First, I must state that I’m a huge fan of Fear & Loathing In Las Vegas. I say that because it has a couple obvious connections to this film: actor Johnny Depp and writer Hunter S. Thompson. While this may not also be a great movie, it does well enough.

Writing: The script has some trouble getting to a point, but then again Thompson’s stuff was typically more about the journey than the destination. It seems he was always more interested in how the characters actually manage to escape by the end of the story than any other actual outcome. This is no exception. In fact, were it not for the closing paragraphs of wrap-up text at the end, this movie almost seems dead set on characters not accomplishing things. It’s a bit of a narrative mess, but so are the characters, surely by intention.

Production: The environment of 1960 Puerto Rico is very convincing. Locations and (surely) visual effects pull off that trick perfectly. Most of the filming is pretty run-of-the-mill. Not bad or anything, but not particularly memorable. One of the few problem areas in production is the editing, which seemed a bit sluggish and uneven. Overall, a pretty good production.

Cast: Here is the definite strong suit. Of course, Johnny Depp is excellent. He’s not remotely as “out there” in performance as he was in Fear & Loathing. He’s much more of a normal guy in this one, though he does get a couple great moments of stoned/drunk eccentricity. The rest of the roles are very well cast, from an on-the-fringes character portrayed perfectly by Giovanni Ribisi. Aaron Eckhart works well as “The Man”. And Amber Heard takes on the main love interest nicely (though her role gets a bit short changed here and there). Other roles are well cast.

Music: The great Christopher Young turns in a subdued but worthy score. It’s a little bit too jazzy for me in a couple spots (I really dislike the saxophone), but it works well. Not one of his best efforts, but it’s good.