Best Disney Sequel EVER?

Rating: 10/10 (19 August 2006)

Can it truly be so? Has Disney actually turned out a sequel that not only isn't totally horrible, but is actually as, or even more, amazing than the first? As much as I enjoyed (fanatacized over) the first Pirates of the Caribbean, I honestly approached this one with caution, since Disney isn't exactly known for ground-breaking movie sequels. I was pleasantly surprised, to say the least! The actors and their characters were brilliant (obviously, Johnny Depp can do no wrong, as he INVENTED brilliancy on screen), colorful, and developed (once again, surprisingly so). The plot successfully remained constant with the first movie without depending solely on "inside jokes" and references. One doesn't necessarily have to see the previous movie to enjoy this film, although it infinitely enhances the experience. I give this film a perfect 10 because from the moment the film started to the very end--nay, hours and hours later--my jaw was either gaping or in a gigantic toothy smile. The special effects were amazing, the action was thrilling. The few gruesome or violent scenes were well-crafted and delightfully ridiculous, helping to form a movie perfect for all ages (ok, maybe not like reeeeally little kids). I recommend this movie to anyone who: a)has a healthy love of pirates, b)wants a film saturated with non-stop action and swashbuckling without the haughty seriousness of other recent adventure movies (a good contrast would be the too-serious "Master and Commander") or c)loves beautiful people in beautiful costumes in powerful scenes with ground-breaking special effects. Bon voyage!!
! ! STOP READING NOW IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE MOVIE ! !
Ahem, I do feel like this comment should include at least one critique, and it is one that I think I share with other Johnny Depp fans around the world. I'm only saying that I was a little disappointed in the turn of such events; specifically, a certain intimate embrace between a certain cinematic sex icon and a certain young Knightly. Isn't there some tacit law against low, new talent making out with that demi-god? There should be. Also, I thought the bayou scenes could have been a little more imaginative. The mourners looked suspiciously like runaway slaves. Maybe that was the intention, but they could have turned it into something more than that, I think.