Not as good as the first one, but...

Rating: 9/10 (24 May 2007)

Well, first I have to say, that I went into this movie with high expectations, but also with a certain trepidation, because after seeing the first film I wasn't sure if there's even a chance that the second one could be as brilliant as the first one.
That fear seemed to come true at the beginning of the movie. It was too fast paced and the beginning in Port Royal could have been a bit longer. It got better after that, even though I've heard from other people that they think that the entire movie is ridiculous, because everyone is always searching for someone or something. But I really don't mind that, because in my eyes the second part of the trilogy is mainly one big journey which leads us to the events in the third part.
The humour was again very good - there was a lot of slap-stick and Jack once again stole the show with his cunningness and manipulations while trying to save his soul.
At the end there was one moment in which I was completely shocked - and it wasn't Jack being swallowed by the Kraken or Barbossas return. It was the scene in which Jack leaves his Black Pearl behind to save himself, while the others are still fighting. It wasn't the fact that he left the others to fight his battle (it's not like he hasn't done that before) but I just couldn't believe it that he would leave his beloved Pearl behind. That's why I held my breath until he came back to defend his ship.
The visual effects in that scene are simply brilliant. ILM have really outdone themselves and it's amazing to watch the fight between the Pearl and the Kraken at the end.
Also, I really, really love the soundtrack! I already adored the first one, which fitted the lighter atmosphere in the first movie perfectly, and now I'm completely awestruck by this one! I especially love the theme for the Kraken and Davy Jones.
All in all, it is a perfect (except for the beginning) second part of an excellent trilogy.