Marvellous.

Rating: 7/10 (8 July 2006)

I found Dead Man's Chest a thrill ride on so many levels - similarly to the first film. its a movie that does not necessarily have to 'make logical sense', it follows piratey stereotypes and seafarers mythology, and its a fun thrilling adventure in which we are meant to lose ourselves with its energy and imagination.
characters have become more dimensional this time, as the first film has already introduced them. of course Jack has the laughs, and memorable moments, and he is so much fun to watch. Yet it is not his movie - as he does in the first, he injects trouble everywhere he goes, of which the story is built upon. New characters, particularly Bill Nighy's Davey Jones, do not feel like 'filler', or character clones, but like everything else in this film, widens the POTC universe, as though we were journeying through the mythological canon of an ancient seafaring cultures. They all have a screen presence which excites. Acting, although not exactly award-standard, is at the right tone and consistency to make this a fun family adventure, rather than an emotional drama.
The CGI is consistently brilliant. Davey Jones is the 'gollum' of 2006. Sea monsters and flying tentacles are the real deal, and applause must go to the crew animating their butts off to bring us this convincing, wondrous world.
As i've said, its a thrill ride. sure, its long, and that may get people tired of it. But as it goes on, enjoy the ride with its twists and turns, and you'll be eager for the next. Word of advice though: pay attention to every word said by the characters, as so much happens in this film, and it is easy to at times be a little confused as to what has happened. Keep your ears peeled as well as your eyes. ;-)