Pirate Radio

     This movie is a period piece set in the mid 1960's.The movie is about a pirate radio ship broadcasting 24/7 off the coast of England to eager listeners wanting to hear rock & roll music; music that the BBC of that time esentially ignored.
     Starring Phillip Seymor Hoffman,as a good natured American DJ,and Kenneth Brannaugh,as the British government official intent on shutting down this percieved threat to English dignity,good taste and morality,the movie covers the antics,lives and loves of a motley band of intrepid broadcasters intent on providing the English public their daily dose of rock & roll.
     The script meanders through multiple story lines as it interlaces a wonderful sound track of mid 60's top 40 style music.This is snapshot of the tone of the time both literally and metaphorically.If you lived through the history and music of this era, you will detect the shift from the harmonizing love,surf and car songs of the early to mid 60's to the more psychedelic and moody songs that somewhat lead to the approaching "metal sounds of the 70's and 80's.
     This movie made a brief run at the big screen before being quietly moved to DVD and movie channels where it can be found today.Enjoy this movie for what it is; a light hearted look at our musical past.
     I give this movie a C+.
                                                                            Julie