Lacks the feel of the first one

Rating: 2/10 (25 July 2006)

Let me preface this review by saying I was a huge fan of the first "Pirates of the Caribbean", and therefore decided to attend a midnight showing of this film. However, when I first walked out of the movie, I was entirely disappointed, but I felt as if I should be liking it because the first one was so great. In fact, that's the reason this review is so late.
"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" seems like a film Disney put out to get automatic money due to the success of the first film. However, lucky for them, they forgot they had some "fans" who will defend the film vehemently, no matter what people say. I've seen people with perfectly legitimate opinions on the film get bashed by the so-called "fans", just for pointing out a negative aspect of the film.
And that is how this movie differs from the first installment. Whereas "The Curse of the Black Pearl" was a fun film that most people could find numerous things to enjoy, the second movie in the series seems rather long and dragged-out, characterized by (some) shoddy effects work and flat acting from some of the main characters.
However, I am willing to look past that if the film has a good plot. Unfortunately, this film did not. My biggest gripe with this film is that it basically ends in a "to be continued"-type scenario that basically says to me "we want your money for part three!" And, unfortunately, they will not be getting mine. As an avid "Pirates of the Caribbean" fan who saw the first film seven times in theaters, the second film has greatly impacted my appreciation of the first movie. There were so many possibilities, yet it seems as if Disney decided to go for more action, sacrificing a good plot instead.
And, suffice to say, Disney will not be getting any money from me for part three.