A rousing good time! Definitely an "E-Ticket" Movie!

Rating: 10/10 (2 July 2003)

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL is, quite simply, the best movie [so far] of the summer. Certainly the most satisfying. It has everything you could possibly want from a pirate movie...and more. The perfect blend of action, jaw-dropping visuals and tongue-in-cheek humor. As one would expect, there are numerous, yet subtle references to the Disneyland Park attraction on which the film is based and moviegoers will have fun identifying them. Even the famous song "Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Pirate's Life For Me!" makes sporadic appearances in the film, in fact, the movie opens with it. But it is presented in such a way that it never comes off forced or "cheesy."
While Jack Davenport, Jonathan Pryce, Kiera Knightly and Orlando Bloom are all excellent in their respective roles, it's Johnny's Depp's movie all the way. Depp commands your attention every time he's on the screen and clearly he's having fun with it. Very few actors could pull this feat off without going "overboard", so to speak. Only Geoffrey Rush comes dangerously close to fulfilling his destiny as a true pirate and stealing the movie away from Depp. It is an honest pleasure to watch these two professionals on screen together.
Summer moviegoers, tired of film disappointments and over-hyped sequels will be delighted by this cinematic thrill-ride. Bring your sword and your eye patch, the swashbuckler adventure is back!
NOTE: The PG-13 rating is for mild violence; TV show and video games contain far more graphic violence. There is also no profanity or nudity. However, I dare the viewer to miss any of these with the well-written script!