Avast me hearties! There be lots 'o fun in sight!

Rating: 9/10 (12 July 2003)

Let's face it, I have never been one to go for theme park ride inspired movies, especially rides from Disney -Youarehavingsomefunnowyes?- Land. Then I saw the trailer for Pirates of the Caribbean. Then I found out Geoffrey Rush was playing the bad guy. And then I was sold.
All in all Pirates of the Caribbean surprises on many levels, mostly (for me) in the special effects department. The animated skeletons, while still retaining the all to fluid movement of CGI, are much more believable than, say, some other CGI effects in much more high profile movies.
The music to the film is very fine, especially the end-credit piece, something I had not been counting on. The movie is very well cast, particularly in the case of Jonathan Pryce as a somewhat bumbling, but well-meaning father-of-the- heroine. And of course there is Johnny Depp, who seems to be vying with Guy Pearce (in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,) for the Most Flamboyant Character Portrayal Award. He truly takes the viewing experiance to the next level. Then there is Orlando Bloom, who seems all set to take over from Errol Flynn despite the fact that he has, with out a doubt, probably the worst role in the whole film. Geoffrey Rush is quite well cast in his part as Major Baddie in Chief, and seems to be having way to much fun with that monkey of his.
Oh yes, and I should really say something about Keira Knightley, she is good, better than most. But I would have still preferred to see Franka Potente in this part. Oh well.
Truth be told, Pirates of the Caribbean is a rolicking good time, although younger kids (and older ones, too,) may get nightmares, so be warned. I myself thoroughly enjoyed it, and cannot wait to see it again.
Warning: Johnny Depp's character is highly contagious, after viewing this movie I spent the rest of the day prancing about looking as though I was a member of the Ministry of Silly Walks, Naval Devision, and speaking with a low caliber English accent. Just thought I might warn you, although if you are a teenager it doesn't really matter.
--- Jaiko