Pirates 2 - Dead Man's Chest

Rating: 8/10 (10 August 2006)

Alright, to start off, I didn't find it as well-done as the first one, but that could be the definite lack of good-feelings and childish humor.
In Pirates 2 the darker side of each of the three main characters is brought forth - Jack, Elizabeth, and Will. Changing of opinion and matters of disloyalty are a main plot function. As in the first film there is quite a bit of changing around concerning ships and ports, and though there is little detail to support these constant changes (which can be confusing at times) they are carried out gracefully and are filmed sequentially and smoothly.
Some of the jokes from the first film are continued on in this one, which I found disappointing in some parts ("I'm still rooting for you, mate!" yells Jack to Norrington at one point, and at another "Why is the rum always gone?") but well carried on in others (as Elizabeth boards Jack's new ship he mutters to a fellow pirate, "Hide the rum.") As always there is a bit with a dog, a bit with a bird, and a bit with a monkey, and all are done comically with good reasoning.
Another interesting factor in Pirates 2 was the jumpiness. There are several moments in the movie where we find ourselves either tense with suspense or jumping a foot out of our seats as something pops out unexpectedly.
Overall, a good film. It doesn't match up to the first one in that it's a much darker version of piracy, with blacker comedy and some more unexpected (if unwanted) twists. There are some plot lines that are strategic and difficult to follow in places, but if you watch the film again you'll undoubtedly work them out and enjoy it a bit more once over.
8/10 is my bet, considering the first to be a perfect 10.