It definitely feels like a sequel--is that good or bad?

Rating: 5/10 (24 December 2006)

"Dead Man's Chest" is basically an amplified version of the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie, "The Curse of the Black Pearl." So if you adored the first movie, you'll probably get a kick out of this one; but if you, like me, are in the minority that considers the first movie entertaining but overrated, you'll probably have even less patience with "Dead Man's Chest."
Where "Black Pearl" had a silly and convoluted plot involving a crew of undead sailors, "Dead Man's Chest" has an even sillier and more convoluted plot centered on a different crew of undead sailors, this time led by tentacle-faced Davy Jones (reliable character actor Bill Nighy). Because each character in this movie has his or her own quest, which involves going on subsidiary quests to find other people or objects that they require for help, the structure quickly becomes overstuffed. However, the number of competing characters does provide for an exciting chase sequence near the endas long as you can remember what everyone's motivations are for taking part.
For "Dead Man's Chest" to make sense, you must also remember what happened in the first movie, because most of the characters (even those who made little impression in "Black Pearl," such as Norrington) recur. But, ironically, you would also do well to forget the first movie, because this one recycles many of the same jokes and scenarios. The actors have amplified their old performances without exploring any new ground: Johnny Depp is woozier, Keira Knightley feistier, and Orlando Bloom blander than in the original film. Action sequences are bigger and busier; despite "Dead Man's Chest"'s 2.5-hour running time, there's no room for a simple one-on-one swordfight like Depp and Bloom's in "Black Pearl."
So "Dead Man's Chest" is bloated, convoluted, and not particularly original. But I found myself enjoying parts of it nonetheless. One sequence set on a cannibal island has no bearing on the plotits only purpose is to let Johnny Depp make a fool of himself, but he does this so willingly that it's a pleasure to watch. The director and writers didn't take any risks with the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise, but they didn't embarrass themselves or betray the spirit of the first movie, either. And hey, at least you know what you're in for.