Johnny Depp sure can buckle a swash

Rating: 9/10 (25 July 2003)

Where to start. From Johnny's Depp's opening scene on the sinking dingy to well done CGI that didn't overwhelm the movie, Pirates has established itself as one of the finest pirate movies of all time. Each character is well acted, even the minor characters have well established personalities. The fight scenes are well choreographed, and the CGI meshes perfectly from flesh and blood to bones and tatters.
As far as plot goes, it's a pirate movie. Buried treasure, kidnapped lady, plank walking, ancient curse, broadsides and lots of sword play, they hit all the cliches you would expect. But they do it well. Where other pirate movies have failed, Pirates manages to mix action and comedy in the right amount. I know these kinds of movies don't win Oscars, but it at least should get a hard look. Depp and Jeffrey Rush especially for their brilliant portrayals of rival pirate captains.