A vast improvement

Rating: 6/10 (7 November 2017)

The 'Pirates' franchise has been a victim of the law of diminishing returns in my opinion. However, it was still a surprise to see this 5th instalment being touted as the 'final' film.
Salazar is hunting Jack down this time around, with Captain Barbosa only too happy to help. It makes for a dramatic and somewhat poignant finale.
I actually enjoyed this film. I thought the shorter running time and the fact that the plot was somewhat simpler made a big difference. Yes, it's all very much on Johnny Depp's head to keep it all moving, but Javier Bardem and Geoffrey Rush both have their moments.
It also harks back to the original film at times too, and that can only be a good thing.
I don't for one minute think that this will indeed be the 'final' instalment, but if they do make more they should certainly use this as a blue print to follow.