A Memorable End To An Entertaining Trilogy

Rating: 6/10 (12 April 2008)

I was slightly apprehensive upon going to watch At World's End. After Curse of the Black Pearl, Dead Man's Chest was slightly disappointing due to its bloated story and the lack of heart which presided throughout the first film. Also, the negative reviews for this instalment were starting to take their toll on me. As I walked into the cinema, I was fearing the worst.
Luckily, this movie proved to be effectively entertaining. It may be the worst film of the series, but it is still a good piece of entertainment which provides some enjoyable fun, if nothing ground-breaking or complex. However, I did miss the frenzied enjoyment of the first two Pirates.
The cast have grown into their parts and are absolutely terrific to watch. The standout is once again Johnny Depp, whose incredible skills as an actor never cease to amaze. Jack Sparrow has lost none of his swagger, and Depp still shows deep affection for his role, performing exceptionally well in his fearless quest to entertain and give the audience a good time, and consistently succeeding. All of his character traits are fantastic, and his dialogue is spot-on in its delivery. That he has less screen time in this instalment is one of the film's flaws, since Jack Sparrow is most likely to be what made this series the explosive phenomenon which it has become. Less screen time for the character is likely to upset his fans. Another flaw is that there are a large number of double crosses between the characters in this movie, and that it is sometimes difficult to follow the motivations of the characters.
As for the other actors, they all acquit themselves admirably. Many of the actors also go beyond the call of duty to deliver performances with effective depth. Right at the top of the list is Bill Nighy, who gives a performance of such passion and complexity as Davy Jones that it is impossible to view the character as a mere visual effect. Also, Keira Knightley gives a performance which is full of emotion, whilst also having fun with her role. For those who are also looking for gleefully fun performances, Geoffrey Rush doesn't disappoint as Barbossa, sparring with Depp in spectacularly entertaining fashion and also holding his own with precise humour and disarming charm. The only big disappointment in the acting department is Tom Hollander, whose snide Cutler Beckett is an inadequate nemesis for the wily likes of Jack Sparrow.
The visual effects are exceptional. None of the visual effects are glaringly obvious during the proceedings, and there is a large abundance of terrific moments where the film's visuals are of stunning quality, with the final battle particularly jaw-dropping and spectacular. This sequence is also an incredible piece of action, combining humour, energy, danger and a surprising conclusion to form a flawless piece of action-adventure spectacle. Another example of the movie's tremendous visual effects is the character of Davy Jones, who is one of the most incredible visual effect-driven characters ever created. Also, Bill Nighy and the director Gore Verbinski capture the essence and emotions of the character so magnificently that it is almost impossible to view Jones as anything other than a living, breathing person whilst watching him on the screen.
The production design is also brilliant, with sets such as the Singapore lair of pirate lord Sao Feng (a brilliant Chow Yun-Fat) terrific in their detail and design. As well as this, the costume design and character make-up are also tremendously impressive.
Gore Verbinski directs the film with style and flair, although some may feel that he has taken it a step too far where the storyline is concerned. To a degree, he has, but this is only because of what he has to conclude following on from Dead Man's Chest. That film made it compulsory for World's End to be as long as it is. However, Verbinski uses more then just visual effects to hold the viewer's attentions, crafting exciting action sequences, moments of grand imagination (the sequence in Davy Jones' Locker is like something out of the mind of Tim Burton), chuckle-some humour and some engaging emotional conflicts. His direction also ensures that the film is sufficiently tense, dangerous, dark and dynamic. He is aided by a witty and mostly clever script, which is full of energetic dialogue, entertaining slapstick and interesting, colourful characters.
That being said, there are many parts of the film which tend to drag (the time between rescuing Jack and the pirates meeting at Shipwreck Cove has a lot of unnecessary material). Whilst there are some good moments in this part of the film, it never manages to grip the audience like it should. Still, the fantastic final third of the movie more than makes up for the long wait, concluding the trilogy in fine style and even leaving some doors open for future instalments.
Overall, At World's End is a good ending to a trilogy which, despite having its fair share of flaws, is still tremendously entertaining and fun to watch. For fans of comedy, action and grand adventure, this is a accomplished piece of entertainment. Plus, it never hurts to add Johnny Depp to the equation. either.