A Superior Sequel

Rating: 10/10 (10 July 2006)

Usually you have to settle for mega eye candy at the expense of the story, or vice-versa. This sequel delivered a well-balanced blend of both, and for that I'm very grateful.
In the spirit of second acts, this installment is darker, both in terms of ambiance and character twists. The rum-soaked lurching, sexual innuendos and sight gags are still there (the second act still knows how to have fun), but there persists an undercurrent of real treachery, both promised and delivered.
The first film posed a basic challenge to what the term "pirate" really meant - pedestrian notions of "good" vs. "evil", as contrasted against Jack Sparrow's uber-utilitarian "what a man can do; what a man can't do" maxim, etc. And it was all a big laugh.
Dead Man's Chest, while still grinning, is decidedly grimmer. Inbetween the laughs, this sequel effectively pushes the lines of loyalty and sentiment, while adding more nuances to the already fantastic Pirate lore.
That, and Davy Jones and his pet Kraken are two decidedly nasty pieces of work.
Don't trouble yourself with the "critics", the usual fashion victims of pop culture. See it for yourself and enjoy the ride.