Summary:
This 17th Century adventure is set on the high seas of the Caribbean. For the
roguish and charming pirate Captain Jack Sparrow, the crystalline waters of the
Caribbean present a vast playground where
adventure and mystery is endless. Captain Barbossa (Jack's nemesis), steals his ship, the Black Pearl, and later
bombards the town of Port Royal, in the process kidnapping Governor's
gorgeous but feisty daughter,
Elizabeth Swann (Kiera Knightley). Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) a childhood
friend/admirer of Elizabeth, joins forces with
Jack to commandeer the fastest ship in the British fleet, the HMS Interceptor,
in a gallant attempt to rescue her and recapture the Black Pearl. The duo and
their crew are pursued by Elizabeth's betrothed, the debonair, ambitious
Commodore Norrington, aboard the HMS dauntless.
Review:
From the very moment Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) steps onto the docks at Port
Royal, you just know you are in for a special experience. Depp's nonchalant
performance as Jack Sparrow is absolutely captivating and accentuates his
talents as an actor. It simply sets the tone for this Disney theme-park
inspired flick. Pirate movies can be risky since they often are filled with clichés
(treasures, princess', suave bad boys), but Gore Verbinski places innovative
little twists (curse treasure, governor's daughter instead of princess, main
character (Johnny Depp) not interested in female lead) and light sparks of
comedy similar to the business model in The Princess Bride takes the
pressure off the plot and let's the actors entertain box-office patrons.
Movies generally attempt to entertain audiences (comedies)
or help them escape (thrillers) from reality by transporting them to another
world. The great movies can incorporate both of these ideals and this movie
is no exception to greatness. Although the movie has little or no historical
significance for 2 hours and 23 minutes you are transported to a world of
pirates, swashbuckling, mystery and forbidden love. With light sparks of
comedy and extremely likable characters this film entertains audiences of
all ages.
The exceptional performances don't end with Johnny Depp. Orlando Bloom (Legolas,
Lord of the Rings Trilogy) portrayal of Will Turner helps Bloom step out of
the shadows and darkness from the Lord of the Rings into the spotlight as
one of Hollywood's leading men. Kiera Knightley, besides looking absolutely
stunning, empowers women everywhere with her feisty representation of new
world princess-like Elizabeth Swann.
The only thing that goes against this movie is that it is filled with old
movie clichés (beautiful wealthy woman and the blue collar man, pirates and
treasure, etc). But, because of the acting performances, small twists (the
treasure is cursed), and direction of the film you simply don't care.
Especially in the summer of the sequel this movie stands out for its
exciting performances, comical twists, and it's emphasis on cleverness and
wit over computer-graphics (CG).
See this movie if you're a fan of:
The Princess Bride (1987)
Hook (1991)
Johnny Depp (Actor, Edward Scissorhands, The Ninth Gate, Once Upon a Time
in Mexico, Sleepy Hollow)
Kiera Knightley (Actress, Bend it Like Beckham)
Orlando Bloom (Actor, Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Black Hawk Down)
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