Top fun, but not as good as the first

Rating: 8/10 (5 July 2006)

You can't go wrong with Pirates for a full-on and fun-filled romp. Having said that I don't think it's as a good as the original. There are too many sub-plots happening and it gets a tad confusing. The action is at times 'silly', even though I understand this is not a film to be taken seriously.
The special effects are excellent, especially the costume/CGI of the crew of the Flying Dutchman. Some original thought has gone in to some of the action scenes so you will never be bored.
Depp is of course brilliant. Bloom is easily forgettable and Knightley doesn't get to do all that much. Bill Nighy is unrecognisable under the octopus costume however you can't mistake his voice or mannerisms.
Pirates is a bit too long, some scenes seem to drag on but the ending sets it up nicely for the third installment.