Strange to feel the need to defend this movie ...

Rating: 9/10 (1 June 2007)

** May contain spoilers ** I know it seems odd, coming to the defense of a movie that's already made more money than all of our families combined :-) But I have to say something because I'm mystified by the negative reviews. I thought Curse of the Black Pearl was brilliant, as legions of fans and critics agreed. Dead Man's Chest had its flaws, though I had a rollicking good time watching it. Regarding the third entry of this series, I'm happy to say that I heartily disagree with the naysayers who don't have the patience or attention span for the intricate storytelling and roller-coaster plot turns of At World's End. Generally, I've found that a caveat of all of three Pirates movies is, pay attention to details and you will be rewarded. This is part of the attraction, to me  imagine, blockbusters that give us something to think about, not just mindless action and explosions. At World's End is a rich film, plenty of drama, intrigue, comedy, surprises, some melancholy, a sweeping soundtrack and the usual top-notch effects and cinematography  and the ever-present guesswork on just exactly who is on whose side at any given moment. With Captain Jack Sparrow, Johnny Depp has given us one of the most entertaining and appealing characters to emerge from Hollywood in years; and what a pleasure to see him once again sparring with Barbossa, played to perfection by the fabulous Geoffrey Rush (sorely missed in Dead Man's Chest). Bill Nighy is to be commended in his second turn at Davy Jones, bringing surprising depth and emotion to the character despite the hindrance of a costume that renders him virtually unrecognizable. Overall, I've seldom seen an entire cast of actors (from headliners to the smallest support part) not only putting their all into their work, but looking as if they're having the time of their life doing it. I've read more than one account of the camaraderie on the set; their enthusiasm for the saga shines through and it's irresistible.
Aye, it's a summer blockbuster that begs more from the audience than kicking back and idly chomping popcorn. So have a little patience, pay close attention to details, and revel in some good old fashioned yarn-spinning (and stay for the final scene at the end of the credits, it's lovely). At World's End pays homage to the classic seafarin' swashbucklin' epic while maintaining the unique quirkiness of the POTC franchise. Never mind the records being broken at the box office  the biggest miracle of all? Johnny Depp has brought Disney Productions and Keith Richards together. Funny ol' world, innit?