A dark and less funny sequel

Rating: 7/10 (8 July 2006)

PIRATES 2 is an OK sequel to the original, with most if not all of the original cast back for another shot at buried treasure. This time around, Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) and company are after Davy Jones'locker, which contains an artifact that will keep Sparrow from falling into the clutches of the undead Davy Jones. Davy Jones, who sports an octopus for a head, pilots the Flying Dutchman, which among other neat tricks can dive underwater. Along the way, Sparrow and friends (including a rather haggard-looking Orlando Bloom and the ever-luscious Keira Knightley) have various adventures including falling into the hands of cannibals. One eye-popping sequence involves a duel that takes place on a runaway water wheel! Now for the not-so-good news: P2 is considerably darker than the first movie. The (bloodless) death count is so high, PIRATES 2 truly is not suitable for small children. Also, the movie ends like THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, a cliffhanger that compels us to catch the third and final installment in 2007. Other than some impressive visual effects involving the gruesome Davy Jones crew and a rather large sea monster, there's not much new here. Many of the gags are lifted from the first movie. Plus the film is easily a half-hour too long. If you are a fan, by all means see it. Just keep the kiddies away.