A joy to watch.

Rating: 10/10 (4 September 2007)

I saw the first "Pirates" film four times in theatres in the summer of 2003; it was one of my all-time favourite film experiences, and its first sequel joined that illustrious group, almost matching its precedessor in pure fun and entertainment. I'm glad to say, having seen the second sequel, it is similarly entertaining. Many people and critics have fallen out of love with the sequels, but I love the films as much as ever.
First and foremost, I love the incredibly complicated mythology that the screenwriters have cooked up, much of it on the fly. The film introduces a lot of major plot elements that were not previously mentioned, including a whole pirate hierarchy (that does play on some information given in previous films), and, in spite of itself, it all just works. There are so many balls in the air, and so many running jokes, that it all amounts to an overstuffed joy on the screen. You have to pay attention, but it's not nearly so complicated as many critics would have you believe; perhaps they were just expecting to be able to switch off their brains in a summer movie.
The cast is simply brilliant, from Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow right on down to the two guys who play the goofy comic relief British soldiers from the first film. In particular, it is great to have Geoffrey Rush as Captain Barbossa (first name Hector, we learn) back, as he adds immeasurable hilarity to the proceedings.
I could go on and on about this film, but sufficed to say, I loved it.