What a barrel of fun

Rating: 9/10 (12 July 2006)

Once again Gore Verbinski has out done himself. Has he become the modern day George Lucas? He's left us hanging by a thread, giving Dead Man's chest the dreaded Cliff Hanger. And we have to wait till May next year to find out what happens! Dead Man's chest is full to the brim with action and cartoon like comedy. If there was anything bad to say about this film, it was that there wasn't enough character interaction for all the action. If this series of movies is indeed going to end as a trilogy, I predict it is going to be like this; First film is introduction to characters, second film is the climax, third is the closing. While the first could perfectly;y well stand on it's own without the sequels, the next two would be nothing without the first. The viewer would need to know the first film quite well to follow the sequel. The plot is fast moving, almost squashed in to 2 and a half hours, and perhaps there are too many plots to keep track of, but Verbinski makes up for this with the comedy. If a complex plot pops up, one of the characters would simplify it with a sarcastic comment, exactly the same as the first movie. The acting was choppy, and it is obvious Kierra Knightly has matured quite a lot since the first. Orlando seemed to have picked up some of Johnny's quirky movements, and Bill Nighy was...well, just Bill, even with all that makeup and CGI covering his face. Although these films are aimed for children, as is every Disney film, there is something in it for everyone. Especially in the Character of Captain Jack Sparrow. He is, as Johnny Himself is, a big kid who just wants to have adventures, and will do anything, even burn his wrist with candle wax to get out of trouble. We all have a bit of that in us. That's why we relate to this character. Davy Jones was a much better villain than Barbosa, but Geofry Rush is a better actor in my opinion as Bill Nighy. Rush just has that sneer, will Bill just has that weird slurpy speech. The special effects were astounding. It just transports you to this fantasy world that seems so real you have to pinch yourself every time that giant squid that resembles Karimdis from Greeth myths attacks the ships. This thing was terrifying, especially when Jack stared right into it's enormous house sized tooth carpeted mouth. Whether you're into action, adventure or just out to have fun, you will enjoy this movie. Even if pirates annoy you, there is something in this movie for everyone. Just watch the first one the knight before you see it and you will be fine.