Now THIS is entertainment!!!!!!!!!!

Rating: 10/10 (4 August 2003)

Okay, I have read some reviews from some 'highbrow' critics, punching holes in the storyline, commenting on the FX and length of the movie, sniffing at the 'over the top acting' - well folks, I normally don't enjoy movies at the theatre, even sitting through them at home when they come out on DVD is torture, (I can't sit still that long!) I am NOT a young female fan who went to see the 'hotties', I have never been a Johnny Depp fan, I usually HATE Disney movies, and I, like many, thought the Pirate film genre has had it's day. So it was only a family birthday party that got me to this one in the first place.
Well, I am sure glad because I have never enjoyed anything so much in years - the acting, the scenery, the story, the costumes - all great fun! I have seen it several times since and every time I see something I missed before - and some of the so-called storyline holes and unexplained things make sense once I saw it again. This was great entertainment, pure and simple, and although I don't know if I will like Johnny Depp in anything else, he was THE MAN to play Jack Sparrow. I heard he was given free rein (although reluctantly at first) by the Powers That Be to flesh out this character - that was their best decision because Jack Sparrow stole the show. Geoffrey Rush WAS the way I always picture a crusty old Pirate Captain, he did a great job.
From 8 to 80 - enjoy this hilarious romp - I didn't expect the humor but it works great! And although I am sure the pompous imperial wizards of Oscardom will not recognize this flick for anything except maybe costumes - the music was excellent, Rush deserves a nod, and Johnny Depp deserves an Oscar for this character's development. Awesome job, buddy!!