Good but definitely not stellar!

Rating: 6/10 (23 May 2011)

I must say, I had high expectations for this movie as there was a fresh new cast, a seemingly decently put together story idea and a new turn altogether.
Captain Jack Sparrow is the one piece to this movie that makes it all worth while. Even with (in my opinion) a very lackluster script and apparently team of writers, Jack Sparrow and a few select others make it work. You will not be disappointed by the portrayal of his character. He is still witty Jack, getting himself into heaps of trouble and finding creative ways to rid himself of his own messes BUT other characters do not share the same quality performance.
I partially blame the seemingly lame, crappy and shallow writing for this movie for the sub-par acting. I also believe that there were TOO many new characters introduced in this movie at once. I do realize that the departure of Bloom and Knightly make it somewhat necessary to replenish main cast members but the new cast members could barely establish their characters with the large number of new people being introduced.
Penelope Cruz (Angelica) leaves nothing memorable to the viewer. I was expecting more from her character but I was disappointed. The acting by her was underwhelming and the impression she left was non-existent.
Ian McShane (Blackbeard) while a menacing villain left me wondering "What was so great about him? He is no where near a comparable villain to someone like Davey Jones." The worst part about Blackbeard's actual historical impact is the fact that he was only a pirate for one year. They could have chosen a historical person more worthy than that I think.
Sam Claflin (Phillip) is a character I enjoyed watching but did not really fit into the story line anywhere beyond the fact that he was captured and basically tortured by Blackbeard. Phillip is the character that is sort of the good that balances out the evils of most of the other characters and the bad intentions they have. The only problem I have with Phillip is it's very similar to Davey Jones and Calypso being in love. Phillip falls in love with the mermaid which was kind of eh.
Geoffrey Rush (Barbossa) is a character that I absolutely love and feel is a vital part (like Jack) to the Pirates movies. I was horrified and upset that they turned his character into one that is "good". I couldn't believe they made him a naval captain for King George II. That's not him as a character and he seemed almost uncomfortable being portrayed that way. I also think the wooden leg thing is almost too stereotypical pirate crap. I am, however, glad that they portrayed him in the proper light toward the end of the movie. He just seemed more in character and generally most comfortable.
The mermaids while a wonderful addition and a vital part to the story had me laughing when they turned into vicious man-eating fish. It's sad to say that's the "scariest" part of this movie. They tried to zombify Blackbeards crew but I felt that was a failure. It's not very comparable to Barbossa's "undead" crew from the first movie, the Kraken in the second or the crew of Davey Jones in the second and third.
The Spainard in the movie didn't really add much. It sort of reminded me of a repeat of the second movie where a bunch of different people are trying to get Jack's compass. The Spanish, Barbossa, Sparrow and Blackbeard are all trying to get to the fountain of youth... trying to get there first for different reasons.
Despite the hiccups and bumps of this movie, I believe the movie was solid. Captain Jack Sparrow is as charming and witty as ever. All the characters really bring something interesting (whether good or bad) to the movie. The storyline is solid... the fountain of youth idea I think is a great one and the movie itself is great to watch. It's action packed and the 3D was pretty good. I think they left the movie off at a good spot... they could continue it or leave it as is. There are questions to be remained answered... I hope they make another one. I would gladly see it.
By the way make sure you stick around until after all the credits! Pirates of the Caribbean movies are notorious for adding a clip to the end of the movie... leave you wondering if they'll be more of them.