Not perfect, but who/what is?

Rating: 9/10 (21 July 2006)

"Dead Man's Chest" does not have the strong hook in the initial 10 minutes that "Curse of the Black Pearl" did. I wanted to see Will and Elizabeth preparing for their nuptials, the guests being seated, the musicians playing.... It just seemed like some footage was cut for running length that might have built a more emotional response to Will in irons and wet wedding music on a stand and a soaked bride with no father present. I also found the EIT company gentleman arriving in a small boat while mounted on a horse odd. Was this actually done in history? Given wave action, I should think the horse would have a hard time balancing--especially in such a small boat--and anyone sitting astride would be in risk of a dump in the drink. Incroyable! Given those reservations, DMC does provide an escape from the summer heat or the world and its current woes. It is darker and creepier, but what isn't these days? Red herrings fly in every direction, setting up the sequel. Johnny Depp has Jack running between raindrops and playing everyone off everyone else. Of course, things have to catch up with Jack. We are told what will happen at the beginning. No surprise when it does--although the manner has a twist. However, since Jack wisely palmed a piece of Aztec gold before fighting Barbossa, it is not surprising that he has managed to collect a couple items in Tia's home while there. He's ready for anything. Including the sequel.
I found myself wanting to see more of Will Turner in DMC. He moves the action along, has a few tender/dramatic moments (the best being his vow to his father), and one of the funniest scenes when he tries to charge out of the mill wheel, sword in hand, and doesn't quite. Interesting that he does not press Elizabeth about what he saw as they fled the Pearl. Since he is called "a man of destiny" by Tia, I have a feeling that PC 3 will have more Will Turner, Jr.
Elizabeth has a much larger role this go-round than Will, it seems. Her chemistry with Jack is tangible and convincing. Nicely done by Ms. Knightly and Mr. Depp. She, too, plays people off each other, using them. Pirate, indeed. But didn't she steal Will's medallion right off? Bill Nighy and/or CGI managed to make Davy Jones' octopus-type head expressive with just his eyes showing. I'm sure we will learn how Davy sustained and survived his coronary bypass in the sequel--and who the mystery woman is who drove him to be the devil of the sea. Someone with a matching music box, perhaps? Maybe another herring.
I do hope the sequel will rescue Jack, the elder Mr. Turner, the Governor, and the dog, and bring back Murtog and companion. Surely the world will still be here next summer and ready for another Pirates diversion. The cast and crew and production staff must have toiled hard to produce PC 2 in various locations through one of the worst hurricane seasons we've had in recent years. Thank you for your efforts.