The Rum Diary (2011)

Running Time: 109 mins
Directed By: Bruce Robinson
Starring: Johnny Depp, Richard Jenkins, Aaron Eckhart, Amber Heard, Giovanni Ribisi, Michael Rispoli
Screenplay: Bruce Robinson, Hunter S. Thompson
UK Release Date: 11th November 20111 - UK

Quick Plot: Journalist Paul Kemp decides to move from New York to the island of Puerto Rico where he writes for the local newspaper and begins a flirtatious relationship with Chenault, the fiancée of a pompous business man Sanderson. It's not long before Kemp realises that Puerto Rico isn't what he had expected.

Review: The Rum Diary was worth the wait. It has taken nearly 50 years to get published, adapted and then filmed and it's certainly worth that time. But although it is great to finally see it, I can't help but feel let down with it. Johnny Depp is ideal for the lead role of Paul Kemp and, even though the character is fairly younger than Depp's real age, he can pull it off. We've seen him in enough different roles for Kemp to be an easy character (compared to the likes of Jack Sparrow, Willy Wonka, etc...).
However, acting wise it's Ribisi who gives the best performance in The Rum Diary as Moburg, another reporter for the newspaper. With his wacky enthusiasm and obvious drink problem, he adds the humour even if it is a little deficient. Amber Heard is merely used for her appearance and, although it works, when watching her in play Chenault you kind of want her to have more of a input to the story.
 
The Rum Diary does have a funny hint to it which is mostly the situations Kemp and his friends get into. With a very witty script, the characters have fantastic come backs for their situations which makes the film likable. Most of the jokes centre around Kemp and other characters drinking habits but the big laugh out loud moment is the car scene, which I'm sure everyone has heard of by now. There are a few more creepier scenes involving voodoo and cock fighting, but there's not enough focus on them to give them anything more than laughs. 
The 120 run time was definitely noticeable as the film seemed to go on for a longer time than that. It takes it's time to really hit off and become fun which is all down to Heard and Ribisi's entrances, then closer to the end, the film starts to fall down again. Though if you stick with it, I'm sure it's enjoyable but it's certainly not for everyone.



Funny and entertaining. At one point you'll feel as if it's dragged, whether at the beginning or end. Depp delivers what he usually does and, for that reason, the film works great.
3/5

The Rum Diary trailer

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Friends With Benefits (2011)

Running Time: 109 mins
Directed By: Will Gluck
Starring: Mila Kunis, Justin Timberlake, Patricia Clarkson, Richard Jenkins, Woody Harrelson, Richard Jenkins, Bryan Greenberg, Andy Samberg, Emma Stone
Screenplay: David A. Newman, Keith Merryman, Will Gluck
UK Release Date: UK - 9th September

Quick Plot: Jamie and Dylan have both had their fair share of failed relationships, after becoming friends they realised that they are perfect for one another..to have sex with. Deciding to have a no strings attached- sex only- relationship they promise to not let feelings get in the way. Can't be hard right?

Review: Now where have I seen this film before? I remember, it's like that No Strings Attached that came out earlier this year. Same storyline and both star one of the girls from Black Swan and two actors from That's 70's Show! I would continue in this sarcastic manner if Friends With Benefits wasn't good but thankfully it was the opposite.
So Friends With Benefits isn't anything special or unique, especially with a similar (or replica- whatever you prefer) film having been released not so long ago. Yet, Friends With Benefits is really good for it's genre and I believe that's because of director, Will Gluck. Easy A took most of the world by storm last year and it's easy to see that Gluck has a speciality at making real life situations hilarious and thoroughly believable, though it's not extraordinary it's certainly something that's hard to come by in comedy films today.
Unlike No Strings Attached the characters of Jamie and Dylan are extremely likable. Mila Kunis' role as the 'emotionally damaged', waiting for 'Prince Charming' Jamie, is different from most rom com's leading ladies though still clichéd and similar. But because of Kunis fine talent of humour and good acting, the character is amiable to the audience which is obviously the film's aim. And even though we hate to admit it, Justin Timberlake is a far better actor than we ever expected. Though Dylan doesn't quite reach the impressiveness that The Social Network's Sean Parker did, you can see that Timberlake isn't the usual singer turnt actor we're so use to, he's passionate enough to give it his all (Though I very much miss your music JT please make another album). The pair certainly have chemistry which holds the film together and their on going bickering is charming. They're at their best in scenes together which luckily for us is about 90% of the film. Jamie's eccentric, party going Mom, Patricia Clarkson is another of the comedy stand outs and sadly Dylan's gay colleague, Woody Harrelson, isn't quite as funny as you want. Luckily the leads keep the film together as far as the characters can go.
From the trailer you knew the film essentially bases around lots of sex but the bedroom scenes aren't glorified in being the big scenes. They are important in being the funnier scenes but some are edited into sweet montages which gives off more of an emotional surge than I think it means to. With cute clichés such as the realisation that they are in love to the big act of trying to win the person back, the film is an overdose in cuteness which is down to the leads.
It's not an overly 'laugh out loud' comedy but Friends With Benefits is very funny (a lot funnier than No Strings Attached) and has the right amount of emotion for a Rom Com if you excuse the unneeded family storyline Dylan's father (Richard Jenkins) has.

Typical rom com but with plenty more laughs and sex but the leads have evident chemistry which makes the film better than most of the gushy stuff we see today. It's a must see if you love the genre.
3.5/5

Friends With Benefits official trailer

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