A step in the (rope) ladder

Rating: 8/10 (24 September 2006)

In this second installment in Disney's only successful ride-to-movie franchise (does anyone even remember 'Tower of Terror'?), we find the major players further along in their lives, though in similar positions. Jack Sparrow is in trouble again and at the whim of his own worst interests; Will Turner again finds himself in the position of leverage; Ms. Swann is able once more to indulge firsthand her infatuation with pirates; and the once-mighty naval man Norrington is forced to compromise his principles for his heart. Sparrow's soul, it turns out, is owed to the Lovecraftian Davy Jones. He can either turn over a pile o' souls to Jones in his own stead, or defeat Jones by retrieving Jones' heart from the infamous Locker. Meanwhile, all sorts of monstrous phantasmagoria ensues involving the creepy crew of Jones' Flying Dutchman. It's a mishmash of nautical lore, certainly, but somehow it all works...and they even manage to work in the swampy start of the original ride as well! This isn't at all a bad movie, even though Depp's performance is a little weak. I like to think he was distracted during shooting by being in mourning over the death of Hunter S. Thompson. Fortunately, we are already familiar with Capt. Jack Sparrow, so the character carries where the performance lacks. Also there to provide support are excellent actors like Bill Nighy and Stellan Skarsgård aboard the fantastic-looking Flying Dutchman. The effects are great, especially if you like monsters, though they can be overwhelming at times. I can't imagine how much this will lose going to the small-screen, where the huge cast of truly amazing-looking creatures will just turn into a dark mush for the eyes. Be forewarned, though, for its fine points (even beyond a strong supporting cast and slick effects, there's a fun story and up-the-ante action scenes), this movie should be viewed with the knowledge that it is REALLY the second part of a trilogy. It was alarming to come within minutes of the film's end and realise suddenly that there was no resolution in sight...until movie number three! So, as long as the viewer can enter the theatre forearmed with that information, this ride's an enjoyable one.