Satisfying Sequel

Rating: 9/10 (7 July 2006)

The sequel to the 2003 mega-hit 'Pirates of the Caribbean' begins shortly where the first film left off. Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann's (Keira Knightley) marriage is cancelled when the two, along with Norrington (Jack Davenport) are arrested and set to hang because of their involvement in Captain Jack Sparrow's (Johnny Depp) escape. The arrests seem to be a scheming plan of new character Cutler Beckett (Tom Hallander) who offers Will and Elizabeth a pardon if Will sets out to find Jack and return with his compass. Jack, meanwhile sailing the high seas, has received some disturbing news from beyond the sea-grave; he has to pay his debt to Davey Jones (played by Bill Nighy) who turned Jack into captain of the black pearl 13 years ago in exchange for his soul. Will Turner gets caught up in Jack's predicament, as does Elizabeth who is hot on the duo's trail, having escaped from prison.
This sequel has received mixed reviews; and it seems there is no middle ground when it comes to audience opinion of 'Dean Man's Chest'  you either love it, or you hate it. I loved it. I wouldn't go so far as to say it was better than the first film, but it was a satisfying sequel that left me anxious for the third and final installment. The CGI effects are phenomenal, Johnny Depp is (as always) an absolute delight to watch and the film really does very nicely set-up the storyline for the third sequel 'At World's End' (2007).
'Dead Man's Chest' is notably darker than the 'Curse of the Black Pearl'  there's more horror, gross-out moments and violence  it isn't over the top, the darkness actually adds a mature angle to the film, and makes it stand out from the original. Where 'Curse of the Black Pearl' was decidedly family-friendly, 'Dead Man's Chest' is aiming for an older demographic.
There weren't as many laughs in this film as there were in the original, and there are less quotable lines  understandably the best laugh out loud moments come from Johnny Depp, who is able to once again reveal the depths of his talent and show what an able comedian he is. Depp has particularly impressive command over physical comedy (as was evident in 'Curse of the Black Peal', but is absolutely fantastic in 'Dead Man's Chest'). Though they both really rose to fame because of 'Curse of the Black Pearl', Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom (especially Bloom) are no match for Johnny Depp who is the real power-house of the franchise. The writers clearly understand what an iconic character Jack Sparrow has become, with his own cult following and fandom; thus certain story lines are added to satisfy the throngs of Sparrow fans (like the tension between Jack and Elizabeth) and Johnny is given ample opportunity to give the audience everything they loved about Jack in the original, ten times over in the sequel. Which is great  Johnny Depp is responsible for making these films what they are.
All in all a very satisfying sequel  not as great as the original, but plenty of Jack Sparrow screen time, a darker angle and fantastic lead-up to the final installment make this a very enjoyable film.