Don't buy the large drink! If you leave your seat after the film starts, you'll miss something. Moves that quickly.

Rating: 10/10 (25 May 2007)

I refuse to divulge the plot. That said, every "T" was crossed and every "I" dotted from plots of Pirates 1 and 2. "POC: At World's End" draws together the loose threads remaining from #1 and 2 and knits them into a plausible conclusion. Good writing, guys! Certainly, if the business is good and the project has legs, the door is open for a fourth, one would hope. Mullroy and Murrtog are back and as delightful as before. Many of the pieces that worked in 1 are used again in 3. If audience reaction is any indication, the two groups I sat with last night loved them. PLEASE sit through the credits for the tease footage at the very end of the film (That's why I suggest NOT getting the large drink.). There is one on this POC as well.
Because our AMC theater was sold out, I saw the movie in a different theater complex. The sound was muddied in a few places and dialects are strong (English accents, Tia Dalma's Caribbean-type accent)and with wind/rain effect noise on top of lines and audience reactions, some dialog goes missing--a good excuse to watch the film again in another venue with a quieter house.
Parents--and this is as much of a spoiler as I will give--you are cautioned about two scenes: One is a rather graphic extreme close up shot of someone being dispatched by Davy Jones which drew groans from college-aged folks and there is a near-explicit romantic scene at another point that had me saying, "This is a Disney film..." It did not push the barriers, just came close; and given today's hip kids with their overexposure to the world and tech savvy, I'm probably an old prude.
Overall, good work by all hands on and off screen. Lots more buckle than swash. Might have wished a few more feet back on the camera work on the fight sequences with Will, Jack, Elizabeth, etc., but I like to watch the choreography of things coming, going, flowing. Seemed more intense and rushed and out-of-focus somewhat with the tighter camera placement; may have been the theater projection as well. Another reason to watch again.
I particularly enjoyed the scene with Will and Elizabeth where they put their foreheads (third eyes)together. Aha! Who thought of that? Beautiful touch. Words were totally unnecessary between the two. Perfect. Sit back, reflect, Mr. Bloom. You have earned the privilege.
Captain Jack is back as only Jack can be, thanks to the multi-talented Johnny Depp. There are so many unique character bits with deft comedic timing. Truly a great talent. Mr. Depp makes it look effortless. He wears the skin of Capt. Jack with ease. Finally, we get to see Keith Richards as Jack's father. Not to be forgotten, the animals and their handlers are truly amazing. The animal characters are truly a part of POC3. Great fun, all.
Not to be missed are the oblique references to currently global situations/politics. Love it when a period piece can comment on current events--even if poking fun at them. Between drought, fires, war, terror--we need some pirates and laughter.
Mr. Bruckheimer, I believe you have another blue ribbon entry. The hard work and talents of all make for one wild, enjoyable 3-hour ride away from our current problems. Thank you!