Ridiculous plot, barely perceivable after watching twice..

Rating: 2/10 (24 November 2007)

Be prepared for perhaps the most senseless plot of any "blockbuster" movie ever released.
Throughout several plot "twists" it's so easy to be left behind by shallow explanations of what the characters intend to do next, that is almost seems as if it was done intentionally to cover the gaping holes left in the story.
The 30 minute climax of the film is a perfect example of summer blockbuster overkill, as most viewers will be completely overwhelmed by sheer volume of things happening on screen. It calls to mind the feeling of spinning a car out of control, sitting helplessly waiting for impact or for the car to eventually roll to a stop.
The film is visually satisfying, with large ocean vistas, sailing ships, SFX, etc. But how it managed to garner a score above 5 is a wonder to me. I could not have cared less about the characters, their motivation, or even success as the story was excruciatingly convoluted. More time was spent on setting up slapstick gags (most involving Sparrow or the pirate's monkey) than actually trying to tell the story.
It seems as though folks don't expect much from films these days. This film, followed closely by "Transformers" demonstrate huge budget films with mind numbingly dull plots that still manage to do well at the box office. Expect more of the same as the studios continue to make money from these sickeningly boring movies.