Depp deserves the Oscar

Rating: 10/10 (25 February 2004)

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN is one of my favorite films of 2003. Johnny Depp deserves an oscar for the starring role, and owns the film from the time he hits the screen. Great job all around, the film looks cool, and the special effects are flawless.

Admittedly, when I first heard about PIRATES, the idea of a motion picture based on a Disney theme park ride seemed just plain asinine. When I saw the trailer it seemed like it may work, but I wasn't totally convinced just yet. But when I saw the film in the theater, I was completely blown away. Now, having watched it again on DVD, it still holds up as one of the best of 2003.

Depp's portrayal of Jack Sparrow is incredible. He says that much of the persona was inspired by Keith Richards, either way it's an outstanding performance all through the film. The mannerisms, gait, look, everything totally works. Geoffrey Rush turns in a fine performance as Sparrow's nemesis Capt. Barbossa, and clearly loves this role. The rest of the cast is totally solid, and there are also references to the Disney ride, which totally work in the context of the film.

This movie is visually stunning, and the effects look flawless. I actually preferred the look of the undead pirates in this film to the somewhat similar treatment that the army of the dead had in RETURN OF THE KING.

If you have not seen PIRATES, by all means check it out. It's a great popcorn movie that entertains without being condescending. Cool to see Depp get the Oscar nom, and it would be even cooler to see him win. Now that he's won the SAG award, it will be interesting to see what the Academy has to say.