Can a sequel be better?

Rating: 10/10 (6 July 2006)

Why is it that sequels are almost never better than the films that preceded them? Usually, it is because the characters and story of the original work, have already been explored, leaving little room for further conflict and development. Often, sequels are shadowed copies of the original work, barely giving a face-lift to familiar gags and material  with little of quality left to build a good framework for a story. Also, many films which seemed good enough to coerce people into continuing their investment of interest are groundbreaking in some fashionleaving any sequel an unfair amount of expectation to duplicate.
Which brings me to Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest.
The movie begins on the wedding day of Will Turner and Elizabeth Swan. Cold and rainy, however, you wonder if it is meant more as a funeral. English soldiers march through Port Royal, and it almost seems cliché that Turner is to be arrested rather than married. Almost by accident, and before you get too wrapped up in the cliché, Elizabeth Swan is arrested as well -- all by a new member to the cast, Tom Hollander as Lord Cutler Beckett. Commodore Norrington is to be arrested as well, except that he's resigned his commission already and disappeared for reasons unknown. All this, because our hapless love triangle aided in the escape of one Captain Jack Sparrow.
Lord Becket is not what he first seems, however. His ambitions (and loyalty) lie more to the East India Trading Company than to the crown of England. His purpose in Port Royal is simple: Find Jack Sparrow and recover something he stole from the East India Trading Company before the first film took place.
So he offers to release Turner in exchange for his services in finding (Captain) Jack. Wheels turn, and before long, you have witnessed the re-creation of half-a-dozen or so gags from the first film, and begun to wonder just where this all is supposed to go. Sadly it seems we are destined for a poor illusion to the Curse of the Black Pearlonly a little stranger.
And, that's just what they want you to think.
While you are about to give up, the film changes tack and forces you to seriously reconsider what you think you know about the original cast of heroes. Not to mention, what you already thought you knew about the few new characters you've met. Before you realize it, you are deeply engrossed in a sinister plot swing, feeding into the darker motives of our protagonists, trying to figure out which way is up. How did that happen? Suddenly, you begin to wonder "Could this actually be good?" The Answer is yes Not just good Absolutely amazing.
Period.
Somehow, you find the memories of The Curse Black Pearl fading away to be replaced by a stunning and original work rife with intrigue, humor - both subtle and plain, and a captivating blend of story and action which blows the original film out of the water. Plot-twist after plot-twist, the film never seems to run out of surprises, both malicious and benign. By the end, you will find yourself wondering, "Can Captain Jack beat the Devil himself?" Dead Man's Chest does not simply just represent a well made swashbuckling/action movie. It redefines the genre, giving us the first signs of an epic. Best of all, while it deepens your involvement in the conflict, you need not see the original to enjoy this film. This film is a masterwork, all on its own.
I cannot begin to express how surprised I was at my own reaction to this movie.
I expected to enjoy Dead Man's Chest. After all I am a fan-boy for the first film (and the genre). But overall, I am absolutely dumbfounded on how pristinely well crafted the entire picture was. Right down to the organ music during the credits.
This film has Flair.
It has witty Repartee.
It has Panache.
I have no doubt it will go down as one of the best films of all time.
And you know whatthere is still another sequel to come.
I expect this movie will be breaking world records. If you are even fathoming whether or not to see it, get your Tickets NOW. It is not often that a sequel surpasses the original work. I expect will exceed your expectations as well.
It is no accident that Disney put their official Logo back onto the head of this picture. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest will be selling out for weeks, and it fully deserves the credit.