Possibly unfair to expect anything more.

Rating: 4/10 (27 May 2017)

The fifth installment of the Pirates franchise finds itself with a fresh director(s) and a ghostly Javier Barden as this adventure's antagonist.
It's difficult to judge this film properly given its context and timing. This film relies on the familiar fun, formula, and action the previous installments relied on. It has come during a year of nothing but sequels, prequels, and reboots which begs the question "How are we not getting tired of this by now?"
That being said the film is a fun ride. Really anyone who enjoys the previous films will most likely enjoy this one. It's the exact same recipe for swashbuckling fun and will most likely make money and please the crowd. Johnny Depp plays the same drunken buffoon he has in the last two. Our two young and supporting cast members fit into almost identical character types as Will Turner and Elizabeth Swan from the original. We're treated to the same Barbosa and crew of misfits. Swordplay, dead people, curses of the sea, and of course the forever iconic Pirates score.
Perhaps because of the reasons previously mentioned, I believe this film fails. It was what I was afraid it was going to be: "just another pirates movie." The film takes no liberty of trying anything new or exciting. Instead, leans on Jack Sparrow's bumbling gags, generic fantasy themes, and irrelevant subplots.
The film as a whole feels like a 100% cash grab. There isn't a worthwhile story to tell nor is there something new this film would like to offer to cinema or even its own franchise. It feels like Disney cashing in their titles for easy popcorn entertainment.
Really if that's the goal, popcorn entertainment, then this film will suffice. It's got a few laughs and is reasonably superior to its predecessor. However, anyone looking for a new, fresh, and fantastic movie about pirates won't find it here. Definitely one you can skip but if you don't, no harm done.