Disappointing

Rating: 6/10 (6 July 2017)

Let me begin by saying that I might have been a pirate in a previous life. I love this franchise and there have been moments in all of the movies that have made my heart beat faster. Except this one. While many reviews talk to Jack's drunkenness, I feel that when the movie opens, this is a man on the skids. When he gets back to where Jack usually is Johnny Depp's performance doesn't change with his circumstances. His coolness, cleverness and charm are not in evidence. There were crude jokes sprinkled throughout the movie which was surprising and sometimes were carried on too long. There was too much time spent on a forced love interest. Destruction for destruction's sake and not enough time spent at sea as well as not enough good sword fights. The fight scenes may have been more realistic but that may not be what you want in a movie. I like to clearly see the swordplay. The music was not memorable. I think that the movie carried a dissonance that seemed explained by two people sharing the directing duties. By now, you are asking whether there was anything good about this movie. Javier Bardem and Geoffey Rush were excellent. The production design was excellent even if at times some environments were too busy. Costuming was amazing. This franchise should either go back to it's roots in a more lighthearted tone or be retired. It is a sign of trouble when these are the only things a piratical Johnny Depp fan can say about this movie.