The Rum Diary (2011)

Johnny Depp more or less inhabits his Fear and Loathing role (this time with alcohol) in yet another adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson's works. He plays a struggling writer fresh in Puerto Rico trying to save a newspaper company. It's certainly more cohesive than the former role, but somehow the movie only feels half-finished. I don't know. There are some charming character moments, but for the most part I say "pass the rum."

2 hermaphroditic oracles of the dead out of 5

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)

This movie made me feel like I was on drugs. At once incomprehensible and wildly over-the-top, Johnny Depp (channelling the manic energy of Jim Carrey) and Benicio Del Toro relish in their roles with glee. It seems impossible to follow while sober, which unfortunately I was, but there are some cool trippy effects if you can stay awake for all of it. Otherwise, I'm guessing you're better off just taking the drugs.

1.5 psychedelic lizard people out of 5