Grade: C-
The first adaptation of a Hunter S. Thompson novel starring Johnny Depp, “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” was a perfectly zany and trippy production that has since become a cult classic. The newest Thompson adaptation, “The Rum Diary,” sees Depp doing what he can to save an unfocused film that lacks the storytelling sensibilities of “Fear and Loathing.” The film is too akin to its source material; the characters are interesting and charismatic, but the story as a whole lacks focus and seems to get lost in its own ramblings. Depp and the rest of the cast are likable enough, and beautiful cinematography makes the film nice to look at. But those elements are ultimately outweighed by a story that doesn’t quite understand itself.
 
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Contact Joey Groner at [email protected]