Pirates of the Carribean: Curse of the Black Pearl

Just when I thought there wasn't an original thought left in Hollywood, I sit and watch Pirates of the Carribean (I don't know how to spell it, obviously). This one stars Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Geoffrey Rush, as pirates, more or less. You see, Rush is the captain of a cursed ship, named the Black Pearl. He and his men stole some gold that cursed them to live an undead life. If they return all the gold, the curse is lifted.
The plot, however, really doesn't matter. What does matter is the action and the characterization. Johnny Depp just lays back and has fun with this role. I've liked some of his work, and am aware of his immense talent, but this was wonderful to see. He swaggers and lies his way through this movie so convincingly. Rush, of course, is the perfect heavy, and chews scenery accordingly. Bloom, a relative newcomer, but no stranger to action, plays his wide-eyed true-blue hero with gusto.
Despite being based on the Disney ride of the same name, it is a rolicking adventure which doesn't allow for pauses. There was no expectations for this movie, seeing as the last ride-based movie tanked miserably (The Country Bears? See, no one remembers but me). This movie is filled with the reckless abandon that all summer movies should be. For that, this movie gets a big thumbs up, a must-see, and 8 of 10 stars. Now, avast ye mateys, and hop aboard this one! Sorry, couldn't resist.

Back to the Archive