cool and entertaining

Rating: 10/10 (10 July 2003)

Okay, I have been waiting to see this movie forever(being Orlando Bloom fan and a blow-them-up movie fan), but it truly surpasses my expectations. I was laughing all the way through the movie, the action sequences are fun and funny at the same time. I've heard some complaints that the movie is long and the action is a bit repetitive after a while, but each fight is actually different, with their own little signatures that makes them enjoyable and funny.
The fight choreography is great, reminescence of Zorro and Princess Bride(not that much of a surprise, since they all share the same choreographer. Bob Anderson is the greatest=)). And for some strange reason, some part of the movie also reminded me of Princess Bride(battle of wits). Frankly, I actually had to engage my brain to follow that bit, which I didn't expect from this action flick.
And as much as I am 'obsessed' with Orlando Bloom, it is Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow that makes this movie great. Maybe it's just me, but I find everything he does hilarious and likeable. Anyway, the supporting cast gives solid performances but they all pale in comparison to Depp.

Orlando Bloom is good as Will(very different from Legolas), but his character doesn't give him that much room for development or a chance to shine(just a normal romantic, straight-forward and noble hero). Keira Knightley is cool as the feisty and resourceful female lead, but she doesn't quite stand out as much as I first expected, her being the only 'girl' in the group and stuff. Even Geoffrey Rush's Barbossa seemed a bit lackluster, a villain who's never quite truly evil enough to be the film's major 'bad guy' or nice enough to make people empathize with him.
I paid $11 per ticket(curse online ticket purchasing that charges $1.50 servive fee per ticket), and it's definitely worth the money. I took my aunt, and she loved it too, saying it's very funny and entertaining. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing it again on my b-day.

It's just has the right blend of action and humor that sets it apart. I can't believe I'm saying this for real(as in not because of my obsession with Orlando Bloom), this is my favorite movie of the summer. I used to rank Finding Nemo first for the humor and X2 right after that for the entertaining action; but this one has it all, humor, action and eye candy(at least for me). The story is plausible, i.e. I didn't get distracted by it because it has too many internal inconsistencies or is too 'dumb' to believe. I highly recommend it.
I'm stingent on giving points, so I'll give it a 9/10.