A Great Mix of Old & New Hollywood

Rating: 8/10 (9 July 2003)

In the summers of the 1930's and 40's, if you wondered into your local movie theatre chances are you'd see a daring pirate off on some swashbuckling adventure. Walk into the theatre today, and find a barrage of f/x laden sci-fi/fantasy films. Pirates of the Caribbean is the best combination of both.
The success of the film is thanks heavily to Gore Verbinski. I've always liked Gore's style, but felt he never had the movie to let him realize his potential (see "The Ring"). Verbinski and his cinematographer paint just some beautiful scenes in the film. Some are enhanced by digital grading and other effects features, and it lends the film a great atmosphere and epic look. He also directs his actions scenes expertly, not going edit happy like most directors.
But of course, you can't have a great adventure film without a great hero. And you can't have a great hero without a great actor. Enter Johnny Depp, the ultra-hip, charismatic leading man who is always the highlight of the film he works in. Captain Jack Sparrow is just a downright cool cat, thanks largely to the help of Depp. Depp himself added much the his characters costume and personal quirks, and his Depp's comedic timing is a spot on as ever. Just pure genius Johnny, as always. Orlando Bloom does nicely as well, but it really felt more like he was warming up for his role in the next Lord of the Rings movie. Geoffrey Rush found a even balance of subtlety and over acting, not extending the use of either, and though while not too memorable, it is still a good performance. Keira Knightley is nothing really worth mentioning. Typical damsel role, typical performance. Any actress could have handled the part, though must wouldn't have been as attractive.
The story and screenplay is very much "Old" Hollywood, a more slick line of dialogue that is light and fun without being cheesy. It's levity is not forced, but transcends naturally from the actors and Gore's dream like directing.
All in all, it is one of the most fun movies too come out of hollywood in a long time. It's a nod to the golden age of Hollywood with the visual conscience of a modern blockbuster. The actors are great, Verbinski provides the smooth look, and the screenplay as joy written all over it. Not to be missed if you like to have fun
7.5/10
* * * 1/2 / * * * *