Cliched and Quirky but Loads of Fun

Rating: 8/10 (10 July 2003)

I saw Pirates of the Caribbean on opening day for two reasons: the boys, and Gore Verbinski. As for the boys, Pirates delivered in full. Johnny Depp added sex appeal, spirit, and above all humor to Captain Jack Sparrow. He pulled off the sort of acting job that is expected from this well rounded actor and gave the movie a little zip. He carried the show through his delivery of zesty one-liners and never-ending supply of wit. Orlando bloom also did an excellent job as further acting eye candy but the character left a little more to be desired. He was missing a lot of (for lack of a better word) presence when juxtaposed next to the insatiable Jack Sparrow. And as for Gore Verbinski, bravo. The movie was a blast to watch from beginning to end. Along with them, good special effects, and a surprisingly nice job from Kiera Knightly, Pirates of the Caribbean was certainly entertaining and well worth matinee prices. But beware: a few horrible lines, obvious cliches, and a disappointing appearance from the token girl pirate lurk below.