Almost Everything...

Rating: 9/10 (29 May 2017)

"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" charts the distinctly inspired course under Directors Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg. Shimmering new star Kaya Scodelario as Carina touchingly says, "For a moment I had everythingÂ…" Surprisingly, "Dead Men Tell No Tales" is about the human treasure: the fulfillment in discovery, and the poignant sadness in loss. Jeff Nathanson and Terry Russo's story and screenplay remain true to the familiar levity and whimsy of the past, and the iconoclast hero Captain Jack Sparrow, reprised with aloof perfection by Johnny Depp. Refreshingly, Ronning and Espen venture into undiscovered seas of family and redemption. "Dead Men" is visually spectacular with breathtaking beaches and high seas cinematography by Paul Cameron ("Collateral").
Personally, Depp's Jack Sparrow has been the hero's enigma throughout the series. At times he is comically dim for effect, and Depp embodies the breezy stoned cool and indifference. Yet, he fights valiantly for the just cause, usually if not accidentally. Often he occurs as the expository non sequitur.
Fortunately, Scodelario and Brenton Thwaites as Henry Turner, Will Turner's son, lead as the classic heroes, who fight for love and family on the journey. The level of talent captivates in "Dead Men". Depp is the gifted actor with several Oscar Nominations. Academy Award Winners Javier Barden and Geoffrey Rush play the ghost Captain Salazar and Jack's fierce rival Captain Barbosa. At times Barden seems to gnaw the scenery. However, at the story's dramatic arc Depp and Rush are sublime revealing Barbosa's past life. Furious action and splendid CGI aside, amazingly its "Pirates'" humanity that resounds.
As "Dead Men Tell No Tales" opens 12 year-old Henry Turner finds his cursed Father Will, played with gravitas by Orlando Bloom. Will is the spirit trapped on his shipâ€”the Dutchman. Will instructs his son to locate the map for the Trident of Poseidon which has the power to free Will. The only man who can help him find the "map that no man can read" is Jack Sparrow.
Nine years later aboard the British naval ship, grown Henry, played by earnest and strong Thwaites, encounters the ghost ship captained by Salazar. Wisely, Henry escapes the doomed British ship. Captain Salazar seeks revenge upon Jack, who possesses the Compass that sentenced him and his men to their ghostly eternity. Everyone wants a piece of Jack.
Meanwhile on the island of St. Martin, Scodelario's Carina is imprisoned for witchcraft. Really she is jailed for being too smart. Scodelario is beautiful with the piercing gaze of intellect. Her Carina is the horologist, scientist in time measurement, who holds a book from her Father. In that book lies the location of Poseidon's Trident translated through the stars. This is Carina's legacy, her bond to her unknown past. Jack is also on St. Martin, but drunken asleep in a bank vault; part of his crew's botched robbery attempt. He too is eventually jailed by authorities. Both Jack and Carina are sentenced for execution. Well, you probably know how that goes.
In the unlikely although necessary partnership, Jack, Carina, Henry, and Barbosa sail the high seas to find the Trident before evil Salazar does. Salazar has his own agenda of power and vengeance. Carina and Henry's noble purpose is the love for their father, and ultimately for each other. In a weird way, Jack transforms as Carina and Henry's protector. Depp is brilliant in balancing Jack's aloof charm and nobility. I guess Jack too is the surprise.
In the end the visual effects astound, and yet it's the touching humanity that moves in "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales". As with the great hero stories the losses are heartfelt, and the triumph is freeing. Depp, Scodelario, and Thwaites are amazing acting partnership. The touching closing homage may even draw tears. Yes, this is the wonderful surprise. Perhaps, there shall be more high seas adventures filled with love, family, and courage.