The Rum Diary
Performance & Direction: The Rum Diary Review
Last updated: February 14, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Rum Diary (2011) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Rum Diary features a noteworthy lineup led by Johnny Depp . Supported by the likes of Amber Heard and Aaron Eckhart , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: The Rum Diary
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2011, The Rum Diary is a Comedy, Drama film directed by Bruce Robinson. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Johnny Depp.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. Tired of the noise and madness of New York and the crushing conventions of late Eisenhower-era America, itinerant journalist Paul Kemp travels to the pristine island of Puerto Rico to write for a local San Juan newspaper run by the downtrodden editor Lotterman. Adopting the rum-soaked lifestyle of the late ‘50s version of Hemingway’s 'The Lost Generation', Paul soon becomes entangled with a very attractive American woman and her fiancée, a businessman involved in shady property development deals. It is within this world that Kemp ultimately discovers his true voice as a writer and integrity as a man. The production finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together recurring jokes and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
Ending Explained: The Rum Diary
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Bruce Robinson, The Rum Diary attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Johnny Depp, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Rum Diary reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Rum Diary?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Rum Diary
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $45.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $24.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Rum Diary Budget
The estimated production budget for The Rum Diary is $45.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: The Rum Diary
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Where to Watch The Rum Diary Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeThe Rum Diary Parents Guide & Age Rating
2011 AdvisoryWondering about The Rum Diary age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Rum Diary is 120 minutes (2h 0m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.9/10, and global performance metrics, The Rum Diary is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2011 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Rum Diary worth watching?
The Rum Diary is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 5.9/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Rum Diary parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Rum Diary identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Rum Diary?
The total duration of The Rum Diary is 120 minutes, which is approximately 2h 0m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
