Many fans complained about how bogged down the last Pirates of the Caribbean movie felt trying to tie up all its lose ends while still adding new characters and plot lines, so the studio went back to the single minded approach that made the original Pirates so successful. On Stranger Tides is a stand alone Pirates film that only brings back a handful of characters from the previous films......and leaves much to be desired. The film has all the requisite Jack Sparrow one liners as well as kinetic action sequences, but beyond that tried formula, everything else falls dead. Penelope Cruz has a difficult time being anyone other than Penelope Cruz, and while Geoffrey Rush is back as Barbosa, his character feels out of place and wasted here. Ian McShane was inspired casting as ruthless pirate Blackbeard, but isn't given very much to do. Johnny Depp brings back the familiar running style and over used mouth of Sparrow, but many of his jokes fall flat. The film also feels much longer than its already long 141 minute run time. There are a few positives in the film including the return of Sparrow's right hand man Gibbs and the sparring back and forth between them. The quest to the fountain of youth is also a great choice for a Pirates movie, however the end of that quest is lackluster. Also the film takes a turn towards darkness when Blackbeard decides its time to catch a mermaid, however the darkness and creepiness that is initially there dissipates quickly into silliness. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is worth watching on a Saturday afternoon in the comfort of your living room, but is no longer the must see series that it started out being. I give it 5 Ninja Stars out of 10.
-Maximus
I would have to agree with Maximus on almost all his points. The only thing we disagree on is that I believe there really hasn't been a good pirates since the first one (the second one was just ok and the third one was terrible). So my expectations were a lot lower because I figured it would not be good. It didn't fail my expectations and though it wasn't as bad as the third one, it was awfully boring. Very good points on all the characters Maximus. Ian McShane, I would like to commend you for trying to redeem this movie but your part was not big enough and the storyline was stupid so you never really had a chance. After giving it a week to settle in I am going to have to give this movie 4 Ninja Stars out of 10.
ReplyDelete-Diomedes