Provides all the 'booty' you'd expect; sometimes perhaps more, because it may even be a tad overstuffed...

Rating: 8/10 (16 July 2006)

... I love all the little character moments, but besides that there's whole heaps of plot to cram in, too. I had a nagging sense of doubt for a good portion of the film because it has much more story than its progenitor, and maybe slightly less exhilarating hijinks that seem to arise just for the fun of it. Although such necessary subplots threaten to stall it in some spots, things are threaded together skilfully enough in the end to make me suitably forgiving...
Depp's accomplished turn is no surprise, given that this was what had me so hyped up to see it, in the first place... I liked the fact that most of the roles of the returned were expanded, which may account for the length, but on the other hand it's at least trying to be an inclusive experience for both the cast and the audience, alike. The decision to promote Keira to 'one of the lads' was on the money, since she's in possession of a distinctly tomboyish natural charm which now no longer need be concealed. I understand why Orlando is most often stuck being the straight man, since he would no doubt look uncomfortable if asked to be anything but the upright exemplar of a human moral compass.
I'm still heartily enthusiastic and on board for the next voyage in under a years time. Mild curiosity - even for casual fans - should be enough to have them exit feeling the same way...