A true summer flick.

Rating: 10/10 (10 July 2003)

In my mind a summer "flick" is full of action, has a great cast that keeps your eyes glued to the screen and makes my sides hurt. POTC delivers all that and more. While this movie may be looked down upon by the educated elite as being mere fluff, I think, "what's wrong with fluff?" POTC doesn't proclaim itself to be a film that will change your life or draw attention to the plight of the poor endangered pirate parrots. It is what it is. A great movie to go and escape from life too. Johnny Depp delivers yet another memorable performance as Captain Jack Sparrow. From the moment we first see him atop the mast surveying his domain right through till the credits roll, Depp captures your attention with his swaggering brazenness and lopsided smile. Depp commands attention, but is equally willing to share the spotlight with Orlando Bloom who plays the endearing orphan, Will Turner. The only thing Bloom's character has in common with his LOTR Legolas is they are both good with their swords. Bloom shows great versatility in going from the stoic Legolas to the endearing Turner. This film is as funny as it is packed with action. In fact it was quite a bit funnier than I thought it would be. The entire cast fit together so perfectly from the devil-may-care Sparrow to the stick-up-his-bum Norrington(played to the hilt by Jack Davenport.) Keira Knightly was exquisite as the not-so-typical damsel in distress. Knightly kept up with the men and showed herself to be their equal in every way. If you are looking for a night of funny quips and flashing sword tips, go see this film. If you want to contemplate the meaning of life, go home and read Shakespeare.