Boat That Rocked, The

Aroview: A band of rebel DJs pioneer a pirate-radio station during the swingin’ sixties in this inoffensive, Richard Curtis-directed comedy.

For a film that celebrates rebellion, there is very little here to suggest Curtis has ever experienced sex, drugs or rock n' roll, the unnervingly wholesome package tied up in his assumption that 'naughty' capering from middle-aged men epitomizes that wild sixties spirit. Certainly Curtis' love of his favourite music permeates, although it also overwhelms; the episodic plot ultimately crushed by a weighty track list of Brit-pop, the incessant music distracting from even the cheekiest of bedroom theatrics. It's all in the name of fun, but for those looking for anything beyond a semi-amusing nautical romp, you'll wish this ship would sink long before the credits roll.