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Created Nov 02, 2011 06:32PM PST • Edited Nov 03, 2011 09:44AM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   OK 2.5

   Johnny Depp plays Kemp, an alcoholic journalist in Puerto Rico in the early 1960’s, stumbling around a paradise island in a drunken stupor, and learning about plans to displace locals in the name of greed from a playboy buisnessman named Sanderson (Aaron Eckhart). Based on the book by Hunter S. Thompson, the movie stalls midway though the second reel, and ends up feeling like a bad hangover…fuzzy and tiring.

   We’ve seen this type of drunken and cynical character from Depp many times before in his Pirates repertoire. This time he is enjoying the beautiful scenery of the island, as he simultaneously tries to understand the local culture, deal with the ‘ugly Americans’, and make a living as a newspaper horoscope writer. Along the way he encounters a small enclave of expatriates, all of who seem like dysfunctional and self-absorbed losers. Eventually Kemp sobers up enough to try and fight the establishment, with the help of his dengenerative friends.

   Now, this biting criticism does not mean the movie is a complete waste, for there are some moments of levity, that while not laugh-out-loud funny, do offer the viewer a chance to guffaw at some of the ‘duck out of water’ events that happen to Kemp. Yet at the same time, we never really capture the true essence of the internal struggle, something that probably plays out much better in the book. So much potential that just doesn’t quite seem fullfilled by the time the credits role.

   Depp fans will enjoy his usual role, and there are some standout performances from co-stars that are noteworthy. Otherwise, I felt lost on this island of a film.

4. Acting

   OK 2.5

5. Male Stars OK 2.5

   Depp is at his alcoholic best, but doesn’t seem to show anything new. Perhaps he is fast becoming the Dudley Moore of this generation, known more for his cinematic drunken antics?

   Aaron Eckhart does a nice job in his role as the greedy American businessman who has it all. I was pleasantly surprised by his performance, having been critical of his acting in the past.

   Michael Rispoli also trumps Mr. Depp in his role as Sala, a degenerate sloth of a man who Kemp rooms with. Reminiscent of Pauly from the Rocky movies.

6. Female Stars OK 2.5

   Amber Heard sizzles as the love interest with no common sense.

7. Female Costars OK 2.5

8. Male Costars Very Good 3.5

   Giovanni Ribisi steals the movie in my opinion in his role as Moburg, a drunken bum who seems to epitomize the excesses the others strive for. His ability to be disgusting while fascinating will earn him an Academy nomination in my opinion.

10. Film

    OK 2.5

11. Direction OK 2.5

    I have not read the novel, so I really am not sure how well the Director captures the essence of the story. It seems like a noble effort was made, but it just wasn’t that satisfying for my entertainment liking.

12. Play OK 2.5

13. Music OK 2.5

14. Visuals Good 3.0

    Beautiful island scenery, and local atmosphere help keep the movie in the right context. Filming onsight helps tell the cultural differences.

15. Content

16. Edge

    Sordid 2.9

17. Sex Erotic 2.6

18. Violence Brutal 3.5

    Fighting, car chases, etc. along with a healthy dose of cock-fighting. Yes, you read that right. Not for the animal lovers who are easily offended.

19. Rudeness Salty 2.5

21. Reality

    Glib 1.4

22. Circumstantial Surreal 2.1

    Events portrayed in the media during the movie appear to fit real timelines (i.e, a presidential debate between Kennedy and Nixon).

23. Biological Natural 1.0

24. Physical Natural 1.0