Hilarious fun for the first half

Rating: 6/10 (31 May 2017)

Captain Jack Sparrow and his crew return for another adventure in the fifth installment of the POTC franchise. And while it was a good looking film all around, with great special effects and set pieces, the convoluted story holds it back from being truly great.
The first half of this film is the better half, featuring plenty of hilarious moments, scenes filled with action and comedic charm. Dialogue is entertaining and interesting while the story makes sense for a first time viewer in the franchise. However, more and more things have to be explained as the film goes on and it becomes very confusing. Certain fights and ideas added to the plot feel unnecessary and odd. Multiple characters are given screen time but then disappear for the entire movie. (A few in particular are tossed in at the end for closure that felt rushed and not expanded upon). So many characters are given their purpose for being there that it's difficult to keep up with everyone's motivation!
This film is a step above stranger tides, but a step below dead man's chest and black pearl. Still, see this movie and you will have a fun time! Just try to keep up with everything that's going on the best you can.