Excellent film, excellent performance by Johnny Depp.

Rating: 10/10 (25 December 2003)

I didn't see this film at the cinema, but I really wish I had because it has instantly become one of my favourite movies of all time. I bought the DVD because I'd heard good things about the movie, and I've been to both Disneyland Paris, and Disneyland Florida and loved the Pirates ride at both of them. Having been on the ride, it's quite easy to spot many things in the movie that pay tribute to the ride, especially in the town scenes. I wasn't sure what to expect when I bought the movie, but I definitely didn't expect to laugh so much! This movie has such a wonderful combination of excellent acting, astounding special effects, and dry humour. What I usually find with movies that contain a lot of special effects is that they rely largely on them to get ratings. That may work for some but not for me, and this movie impressed me so much because despite the effects being absolutely amazing - I can't fault them - they don't overshadow the characters. All the actors were brilliant, but Johnny Depp really surprised me because Jack Sparrow is unlike any character he's ever played before, yet he played it so fantastically. I just thought he had so much charm and wit, yet you can still see the genuine human emotions and can really feel for him when **SPOILER! SPOILER!** he is once again stranded on the desert island. There is also excellent chemistry between the lead characters, especially Jack Sparrow (Depp) and Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) even though **SPOILER! SPOILER!** Elizabeth is romantically involved with the other male lead character, Will Turner (Orlando Bloom). I think this movie would have been successful without Johnny Depp, but his performance is exceptional and I personally think he made it what it is. His facial expressions, mannerisms and quirky comments are just hilarious and fascinating to watch. In my opinion, Depp should have an award for this performance. This is my favourite Disney film of all time, absolutely fantastic in every way. 10 out of 10!