If there were one word to sum up the movie Pirate Radio, it would be fun. Pirate Radio, previously titled The Boat that Rocked, is a comedy set in 1966 about a band of Brits and one American who broadcast banned rock 'n' roll music over the North Sea and onto British airwaves from their ship, Radio Rock. Though seemingly based around the music, the story is truly character-driven. The development of all the personalities really makes this film enjoyable. The roles are all quirky in their own ways and bring a special something to the story.The film begins with the arrival of Carl (Tom Sturridge), an 18-year-old who has been sent, at the request of his mother, aboard the Rock Radio ship to set him straight and spend time with his godfather, ship captain Quentin (Bill Nighy). Here he meets the rest of the ship's crew: the loudmouthed American named The Count (Phillip Seymour Hoffman); Angus (Rhys Darby), a comically annoying New Zealander; and a heavyset, smooth-talking, bawdy man named Dave (Nick Frost). Also broadcasting are the mysterious man of few words, Midnight Mark (Tom Widsom); the good-hearted and soft-spoken Simon (Chris O'Dowd) and Smooth Bob (Ralph Brown), the scraggly late-night host who managed to reside and broadcast on the ship for seven months without being seen. A bit into the film, Gavin (Rhys Ifans), the purple-suit-wearing so-called "king of the airwaves," comes back after a stint in America that creates for some interesting feuding scenes with Hoffman's character who feels threatened by his presence. A dangerous game of chicken ends up uniting the men, and their on-screen dynamic plays very well off each other. Finally, the ship contains the lesbian cook Felicity (Katherine Parkinson)-the only exception to the "no women on board rule" for the sole reason that she has no sexual desire for anyone on board-and the assistants Harold (Ike Hamilton) and Thick Kevin (Tom Brooke), whose name fits his intellect.

While most comedies have a short running time and focus on quick-paced humor, Pirate Radio goes well over two hours, and every minute is worth it. The action on the boat is enjoyable, and the character-based comedy writes itself through great performances from all involved. The audience really feels involved and attached to the story and can laugh along with the ridiculous personalities the actors created. For example, there is a running joke where Carl is trying to have his first experiences with a woman. He gets many opportunities, but each time the smooth-talking Dave always seems to swoop in and steal the women away. Even when Dave overtly sets up a no-fail situation for Carl, it still ends in a mishap that leaves the lady confused and creates a hilariously awkward situation.

The one small issue I have with the film is that there isn't such a clear plot established.?Only at the very end of the film does the conflict between government minister Dormandy (Kenneth Branagh) and his interestingly named subordinate Twatt (Jack Davenport) become relevant to the Pirate Radio DJs. That aside, the true growth of the large band of characters and how they all survive and enjoy life alone out on the sea is both hilarious and uplifting to see. For example, in one scene where the crew is playing "Never Have I Ever," certain backstories come out that create enjoyable moments.

The film's incredible soundtrack will be nostalgic for some and just plain enjoyable for others. In the previews, the film names big '60s rockers whose music is featured such as The Who, The Kinks and The Rolling Stones. While the movie is more about the lives and times of the DJs, the classic rock soundtrack rivals that of the famously rock-centric 2000 film Almost Famous. The songs are integrated well with the on-radio banter and usually relate to on-screen plot points integrating names of characters such as Maryanne and Eleanor. From the powerful soundtrack alone, one can tell this is a boat that rocks.

The clever script and masterful direction by Richard Curtis (Love Actually, Mr. Bean) keeps the action and laughs going strong. As the crew survives its own quasi-Titanic experience, the film ends with a big splash that will have the audience clapping as the credits roll.