Reviewed by: Joe & Kris

Directed by: Gore Verbinski

Produced by: Jerry Bruckheimer

Cast: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, & Geoffrey Rush

Set in the Caribbean Sea in the 17th century, this is the story of a gentleman rogue of a pirate, Jack Sparrow (Depp), who teams up with the daughter (Knightley) of a governor (Pryce) to stop the evil plan of a ship of dangerous pirates (led by Rush) who are trying to reverse an ancient curse that leaves them stuck between life and death, with the light of the moon revealing their skeletons, like some kind of undead monsters.

The cast for Pirates of the Caribbean is very well put together. Depp makes the role of Captain Jack Sparrow his very own and presents a style to him that makes you want to trust him but knowing he is a pirate tells you to be wary. The comedic timing presented Depp is absolutely perfect and works very well in every scene he is in. Depp performs so well that you feel an emotional connection to him that makes the ending all the more intense. There are still some questions about Will Turner, the character that remain unanswered at the end of the film but that has more to do with the script then with Orlando Bloom’s performance. Geoffrey Rush is absolutely devilish as Captain Barbossa. He presents a style that is both charming and creepy at the same time, which works exceedingly well in this film. Keira Knightly, who had a breakout role in Bend It like Beckham, does a wonderful job as Elizabeth Swann, the governor’s daughter who is much tougher then most would think. The remainder of the cast is perfect for the most part. The only role that seems out of place is Governor Swann, played by Jonathan Pryce. There just seemed to be too little of the character and when the character is shown, he doesn’t do anything for the scenes. He is just a mere distraction that doesn’t work very well.

Overall, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is probably one of the best action flicks of the year. There may be a lot of holes in the plot of the story and at moments there may be no point to certain sword fights, but that doesn’t seem to matter at all. The special effects, created by Industrial Light and Magic, are the most amazing CGI work that has been seen in quite awhile. The skeletons look absolutely astounding and look even better in the final fight sequence of the film. The musical score for the picture is very original and works so well. Altogether everything seems to come together for the film and presents a delightful action flick that is so rare these days. There were very few problems for the film. The only one that can be thought of right away is the time length. At a time of two hours and twenty minutes, the film seems a bit too longer for the audience that it is intended for but that is a small squabble compared to overall effect of the film. Not a theatrical classic but an out and out good popcorn action flick for the whole family.

I have wanted to see this movie since I first heard about it, around for or five months ago. I originally wanted to see it because Orlando Bloom is in it. And, while I may be obsessed with him, I like him more for his acting skills than for his good looks. Anyway, when I saw the first teaser trailer, I really wanted to see it. Finally, when I saw the real trailers and TV spots, I decided that it could be a great movie.

This movie has everything a summer film needs. It has romance, humor, action, suspense and, of course, treasure. The trailers make this look like a scary movie, but it is not remotely close to being scary. Unless of course, you are afraid of skeletons and bones. There are some really cool choreographed sword fights and rope swinging stunts. These parts are very fun to watch.

The characters are interesting to say the least. Especially Johnny Depp’s character, Jack Sparrow. He is a pirate captain, but he’s the worst pirate you’ve ever seen, hehehe. He seems to be drunk all of the time. His words always seem to be slurred together, but it’s hilarious. Will Turner, Orlando Bloom’s character, is quite the opposite. He tries to be the noble man, trying to find the woman kidnapped by the pirates.

This is a great movie. People of all ages will definitely love it. Like I said, it is hilarious and you will find yourself laughing in almost every scene. This is a great movie to see when it is sold out, all of the people there bring out the experience and make it even better. If there is only one movie you see this summer, make this one be it.