Oh the Mediocrity!

Rating: 4/10 (7 November 2017)

While I enjoyed the first three Pirates of the Caribbean films (even At World's End had its moments), the complete mess that was On Stranger Tides made me suspect this franchise was losing momentum. This was proved with this film, which, while passing my admittedly very low expectations, still didn't feel quite right.
I feel I should first mention what I enjoyed about the film. As always, the effects are amazing, most of the action is fun, and Johnny Deep mostly remains the same character we've loved since the first Pirates film. Finally, Hans Zimmer of course does an amazing job with the score, which really helps immerse you in the experience.
However, my problems with this move mainly revolve around its plot and writing, which really just unravels the more you think about it. Of course, because this is a Pirates film, Jack Sparrow, Barbarossa, two white people in love, the British, and a CGI villain who will be dead in a couple of hours go after a mystical sea mcguffin that will do something that has to do with a curse. Along the way, Jack makes references to his alcoholism, the CGI villain destroys stuff with his powerful command ship, character development is glossed over, and the fight over the mcguffin leads to a finale where a protagonist sacrifices himself, even though they'll likely just come back to life at some point. Also, this movie is riddled with plot holes and a weird sexual innuendos that serve no purpose and just distract you from what's going on.
Overall, my feelings on this film are mixed. While the plot, writing, and character development are all lacking, the action scenes, score, and effects are all amazing and clearly have great effort put into them. However, when I think back to the first three Pirates of the Caribbean films, this film just feels like a disappointment. Therefore, even if you just want to see action and effects, go watch one of those films instead, because this film a testament to its predecessors and how this franchise will likely never recapture their enjoyment.