Fun, Fun, and More Fun

Rating: 10/10 (11 July 2003)

Yes, the menfolk are comely (I'm partial to Mr. Rush, myself), but run out tonight and see this one for the glorious good time. I haven't had so much fun at the movies in ages.
The casting is stand-up-and-applaudable, the action never once loses its rhythm, and the visuals are immersive and convincing. (Those who fear trigger-happy CGI effects, worry not. They're absolutely seamless and breathtaking, just like they're supposed to be.)
I was a little wary because I'm a big fan of the park attraction. The trailers seemed to be working against the ride, making the pirates seem pure villains and, worse, the female lead a contrived character created to reverse the auction scene that has bothered overly-PC park visitors for so long. I refuse to give away anything other than to say I was wrong to fret.
There were plenty of children in the cinema around me. None seemed troubled by the film, but keep in mind that those skeleton scenes are very realistic. (Also keep in mind that children who cannot reliably speak quietly in the cinema need to be left at home. Please don't break the mood of this wonderful film for the rest of us just because you either can't find a babysitter or have an unfortunate entitlement mentality. Grr. Arrrr.)
Oh, and if someone hasn't mentioned it yet (I'm sure they have), you need to stay all the way through the long, long credits. Nothing spectacular happens, but you will need to see the end-bit to fully discuss the film.
The best pirate movie ever. Ever. (And if there's a twelveplex in the next life, I know Graham Chapman forgives me and agrees.)