Probably Johnny Depp's funniest performance yet

Rating: 10/10 (18 July 2003)

I was a little skeptical in the weeks leading up to the release of POTC. From what I could gleam from the previews I felt it had the potential to either be terrific or horrific.
However, after reading a few great reviews on the day of the film's release I let my hopes get up and for once was justified in doing so. While the basic love story between Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley left a little to be desired and sort of left parts of the ending a wee bit flat, the movie makers wisely did not let that side of the story play too key a role in this film's overall presentation. I should clarify that the actors' performances were good and did not carry the blame for the lack of spark and flame in this romance. It seemed more like the writers wanted just enough romance to move the story along where needed, but not so much as to interfere with other more interesting aspects of the film.
One thing became quite clear about 5 minutes into the show; this is Johnny Depp's show all the way! However, it does help to have a great surrounding cast to bring the thing off nicely. Geoffrey Rush was fabulous as Captain Barbosa and several of the minor roles were played with unusual comedic brilliance as well. While not a perfect, nor moving film, POTC has to be one of the most entertaining and fun films I've seen in a long time. Parts left me fighting the temptation to start clapping and cheering. Besides, after a long week at the office it's just what I was looking for.