Not to be overlooked is the strong support of the cast around Johnny Depp. Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom seem to have developed (since the first film) a great chemistry which shines through in their on-screen personas. They add the appropriate amount of romance and drama to offset Depp’s antics, but without being either morose or mushy. And what would a great hero (or anti-hero in the case of Sparrow) story be without a devious and scary villain? Bill Nighy plays the role of Davy Jones to a T; his ability to convey the conflicted emotions of a villain who yearns to feel comes through even beneath layers of make-up an computer generated flesh. His addition to this series is a welcome one, and it creates an even greater balance between good and evil than the first film.
The only disappointment in Dead Man’s Chest does not arise until the very end. And don’t worry, I am not here to spoil it for you. I believe that everyone should see it for themselves and pass judgment accordingly, but the film felt almost like half of a movie. It sort of just drops off, making us thankful that there is going to be a third installment in this now powerhouse movie franchise.
But despite a few shortfalls at the end of its tale, Dead Man’s Chest is a delightful movie theater experience. It has every element that we have come to love from great summer movies of the past; heart-pounding action, expert comedic timing, and characters that we will not soon forget. In short, this is one of those films that you absolutely must experience in the theater, as it is just that much fun.
Final Grade: 
The most entertaining film of the year, hands down. One of those movies you can’t just wait to see on DVD!
Article comments
1 - Iloz Zoc
Your first paragraph sums up the film experience perfectly. Like Errol Flynn's Captain Blood, Dead Man's Chest has fun with the whole Pirates genre, and tweaks it beyond reality to create a perfect cinema experience. This definitely is the film to see this summer, and to just have fun and take in all the visual artisty. I'm still puzzled by the critics poo-pooing it for the very essence of what makes it a great film: brilliantly creative excess along the lines of an Indiana Jones movie on steroids. How can you not love this film?
2 - Dawn
It was really action-packed and the visual effects and makeup were outstanding. It was really great, but it doesn't top the first one which I feel had a tighter plot and script.
Jack's character lacked the complex mix of morals and selfishness that was so compelling in the first one. I think that may get resolved in the second one.
In any case, that was a great review!
3 - dreamscope
"Jack's character lacked the complex mix of morals and selfishness that was so compelling in the first one. I think that may get resolved in the second one."
===> Sorry, I don't think so. There are the same moral thoughts in part 2 as in part 1. Let us wait on part 3.
The movie review on top of this side is really great.
Besides, I wonder why Pirates of the Caribbean 2 is such successful. Of course Jack Sparrow is really cool and the special effects are great - but the most important thing should be the story. But this story is a little wishy-washy...