Starts a little slowly, but builds nicely.

Rating: 9/10 (6 August 2006)

Sequels rarely live up to the original's ideals and energy, so I wasn't expecting much going into this. I thought my fears would be justified for the first 45 minutes or so seem not to go anywhere quickly. Of course, being made back-to-back with the third film in mind, this movie was always destined to be the "middle" chapter. And middle chapters are historically weak in comparison to the start and finish episodes of a trilogy.
However, after the first hour or so of tom-foolery things began to build quite well in terms of scope, foolishness and general action, until the last half hour or so pretty much flew by. In particular, the whole series of scenes from the search on the beach for the chest onwards is just delightfully ridiculous.
Although there didn't seem to be the same level of foolishness on the part of Depp this time out, I think that everyone increases their level of madcap antics leading to him not "outshining" everyone else. Of course, he still does, but everyone seems to be hamming it up a lot more this time. Strangely though, that doesn't drag the film down at all. Just gives it more energy.
Overall, a worthy middle episode that, though sluggish to start, finishes with a glorious climax and only leaves you waiting with anticipation for the final chapter.
Easily the most fun movie I've watched so far this year!