Depp keeps it fun for the churning franchise

Rating: 7/10 (9 June 2017)

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES (2017) **1/2 Johnny Depp, Javier Bardem, Geoffrey Rush, Brenton Thwaites, Kaya Scodleraio, Kevn McNally, Goldshifteh Farahani, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, (Cameo: Paul McCartney) Fifth film in the never-ending franchise for filthy lucre with ever-soused and game Cap'n Jack Sparrow (Depp enjoying himself subtly this time) who is in cahoots with another dull couple (Thwaites and Scodleraio) to find Poseidon's Trident which will release all the curses including Bloom's and vengeance seeking ghost Bardem in the mix. While a few inspired set pieces (execution via guillotine is a hoot) keep the momentum lively the screenplay by Jeff Nathanson & Terry Rossio has a few flat-footed starts/stops in spite of the kinetic direction by Joachim Ronning & Espen Sandberg.