really witty stuff.  Bill Nighy’s comedic timing is damn near perfect, and Rhys Ifans is always a pleasure to watch.  There’s some great classic music showcased here, and occassionally you’ll be carried away by the film.  But you will only be rudely awaken when the film loses it’s quippy pace.  The whole thing ends with an homage of album covers that includes bands like The Black Eyed Peas, and Eminem.  Yes, I was just as confused as you probably are.

2.5 out of 4 stars

So basically, there are humans, vampires and lycans (which apparently is the cool term now, as opposed to werewolves).  The vampires make the humans their bitches and make them pay to protect them from lycans and death dealers and other stuff you could probably find on the cards from Magic: The Gathering (but you probably knew all this stuff from the first two movies).  The vampires are pretty much in control and have made the lycans their slaves.  But then there was this special werewolf born that had a higher capability of thought, his name is Lucian (Sheen).  The lead vampire Viktor (Nighy) keeps Lucian around as a sort of pet.  What Viktor doesn’t know is his pet was banging his daughter, rebellious Sonja (Mitra).  Lucian isn’t satisfied with his life of slavery and plans an uprising of the lycans, but is torn because if he leaves the vampire kingdom, he’ll have to leave behind wicked hot Sonja.

it’s really quite the conundrum, right?  This is only Patrick Tatopoulos’ second attempt at directing, although he is quite the special effects and makeup guru.  According to IMDB.com, there are 9 people credited for the script, if you care to read all their names so you know who you should be angry with, click here.  Really, the script is an embarrassment to filmmakers everywhere.  But in lieu of dialogue, or interesting characters, they managed to throw in not one, but two brutal torture scenes (scenes that were clearly stolen from other, better films), some freaky crossbreed sex in unorthodox positions and a lot of colored eye contact lenses.  Unfortunately, Tatopoulos seemed like he had never been behind a camera before.  Battle scenes that were much wider in scope couldn’t be captured because of awkward camera angles and weird, almost non-existent lighting.  The extreme stylization of the film didn’t work for it either.  Besides bright purple and blue eyes, the only other color palate was dark gray.  And it gets boring.  Fast.  The cast did it’s best, and there are some thrilling moments watching Sheen and Nighy get into their roles, but even that couldn’t rouse much interest in this lousy excuse for a prequel.

1 out of 4 stars

‘Enduring Love’ is one of those movies that will stay with you long after the credits finish rolling. This is in large part thanks, no doubt, to Ian McEwan, the author of the book from which this film is adapted. Anyone familiar with McEwan’s work recognizes the power of his written word. His book ‘Atonement’ also inspired the 2007 Oscar contender. Scriptwriter Joe Penhall (who wrote the script for this fall’s much anticipated ‘The Road) is credited with ‘Enduring Love’s’ adaptation.

‘Love’ is directed by Roger Michell (The Mother, Notting Hill) and was released in 2004. He wastes no time showing is talent at creating raw energy and suspense. In the first scene of the film, a quiet meadow is disturbed by a hot air balloon with two passengers ripping through out of control. The only witnesses (including Joe, played by Daniel Craig, and Jed, played by Rhys Ifan) rush to the aid of these two, attempting to pull the balloon down to safety. Just as the task is almost accomplished, a burst of air takes sends the balloon airborne again. The group of men hanging on to the basket hang on as long as they can, but each drops to the ground as they raise higher and higher. All, except one man, who clings on as they float higher and higher. Eventually he drops from a terrific height to a gruesome death.

It’s from this magnificently shot scene that the movie starts its story line. You see, Jed feels that he and Joe share an intense, personal, and erotic bond having shared this horrible experience. He quickly shows signs of obsession, showing up in Joe’s life in all the strangest places. He insinuates himself deeper and deeper into Joe’s life, bit by bit, showing up at odd moments and then shadowing him with a persistent desperation Joe cannot understand or escape.

The film is shot beautifully. It’s worth the price of a rental if only for the opening sequence. Daniel Craig performs solidly along side Bill Nighy (who, despite his small role, can’t help but steal the scenes he’s in) Joe’s girlfriend Claire, played by Samantha Morton, is just as entertaining to watch. However, none of these performances compare to the disturbing portrayal of Jed by Rhys Ifan. It’s been a long time since I’ve been so creeped out by character in a film. The subtleties of his performance will haunt you.

Admittedly, the film loses control of itself as it goes along. It seems that during the last 20 minutes, somebody decided to just stop trying and resort to a level that insults the intelligence of the rest of the film. All in all, the film has some strikingly beautiful moments and certainly deserves at least one viewing.

3 out of 4 stars

Rated R for language, some violence and a disturbing image.

Rottentomatoes: 59% — Cream of the Crop: 58%