Depp presses hard to ignite the film as Sparrow.

Rating: 7/10 (16 July 2006)

This review is from the perspective of weekend number two. Here's the bag of chips : PotC : DMC took in a record $130-something million dollars for its 3-day opening, billed as the ultimate 'summer' film, and nothing but good, action entertainment. Yet, in the haze, not all opinions are of perfection. So to say, more than thought possible are actually con-Caribbean. I went into the theater with an open mind, especially since I can enjoy a good film that isn't aimed at a guy named Oscar.
When the Disney fireworks hit, and the DEAD MAN'S CHEST text fades over dark, murky waters, my mind becomes at ease. When Bloom and Knightley make their first appearance, it is just as expected. The straight men, for the eccentricity to follow. As so it did, at the expense of a woodpecker. The film waves hello. Hi film.
Here is where things get complicated. It has all the elements of an entertaining film. It pushes off the massive success of its original. It also carries its attributes, as well. Long dialogue sequences may prove pointless. The actors do a good enough job, that if the film were silent, we could pick up on their motives. Early on, that appears to be the case. What is the payoff for it in the first third? It doesn't have to do with anything. Just your admission ticket at work, to see Jack in action again. Thoughts rise from this. Could the film possibly be a little full of itself?
Now, no complaints about the special effects, for dang sure. Two major sequences with a 'large' conflict, and the villain himself, Davy Jones, showoff just what the future holds for film. All stops were pulled to make 'Pirates 2' looks as gorgeous as possible.
Besides that, even with it being a Disney film, and Johnny Depp matching his 'Curse' performance equally, the film somehow lacks personality. Ending at the 2 hour and 45 minute mark, with long dialogue sequences, even lengthier action scenes, and a plot that seems like one big set up, things tend to get dull. By the time money scenes arrive, some people may have traveled off into Neverland. Or sleepy land.
But everything is there, in full form. A good prefix to describe Dead Man's Chest, would be 'Over'. Over-hyped. Overdone. Overzealous. But the series is sure not over. Which was, if anything, the point of this second film.