A Moonlight Serenade

Rating: 8/10 (18 July 2003)

Greetings again from the darkness. Director Gore Verbinski ("The Mexican" "The Ring") finally delivers with this instant Disney classic. Wonderful casting, crackling humor and terrific special effects make this one a gem. Johnny Depp is perfect as the strange, funny, smart, slightly off center pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow. Geoffrey Rush is his equal as Sparrow's enemy Barbossa. Brilliant casting with the up and coming stars Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightly ("Bend it like Beckham") give this film very wide appeal to the mass audience - not an easy task for a swashbuckling pirate movie - ask Geena Davis and Renny Harlin. Although some of the dialog is bit over the top, the basic story line is pretty interesting and actually works on a couple of levels. This is fine movie making and a joy to watch and recommend. Doubt the sequel will be as well done, but enjoy this one.