A rollicking, big-action sequel

Rating: 8/10 (30 September 2006)

Wow, another $equel. What can one really $ay about that? Well, blame $tar War$ and Lord of the Ring$, after all, Disney didn't invent the franchise. That being said, I was expecting the worst (and certainly heard it from all the critics) before seeing this film. Maybe that is why I enjoyed the film so very much, and found that the time flew by (unlike my recent experience watching another "super" film of similar length, during which I kept feeling that my seat was uncomfortable, and kept looking at my watch). Pirates was, after all, never intended to be anything more than a tongue-in-cheek joy-ride based on, well, a tongue-in-cheek joy-ride. And it does move right along. Without giving away too much, I will say that I found the opening scene unexpectedly artsy and engaging, likewise the immediate introduction of major plot elements; and the introduction of new characters refreshing and intriguing. Androgynous Depp delivers again as the mincing and nasty Captain Jack Sparrow, and (IMHO) the wimpy and boyish Bloom nonetheless comes across as likable once again in the role of young Will Turner. Keira Knightley is eminently watchable, perhaps even reading the telephone directory aloud, but here her character, Elizabeth Swann, is spiced up a bit (e.g., taught how to sword-fight, an absurd idea, but let's not even go there). It's always a pleasure to see Jonathan Pryce (Brazil, say no more), and likewise Bill Nighy, who by now has ample on-screen experience playing the undead (Shaun of the Living Dead) and bad guys (The Constant Gardener), but whose real gift lies in ironic timing and subtle (or not-so-subtle) humor (Love Actually). Pirates newcomer Naomie Harris is a treat as the scary but sexy voo-doo queen Tia Dalma.
As in the first installment of Pirates, the costumes and sets are lavish and appealing; the ships are believable enough (hey, this isn't Master and Commander), and the action is a-plenty. Also as in the first film, some of the fights go on much too long, and there is more BIG action than necessary, but both are forgivable within the genre (which is, in case you forgot, theme park ride). Nighy's Davy Jones is fantastic, due in no small part to the Disney CG guys.
A side note for the literate among us: as in the first Pirates film, much is borrowed from Tim Powers' On Stranger Tides, a fact that no one will dispute after seeing this film. I won't tell you what to look for, you'll know. I was dismayed not to see any screen credit given Powers. Nonetheless, don't be surprised if the Fountain of Youth somehow plays into the third film.
Bottom Line: well worth seeing on the big screen. I might even go see it again.