The curse of being a pirate

Rating: 7/10 (24 December 2006)

When I'd first watched this film, I was disappointed. Not only are the carefree laughs cut in half, there's virtually no human feeling left in the cursed crew of new and there are few giggles on their account. Some jokes become the means of continuity and barely escape a tragic death by clumsiness. The grim of this tale, on the other hand, seems to have been taking cues from the LOTR, making the once blue production increasingly green and menacing.
But my main objection is the film's grandeur. The Curse of the Black Pearl was beautifully crafted, with almost each action and quip leading to the next, which gave the film that magic fairytale feel. While Dead Man's Chest retains the attention to smart details, it is baffling how many times this craft becomes completely obscured by the loud, flashy or even (thankfully rare) cheap tricks. So I had to watch it again, and again. And each time there's been lots of new to discover.
So, is it worth watching? I think so. If you pay attention, the film will grab you. It will tickle and gnaw on you both at once. The visuals are stunning, the old familiar tune drives you forth and a new melancholic one keeps you focused. The surprisingly entertaining sword fights remain the films' forte, and so does the situational comedy.
After some initial faltering, Cpt. Jack Sparrow is well back in his element, although with less self-confidence and integrity. Davy Jones (Nighy), Bootstrap (Skarsgård) but especially the little Lord Beckett (Hollander) are all great additions to the crew, and the meaning of being a pirate takes on some new, darker dimensions, too. The damsel once-in-distress runs to the rescue of a boy in distress. Or make that two. You'll see one become a man and another one corrupt. It's probably this corruption that pains me most as the only man of undisputed honour, one Mr Norrington, is dragged down.
When chivalry is dead and the heart deceitful above all things, is it still good to have a compass that doesn't point North? Come next instalment to answer this. Hopefully.