By Colin Campbell

Weathering the storm of blockbuster releases is difficult for any film during this season, when the year’s best Oscar bait is all cast at once, all hoping for that big catch. However, much like a smaller boat having a better chance at survival in rough weather, Pirate Radio has all the components to be the surprise winner for at least one of this year’s most prestigious awards thanks to quick-witted dialogue from writer/director Richard Curtis and even better delivery from the cast.

Battling oppression from the British Government and a ban on playing rock and roll, Pirate Radio clearly set a course for being “inspired by true events” rather than document them. Mainstream audiences are given the tried-and-tested tale of a young man coming of age among the outrageous cast of characters and the musical ensemble is often used to move the story along. However, it’s the backdrop of living on a fishing liner converted to a floating radio station, one separating them from the millions of fans listening in, is what sets the true tone of the story and where we find wind for the sails.

Revolving mainly between the relationship of each member of the crew and a semi-charmed life anchored on the North Sea, Phillip Seymour Hoffman gives an excellent performance as the laid back yet fanatically committed American disc jockey “The Count” and spins an impressive soundtrack from start to finish. However, it’s the ensemble of some of the UK’s best character actors that truly sets this movie into contention for at least one supporting actor nod.

While the experts rally behind well known favorites like Streep, Pfeiffer, Damon, and Clooney for the top honor, it’s pointless considering an actor like Phillip Seymour Hoffman due to his recent victory in Capote. By doing so, they overlook the supporting cast as well. The third rate captain and refined degenerate Quentin, played by Bill Nighy, delivers an introduction of the new crewman to the motley crew of DJs on board, setting the scene for other actors to step forward and share the stage. Whether it’s Nick Frost’s portrayal of depravity in lecherous yet loveable “Dave” or the opposite extreme of British mannerisms from Sir Alistair Dormandy (played to a new level of uptight by Kenneth Branagah), fans will have their favorites and the academy just might take notice.