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In The Rum Diary, writer/director Bruce Robinson and actor Johnny Depp offer a memorial to gonzo journalist Hunter S . Thompson. Based on Thompson's first novel, which was published decades after it was written, after the author was urged by Depp himself, The Rum Diary adds a forward look to the material; the film is tinged with an unwarranted nostalgia and lessens the impact of the actual story.

A prequel of sorts to 1998's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, The Rum Diary offers a tame albeit drunken origin story that limits--although unintentionally--one of the great icons of American subculture to a pathetic tag line.

Based on the sad state of current affairs, it may be fair to say that the bastards have won. Or at any rate, they're still here.

Thompson alter-ego Jack Kemp (Depp) takes refuge from his failed novels in the newspaper office of The San Juan Star in Puerto Rico. While avoiding writing horoscopes for gruff and toupeed editor Lotterman (Richard Jenkins)., Kemp falls in with American real estate developer Sanderson (Aaron Eckhart) and his skinny-dipping girlfriend Chenault (Amber Heard). Sanderson's ambition is to convert an uninhabited island into a wealthy tourist paradise, and he wants Kemp to write the brochures.

Despite his new connections, Kemp also fraternizes with his drunken colleagues, photographer Sala (Michael Rispoli) and fired crime and religion writer Moburg (Giovanni Ribisi). They introduce him to cockfighting, dive bars and full-proof rum filters from the distillery. When Kemp finally realizes the extent of Sanderson's evil ways, he turns to these pals to get the now-defunct presses rolling again in order to expose the corruption and "get the bastards."

Johnny Deppreprises his monotone mumble to play the Thompson alter-ego. It works particularly well when he appears to be being bullied by angry editors and police officers, but not as well in the service of the final focus-his desire to bring about social justice in the media. It's not a voice or even persona that should be giving didactic speeches, and even less so actually acting on them. He's one known for being noble in ideas, yes, but very short on resolve.

Although there are a few drunken and drug-fueled escapades in The Rum Diary, the antics never reach the chaotic crescendo earned in the earlier Thompson film or Robinson's 1987 art house hit, Withnail & I. As the inhouse misfits, Rispoli and Ribisi give it their all, but aren't given nearly enough screen time to let the chaos reign. Other than one scene involving Sala's stripped minicar, the film isn't nearly as fun as it could or should be. In addition, there's an extremely disturbing scene involving Chenault that never gets fully resolved either, except for a cheap, slapped-on happy ending. Overall, The Rum Diary is a bummer.

The Rum Diary

Starring: Johnny Depp, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Rispoli, Amber Heard, Richard Jenkins
Directed by: Bruce Robinson
Produced by: Tim Headington, Johnny Depp, Christi Dembrowski
Genres: Adaptation, Art/Foreign, Politics/Religion, Drama and Romance
Release Date: October 28th, 2011 (wide)
MPAA Rating: R for language, brief drug use and sexuality.
Distributors: FilmDistrict

More About Hunter S. Thompson

Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S . Thompson
Political Reporting, Hunter S . Thompson Style
Hunter S . Thompson Quotations
Urban Legend: A Note on Hunter S . Thompson
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas Criterion Collection DVD