My Favorite PIRATES Film

Rating: 9/10 (12 October 2009)

When the first sequel to the immensely successful PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN was released in 2006, it was the recipient of mixed reviews from critics and fans. I can see how the film may have driven off some viewers, with it's seemingly complicated plot and less humor than it's predecessor. I am an avid supporter of this film and find it to be my favorite movie of the Bruckheimer/Verbinski series. The two final films were shot consecutively and the second movie acts as a means of setting up for the final act in part three. The film revolves around the chest containing the heart of Davy Jones and the race to acquire it. Jack Sparrow's hoping to escape a horrible fate at the hands of Jones' pet, Will Turner seeks to free his recently-discovered father from Jones' crew, and disgraced ex-Commodore Norrington wants to regain his life by turning the heart over to the East India Trading Company.
The original cast returns from the first film, with some great new additions. Depp, of course, as Sparrow remains one of the most memorable film characters he's ever portrayed though I will admit some of his lines didn't sit right with me. There were points where I couldn't help but feel some the lines felt forced and didn't fit. I'm still not overly impressed with Orlando Bloom as Will Turner but Keira Knightley brought more to her role this time around as Elizabeth is evolving into a stronger character than we've seen. Also returning, is Jack Davenport as Norrington who receives a more prominent role and becomes invaluable to the sequels. Seeing as how Barbossa was killed in the first film, the sequel was in need of a new villain so, outshining all others, we have Bill Nighy's addition to the cast as what has become one of my favorite film villains...Davy Jones. Nighy brought so much to the character and did a fantastic job bringing a completely CGI character to life.
While mentioning the CGI, you will also note that it's improved since the original film. The character of Jones is so realistic at times you'd be hard-pressed not to think the make-up was done practically. Jones' crew, a mix of half-human/half-sea creatures, look fantastic but suffer at moments from the same issues as the undead pirates from the first film where the CG tends to stand out at times. There have been a lot of complaints that the story was too confusing, but I disagree. I admit I was somewhat confused at first but everything became clear as I was watching the film and had a firm grasp on the story upon my first viewing. Granted, there is a lot going on in this film and it easily fills the 2.5 hour run time but it's not time wasted. My best advice is to relax and enjoy the movie, and if you can, try to pick up on the subtle foreshadowing scattered throughout. DEAD MAN'S CHEST was easily the most enjoyable of this trilogy for me and the surprise at the end, right before the end credits roll, was enough to ensure I'd be back for the third.