First off, I loved the movie and I found it horribly underrated. It was a beautiful film and hilarious to boot, and the ratings do not do it justice. But to be fair, I can kind of understand why -- it's not everyone's cup of tea.
Let's start with the plot. Of which, there is none. If you are looking for a touching, heart-warming story, or even something substantial in the way of a plot, I am sorry to disappoint you. The movie is based on the book “The Rum Diary” by Hunter S. Thompson, explaining the seemingly vacant plot. The plot is not the point here.
Synopsis: A struggling, hard-drinking author and journalist, Paul Kemp (Johnny Depp), takes on a freelance job for a local newspaper in the island of Puerto Rico. The editor of the newspaper has Kemp doing horoscopes and tourist pieces and rumours are flying around that the newspaper is going down. Kemp finds himself in a battered old flat with a colleague (Michael Rispoli) whose life is just as messed up as Kemp's. Between trying to keep himself sober, dealing with the angry locals, a crooked rich dude named Sanderson (Aaron Eckhart) who has plans for him and the rich dude's beautiful, alluring girlfriend (Amber Heard), life in Puerto Rico doesn't seem all too pleasant.
The movie shows a series of events unfolding which do not actually lead to anything in particular. But that's life for you. #ShitHappens. We try to deal with things as best as we can. And often, we discover ourselves anew amidst such trying moments in a drunken epiphany. There's more drinking here than in all the movies combined I've seen in the last couple of months. Johnny Depp is as charming as ever and although I found his acting a little bland here, he manages to stay in character for most parts. Micheal Rispoli, who plays Depp's partner in crime, is nothing short of brilliant. Eckhart does what he does best and Amber Heard looks amazing.
“The Rum Diary” is hilarious. The comedy is top-notch, with just enough finesse and subtlety to be called intelligent. I couldn't stop laughing at some of the scenes. “The Rum Diary” is what it's supposed to be, nothing more, nothing less.
The Good: Good comedy, a healthy slice of life, great portrayal of life in a developing tourist spot.
The Bad: May not 'click' with everyone, might seem incoherent and pointless.
Verdict: I cannot say with any degree of certainty that you will like it, but if you want my opinion, I say go for it. Don't expect a lot of awesomeness from this, expect a few laughs, some Johnny Depp, a LOT of rum and a nice, enjoyable experience.