Sit me down and tell me to watch a film based on the industry I work in and it’s most likely that I’ll politely decline. Do the same, but tell me it’s based on a novel by Hunter S. Thompson, features handsome guys in suits and is based in an exotic location, and you’ll find me seated in front of a screen until my eyes become the biggest squares you’ve ever seen. Oh and as if I needed any more convincing, that good ol’ pirate liquor, Rum, is featured in the title.

Paul Kemp (Johnny Depp), a freelance journalist, is hired by a shabby Puerto Rican newspaper in the hopes of reviving the publication’s status. Thrown into a workforce of misfits and alcoholics, Kemp finds himself juggling the peril of an abysmal career and the challenge of combating his vices. Despite taking some time for things to warm up, the subtly dark humour and wit lingers throughout Mr Depp’s on-screen performance. The other characters in the story often felt a bit weak, with the exception of Moburg (Giovanni Ribisi) and blonde bombshell, Chenault (Amber Heard) who provide entertaining performances throughout the film.

Not all film-goers will enjoy the tongue-in-cheek wit and abundance of chaos and care-free frolics. Not everyone will like watching that ‘50s lifestyle where women were presented as trophies or playthings (or otherwise expected to fetch a man a sandwich). Others will despise Johnny Depp’s apparent fondness for playing the quirky, odd-ball character with a bad habit. If you nodded your head passionately while reading this final paragraph, The Rum Diary probably isn’t for you – if you ask me, it’s not exactly Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas but it’s still a pretty decent watch.

The Rum Diary is in cinemas across the UK from today.