A must see film...

Rating: 10/10 (23 July 2003)

The Pirates of the Caribbean; the Curse of the Black Pearl, is long in both title and running time. However, to those of us, myself included, who would sit forever in a movie theatre so long as we liked the movie we were seeing, the time was neither too long, nor over-done. At a whopping two hours and fifteen minutes, I found surprising little lag time in the plot as it hopped easily and smoothly from one scene to another. Though a lot of people are saying it was repetitive (and I'll admit, some parts were), I found I didn't care much as the movie was such a well done piece of work that it had me wanting it not to end.
If you haven't heard enough about Johnny yet, here's some more. Though the casting was superb for all the roles, Depp certainly stole the spotlight. With a swaggering walk, slurred accent, and clever costume, the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow sweet talked his way out of trouble (an into the audiences' hearts!) time and time again. This suave rougue with his half-drunken manner, his clever comments, and his daring eye-liner look, got himself into and out of trouble in about equal amounts. Though he always managed to come out on top, most of the time it was obvious he was not entirely sure of what he was doing; though he did a good job of faking it. Not on any one side all of the time, Jack Sparrow played the part of a hero (whether he had intended it or not), while just trying to retrieve his beloved ship from the hands of the mutinous Captain Barbossa. However many flaws the bumbling Captain Jack had, and though he didn't always play by the rules ('pirate' after all), he became a loveable, goofy character that has landed Johnny Depp his greatest role yet, I believe. He seemed to have sunken completely into his role, and invented such a clever character.
This action packed movie has a little bit for everyone, comedy, action, adventure, even romance, though Disney did a good job of not steaming up the screen too much. A carefully placed love plot was tied in with the rest of the movie, so as to keep it discreet but add a little spice to this adventuresome flick; not to worry parents, no Titanic scenes in this film! The two lovers, Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann, were played by the talented Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley, both of whom did excellent jobs with their roles. Geoffrey Rush played the mutinous Captain Barbossa, who was an excellent villain, though not so funny as to take away Depp's role as the main comic relief.
The animation was nicely done, and it was an interesting concept to see the crew of the Black Pearl turned into living skeletons. The plot is easy enough to understand, and will keep the younger audiences interested, as well as the older audiences. Great twists, memorable characters and quotes, beautiful scenery, and a carefully crafted plot kept me interested the whole way through. I'm only sorry I didn't stay to see the extra scene at the end, I'll be seeing the movie a second time, and will definitely enjoy it just as much. It has quickly climbed my ranks among favorite movies of all time. Though it was based on a ride, and many would consider it just a 'marketing ploy', I say; "if they spent the time and money to make it, and it's good, let them reap the benefits. They earned it." Pirates of the Caribbean is a memorable movie, with an awsome selection of characters (and actors) and a clever plot that I think anyone who just wants to escape reality and have a good laugh will enjoy. Definitely one to see in theatres!