`Pirates of the Caribbean,' is a fine blend of swashbuckling action, stunning visual effects, elaborate sets and fairly good performances.

Rating: 8/10 (15 July 2003)

If you have ever been to Disney World, undoubtedly you have ridden one of their oldest and most famous rides, Â‘Pirates of the Caribbean.' The ride first premiered at Disneyland in California in 1956. Since then, it has astounded riders with its stunning animatronics that make riders feel as if they are actually viewing real pirates. Now, in 2003, we are blessed with a film version, equally as remarkable as the ride, but far more frightening. Unlike the usual simple live-action films based on Disney creations, hence `The Lizzy McGuire Movie,' the new `Pirates of the Caribbean,' is a fine blend of swashbuckling action, stunning visual effects, elaborate sets and fairly good performances. Starring Johnny Depp (`From Hell'), Orlando Bloom (`Black Hawk Down'), Geoffrey Rush (`Frida'), Keira Knightley (`Bend It Like Beckham'), Jack Davenport (The Talented Mr. Ripley) and Johnathan Pryce (`What A Girl Wants'), `Pirates of the Caribbean' is quite possibly one of this summer's most exciting motion pictures.	The story follows that of Captain Jack Sparrow (Depp), who after being imprisoned is freed by a blacksmith named Will Turner (Bloom). Turner needs the help of Sparrow to hunt down a band of pirates who have kidnapped the radiant Elizabeth Swann (Knightley), who is the governor's daughter. Incidentally, Swann holds a medallion that has a secret power to transform her kidnappers back into real men, as a curse has left them as ghosts. It's now a race for Sparrow and Turner to find and kill the pirates before they sacrifice Swann in an ancient ritual to free themselves from the curse.
Depp steals the show with his constant swaggering and drunken behavior-he fits the character of Sparrow like a glove. Beyond Depp, Rush is equally engaging as the nefarious pirate Barbossa. Bloom also pulls off a realistic performance, as he does in every film in which he appears. Mostly known for his role as Legolas in `The Lord of the Rings,' films, he brings class and wit to `Pirates of the Caribbean.' All three actors share something in common-they can do no wrong. They all grace every project that they work on and add a sense of intrigue to the plot through their characterization.
The general feel of `Pirates of the Caribbean' is serious, yet campy enough to have fun along the way. The audience will certainly enjoy how Sparrow tricks British soldiers as he tries to steal a ship. But there is also a sense that the film is trying to be truthful in it's realistic portrayal, at least physically and set-wise, of what the battles would be like between naval ships.	The set design is astonishing. A great deal of craft and creativity went into the building of ships and buildings that the pirates pillage and plunder. One feels as if they are looking at real ships from the era. Usually there are little flaws that seem to stick out on a movie screen, but with this film, they just don't seem to show up.	The film may be a bit longer than necessary, but its thrilling from start to finish. Directed by Gore Verbinski (`The Ring'), `Pirates of the Caribbean' will long be remembered and loved for its action sequences and pure fun. However, parents should heed the PG-13 rating, as the film can be quite scary for the little ones at times. ***