Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas - A lot of style and some questionable substance (abuse)

`Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' is one of those films that completely divides audiences. If you check out most of the reviews, they either describe it as a `masterpiece' or `absolute rubbish.' I can see both points of view, as both as technically correct, depending on what area of the film you focus on.

There's a lot right with this filmic interpretation of Hunter S Thompson's novel of the same name. And there's also a lot wrong with it. But, staying with the positive, it's worth noting that the film's directed by one of the most visually stunning directors ever (Terry Gilliam) and if anyone can get a great performance out of a cast, it's him. And he does just that. There are a host of famous faces who pop up here and there as we join to drug-taking journalists on their road-trip through Las Vegas. However, despite all playing their parts perfectly, they're all eclipsed by (Hunter S Thompson's real life friend) Johnny Depp, who is almost unrecognisable (courtesy of a bald head) and steals every scene as the out-of-his-head loopy journalist.

Therefore the film is stylish and well-acted - almost enough to make it a classic in its own right. And some people will only see this and love it. However, those who hate it normally point out that there isn't much in the way of a story. Perhaps this is down to having to complete junkies as central characters. Their exploits are never going to make much sense, let alone be particularly linier. What `story' there is bounces from one mad scene to the next, therefore making it a pretty lame story.

So, if you're happy to overlook what it lacks in the story department and simply enjoy the wild and psychedelic ride that it is (and Depp's brilliant performance) then you will probably see this as a classic.

7/10 if I woke up on Groundhog Day and had to watch this again, I could live with that