Pirates of the Caribbean: Taking on Water

Rating: 6/10 (8 July 2006)

When "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" first came out in theaters back in 2003 it surprised moviegoers who were expecting a campy, but child-friendly movie about pirates and ghosts - the typical kind of thing that normally comes with the Disney brand name. Quite frankly, considering the film was easily identified with the famous theme park ride, who could blame those initially wrote it off?
However, the "Curse of the Black Pearl" went on to surprise audiences with its stunning visuals, intriguing story and the introduction of a character so captivating that he single-handedly revolutionized Johnny Depp's career by finally putting him into mainstream public's eye. Considering that makes for one stiff bill, it is easy to understand why "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" is such a disappointment.
"Dead Man's Chest," which opened in theaters Friday, is the 150 minute follow up from where "Curse of the Black Pearl" left off. On the wedding day of William Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) it is revealed that Will and Elizabeth are to be imprisoned and sentenced to death for their hand in helping Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) allude being captured at the end of "Curse of the Black Pearl." Will is given an opportunity, however, to avoid such a fate by hunting down Captain Sparrow and stealing his compass, which he can then exchange for his and Elizabeth's freedom.
As it turns out, Sparrow also finds himself in a bit of a pickle when he learns that a deal he made with the spirit of Davy Jones (Bill Nighy) has expired and that Jones is coming to collect the agreed debt  Sparrow's soul. This all boils over with another misadventure at sea as Sparrow and company attempt to find a way to avoid an eternity of damnation and servitude to Jones and clear the names of Will and Elizabeth.
Unfortunately, the film's plot doesn't pan out as smoothly as its outline would make it seem. Despite having what seems to be an interesting plot, much of the intrigue and mystery that made the original "Pirates" so popular gets muddled over to make way for numerous action sequences that lack originality and, to be honest, are downright pointless considering the film's plot. Rather than sticking to the original film's guns, director Gore Verbinski chose to make "Dead Man's Chest" action heavy rather than trying to focus on telling a good story.
For instance, within the half-hour of the film viewers are whisked away to an entirely ridiculous visit to what can only be described as Cannibal Island, where Will, Sparrow and his crew must escape the man-eating natives. Not only was the entire scene unfunny, but also so childish and stupid that you actually begin to get the feeling that you're watching a kids movie and not a pirate movie that had an opening scene where crows peck out the eyes of prisoners.
Possibly even more depressing than the mishandled plot would be in watching a great character in Jack Sparrow get ruined by bad dialogue and confusing side-plots. Sure Depp has some memorable lines that have the zest that the first film was chalked with and he again steals the show with another incredible entrance, but those positives are quickly tarnished as you watch Depp's character head into a new direction.
Sparrow now seems more cowardly than dashing; choosing even to flee the Black Pearl while his crewmates fight off a sea monster. Ask yourself this: would the Sparrow from "Curse of the Black Pearl" have abandoned the ship he was so passionate about? Considering what he went through just to regain control of it, one could only conclude that the answer would be no.
Depp's character also suffers from contradictions made in the first film. Back in "Curse of the Black Pearl" Will and Elizabeth were willing to stand and die alongside Sparrow because they knew Sparrow was a "good man." However, throughout this current adventure an underlying theme between Elizabeth and Sparrow is that Elizabeth is convinced that Sparrow wants to know what its like to be a good person, which is why he is in capable of being completely bad. Now, that would have been an interesting side-plot had they not already concluded that he was a good person in the first film  leaving intelligent viewers wondering whether or not the original film's script was ever consulted before they went ahead and filmed "Dead Man's Chest."
Its unfortunate, but the newest film in the "Pirates" cannon falls short (and sometimes fails completely) in so many ways that it is undeserving of its title. Rather than having another terrific story supported by superb acting and stunning visuals, we're given a bunch of cheap thrills, confusing side-plots, a few zesty one-liners, only one real bright spot in what will be known as the "giant wheel fight scene," and another annoying Hollywood cliffhanger ending that'll leave audiences with a bitter taste in their mouth  much like that of "Matrix: Reloaded," which ironically has a plot that is eerily similar to "Dead Man's Chest."
Overall, people who can't look past their sentimental attachment to the first film will proclaim the sequel as a success. Unfortunately, the rest of us will know that isn't the case