B-Movie Gazette: THE RUM DIARY (2011) - BASED ON A HUNTER S THOMPSON BOOK SET IN PUERTO RICO IN THE 60'S JOHNNY DEPP IS A MISGUIDED NEWSPAPER REPORTER

B-MOVIE OF THE MONTH - THE DEATH OF RITCHIE (TV 1977)

Looks like a lot of fun to me, I don't know. Seriously and for those that don't know, The Death Of Ritchie is one of the most iconic TV movies of the entire '70's decade. I was roughly 15 when it aired and i can tell you that both Robby Benson and teens taking drugs were very hot topics at the time. The film is based on a true story where a father who couldn't control his teen's behavior from drug abuse was forced to take the law into his own hands. The father here is good ole Ben Gazzara and he is at his Gazzara best with a ferocious intensity, his scenes with Benson as father and son a perfect chemistry. At the time more emphasis was on Benson as a model but his performance here is really amazing. Streams free on Tubi, Freevee, Roku and Plex, if this was being rated on the standard scale I would give it five stars, 'nuff said. 2.75 stars/2.75

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

THE RUM DIARY (2011) - BASED ON A HUNTER S THOMPSON BOOK SET IN PUERTO RICO IN THE 60'S JOHNNY DEPP IS A MISGUIDED NEWSPAPER REPORTER

Here we go again - a movie most people found convoluted and incoherent I land up liking. And surprisingly I've watched it a few times now and kind of dig it. Depp plays a reporter just starting off in San Juan and his first day doesn't go too well - his new boss (Richard Jenkins, excellent here) has already called him out as an alcoholic, the newspaper is on it's way down the chute and it's check-out time on his paid hotel room. At the same time a local wealthy property developer (Aaron Eckhart) offers Depp another opportunity writing copy for brochures. The developer's girlfriend (Amber Heard) lands up being Depp's downfall, imagine that.

Michael Rispoli is outstanding as Depp's new roommate and coworker and the always incredible Giovanni Ribisi kills it as a moonshine-demented local, quite funny. The film's decked out in light torquise blues and lipstick pinks which makes for a really cool look. Sure, it's a simple dramedy trying to pose as a rom-com...but we like it. Currently streams free on Tubi and Pluto. 3.0 stars/5