Where has the rum gone?

"The Rum Diary" follows journalist Paul Kemp (Johnny Depp) who takes a freelance job in Puerto Rico. The newspaper seems to be going under even before he arrives. None of its writers seem to care much as they've become so tangled up in the lifestyle of 1950's Puerto Rico. Kemp is no exception as alcohol, drugs and a good time take a lead in his interesting journey.

"The Rum Diary," based on the first novel by Hunter S. Thompson, stars Johnny Depp, Aaron Eckhart, Amber Heard and Giovanni Ribisi. That's only a small list, but listen when I say that Depp isn't the only one to pay attention to.

There's this grand selection of actors who seem to be carefully selected for each of their roles. It's as if no one seems out of place here and that's rare when a film utilizes its characters so well.

A prime example being his co-worker, Moburg (Ribisi), who is the definition of a character and an alcoholic. He barely finds time to wobble into the newsroom for anything, but he starts to become a bigger part of the plot in the second act. Moburg even becomes the most entertaining character of the story, because this guy is just much more drunk than everyone else. The things he says and does are just downright hilarious. I was surprised to see anybody begin to upstage Depp like that.

I think it goes without saying that Depp delivers a great performance, as always. His face just emotes so well with every little subtle action happening around him. Sometimes I think he could give an entire performance without saying a word.

It doesn't take a genius to figure out that a movie titled "The Rum Diary" is probably about a journey of self-destruction. The real question is, "Is the movie any good?"

It really depends. Many times I looked around lost and confused in the characters just thinking "What is going on here!?"

This movie is a little like riding a rollercoaster. It has its highs but also its lows. The acting is flawless and there isn't a boring spot in the movie. Sometimes it just feels like it's too much to handle if you're unprepared.

You'll know when you see it, but at the end of the film, once you've calmed down and know the journey is over, there's this shot that brings back that same familiar feeling of confusion.

It may be more subtle to others, but you may ask yourself "Why do I feel like this is a Western?" But no, it isn't a Western. It's a South American.