Column:

'Pirate Radio' proves catchy, not much else

By Thomas Leonard

Published Nov. 17, 2009

In the '60s golden age of pop, all it took to make a hit was a kid on Dick Clark's "American Bandstand" proclaiming, "It's got a good beat and you can dance to it!" Even in the complicated iTunes-era of music, catchy pop tunes still make the most fun hits.

"Pirate Radio" documents the not-actually-true story (contrary to the American marketing campaign) of an unorthodox '60s DJ who fought the British government and brought rock and roll to the airwaves. It's not unlike the British Invasion music it so joyfully resurrects — basically, it has a good beat and you can dance to it.

As if the Rolling Stones' rock wasn't enough, exuberant performances and slick styling make "Radio" an undeniable charmer, but it's not quite a winner.

Surprisingly self-aware of its sugar-coated but insubstantial plot, the film's opening credits sequence briskly sums up the revisionist history in a few sentences: In 1966 England, rock music has been banned on the radio. Enter defiant American DJ The Count (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) and his Atlantic-floating pirate ship, from which he forces his way onto British airwaves delivering precious rock 'n' roll.

The movie foregoes character development and drops us right onto the boat, giving speedy introductions to the ragtag radio crew. The film unfolds in quick, jaunty scenes that favor style over substance. Although the rollicking pace can be a blast, one has to question if you're really supposed to be involved in the movie. It becomes abundantly clear early on you'll have a much better two hours if you just sit back and listen to the great music.

But talk about great music! "Radio" has dug up some of the most memorable hits of the decade, ranging from The Kinks to The Supremes in a 60-song whirlwind of a soundtrack. Sadly, the music is not spared from the quick-cuts, and almost no song is heard for more than 45 seconds. Despite the unfortunate overload, the soundtrack is too great to resist. In fact, I challenge you not to leap up and dance during a spin of the Stones' 1967 rocker "Let's Spend the Night Together."

The irresistible soundtrack isn't the film's only plus. The mostly British cast, led by American virtuoso Hoffman, plays the quirky band of goofballs with such energy you'll be surprised they don't literally start bouncing off the walls.

Still, as much fun as they're having, you're going to be feeling pretty left out. Almost every character is boiled down to one sentence. One girl is introduced on frame with the heralded phrase, "She's a lesbian!" every time. With "Radio" running two hours, this depository of vapid characters becomes tiring very fast.

Writer and director Richard Curtis, known for his winning romantic comedies "Notting Hill" and "Love Actually," usually has no problem charming American audiences, but he seems to have missed the boat on "Pirate Radio."

"Radio" never finds its footing, and the ultra-contrived ending will surely make you groan. But if you're looking for escapist fun, it isn't the worst way to go. As long as you don't expect anything more than a '60s pop hit — it's got a good beat and you can dance to it.