(Courtesy of StudioCanal)
Off the coast of England lies a ship thats almost as colorful as the crew on board.
Pirate Radio, released Nov. 13, tells the story of a lively bunch of DJs determined to broadcast rock n roll to a music-thirsty Britain. In order to transmit their titillating tunes, they live aboard a ship and broadcast in international waters, out of reach of the classically inclined government.
While the story and cast are both fictional, they are loosely based on the numerous pirate radio stations that existed in the 60s. Set in 1966, Pirate Radio film portrays a clash between generations that are facing a pop culture revolution. New pop and rock bands (such as The Who, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles) are adored by the younger generation, while the older generation shuns the new music. Leading and enabling this music revolution are the DJs of Rock Radio, eight guys with a penchant for wild, ridiculous behavior.
The audience gets to observe the hilarious shenanigans that occur on board the floating radio station. Pranks, bed-hopping and chicken fights culminate in an entertaining stew of antics that keeps the audience laughing. The award-winning cast, which includes stars Philip Seymour Hoffman and Emma Thompson, is truly splendid together. Each character is vivid and memorable.
While the crew of Rock Radio plays, bumbling villains in the government are repeatedly foiled in their attempts to shut down the station. The plot climaxes in a wonderful mess that, while somewhat predictable, is extremely fun.
This film has the power to please any audience: The high-school aged boys on my left cracked up while the seventy-something granny on my right chortled.
Pirate Radio does what every comedy should do: it captures the audience in its world, allowing the laughter to freely and unconsciously erupt from the depths of their belly.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Mary Rochelle at Mary.rochelle@colorado.edu.
