Fun but Flawed

Rating: 6/10 (27 May 2017)

Just to provide some background for the review--I would consider myself a casual fan of the POTC series. I've seen and generally enjoyed the previous installments, however I certainly would not consider myself a dedicated or avid follower of the series.
The 5th chapter of Captain Jack's adventures is certainly a fun and entertaining ride. I left the theater feeling satisfied that I went. While there are many things about the movie that didn't quite work, I feel as though the most important conclusion when reviewing a movie is to simply ask if it was enjoyable: and I believe that it is.
Starting with what I enjoyed about the movie: the action sequences are still lively as ever. The heart racing and (characteristically for the series) a bit ridiculous high intensity moments will provide some nostalgia as Jack swings to and fro as the theme song blares in the background. All of the silly but exhilarating action is there, and for the most part they do a good job of bridging the line between serious and comedic. Javier Bardem does a good acting job with an interesting, albeit limited villain. My favorite part of the film is that we get a Jack Sparrow "Origin Story" of sorts that explains how he came to achieve some of his initial fame and notoriety. And as always the special effects are stunning. I do feel as though they traded in realism in favor of showy tricks (I went back and watched the 1st film, and the setting of St Martin in this film is colorful and cartoonish compared to the realistic portrayal of Port Royal).
As for what I did not enjoy: Bloom and Knightly were clearly added to the movie as a cheap way to capitalize on nostalgia, and have virtually no screen time or purpose (Depp, Bloom, and Knightly never appear in a scene together). I was underwhelmed with the acting of our two new young pirate sidekicks, and felt as though their individual stories didn't quite work- -and of course they played the cliché role of star crossed lovers, because what's a Disney movie without a heartfelt kiss at the end? However, most disappointing was the quality of the comedy and the plot. Much of the comedy was cheap in every way: sexual innuendos and entendres, drunken slapstick, a hillbilly pirate wedding. Some of the early films had clever adult comedy, but this film felt more like the script was approved by a group of grinning 14 year olds. Likewise the plot was lazy and predictable, and was largely a retread of old ideas. Whether old ideas were recycled on purpose or for nostalgia's sake simply because of a lack of creativity is unclear, but it was obviously evident. Ghost pirates/pirate ship? Yup. Barbossa's shifting allegiances? Mhmm. Mythical item that is incredibly powerful that most characters don't believe exists? You bet. It's all the same old tricks. The plot doesn't always make much sense and many things are never explained in detail and the audience is essentially just supposed to play along without thinking too deeply.
All in all-It's an entertaining movie that has a little bit of everything that has made the series so fun and famous. Is it a "good", well-written, deeply thought out movie? Absolutely not. But it's a fun way to spend a couple hours if you're in the mood for another exciting and silly Captain Jack Adventure.