The best part of the movie, in my book, is the introduction of Tia Dalma, the voodoo witch who somehow convinced the Disneyland park rangers it was okay for her to take up permanent residence in the Blue Bayou ride. (When I mentioned moving in, they just chuckled nervously and asked to see my entry receipt. Good thing for them I don't know any voodoo.) Played by Naomie Harris (who is just as foxy in 28 Days Later, except with better teeth), Tia gets to be the confident and wise sage, and gets to set everything up for the next film. I like the introduction of the voodoo element to the Pirates mythology. I've always felt voodoo and pirates go well together, and it's nice to see that Ted Eliot and Terry Rossio, the crack commando scriptwriting team, agree with me.
The ramp-up of the Will-Elizabeth-Jack love triangle is just weird. It doesn't play well, mostly, I think, because of the actors involved. Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom have an on screen chemistry that's spotty, at best, and unfortunately, they're up against Johnny Depp, who has excellent chemistry with Orlando, Keira, Naomie Harris, almost all of the incidental characters he interacts with, and the big jar of dirt. Hopefully, the third movie will give Will and Elizabeth a bit of time away from Captain Jack, and enough time to work out their issues, or even better, kill one of them off. Either way, I have no doubt once I see the third Pirates movie, I will be firmly convinced this is most likely the best movie trilogy ever made.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest is not the best movie, especially when compared to the first one. However, it is a passable second act of a trilogy. I wasn't happy with The Empire Strikes Back, The Two Towers, Scream 2, The Matrix Reloaded, or Back to the Future 2, either. Trilogies are tricky things and I've found it's usually best to hold off final judgment until all the dice are on the table. Having said that, I'll give Pirates DMC a big, "we'll see" until after I've seen World's End. I doubt I'll be disappointed. After all, it'll still have pirates, zombies, and monkeys. Hell, if they can squeeze a ninja in there somewhere, it really will be the perfect movie trilogy.
Article comments
1 - Joanie
I disagree with you about character development in DMC. Elizabeth showed a more devious edge when she kissed Jack while the Kraken was attacking the ship.
Jack showed serious heart when he came back to the ship.
And Will, well, he proved to be the one character who didn't exactly grow, but he resolved much of what has always held him back.
Now, about the ending....
2 - Dan Traeger
See, that's the thing. In the first movie I saw Elizabeth as the most devious one of the bunch... a true pirate at heart if you will. She proved several times in POTC that she was willing to do what it takes to get the job done, no matter how unsavory. Wether it was stopping the pirate rampage by invoking the right of parlay, or taking Will's place as the cursebreaker, or even burning up all the rum on the smuggler's island. I didn't see the kiss as anything more than that. She didn't change, she didn't grow.
I see your point about Jack Sparrow though. He did seem to show his heroic side by taking on the Kraken singlehandedly. I'l reserve judgement on that until I see World's End and we find out wether or not he was just working an angle.
My whole point with this was that the movie was too bloody long not to have oodles of in depth character development and back story fill in. Though I will aquiesce... I did like what they did with the Davey Jones character set up, and his backstory was interesting, if a bit mysterious. Just like a good villian should be.
Still, it is the middle part of the story, and I'm sure I'll be well pleased by the time it's done.
3 - Joanie
While Elizabeth has always exhibited the heart of a pirate with her sense of adventure, she'd never used her sexuality in a devious manner. That one act was a huge step for her. She knew what would bring Jack to his knees and it finally dawned on her that she could use this power to her (and the others') advantage. It was a defining moment for her - the difference between the girl she used to be and the woman she's becoming.
I do agree with you on World's End being the key to how the story will ultimately be remembered. If done right, this trilogy will stand as the epic adventure it should be.
4 - zoya
well I personally think hat it was a splendid movie and it was 100% better then the first one and I don't know about ulot but I loved each and every part of it!
5 - Dan Traeger
As fair a judgement as any on blogcritics I think. :)
6 - kanrei
Great Review. I could not agree more. I sat through this movie thinking it would be a great director's cut, but was just too long for the middle chapter devoid of any real plot.
By the way:I was in heaven; the only thing missing from that movie was ninjas.
That is one of the best lines I have read yet.
7 - MACKENZIE
THAT WAS THE BEST MOVIE I HAVE EVER SEEN!!!!!!!!!!
8 - Dan Traeger
Okay, I get it, you haven't seen a lot of movies. No need to shout. Sheesh.
9 - RacelRacel
Seriously that was probably the best movie in the world. And itt was not too loonng. It was perfect. I hope the last is longer. I can not wait!!11!OB!! JD!!! Ahhh!
10 - myriah
I think that pirates 2 is the best movie ever written in the history of movies written. oh yeah. I cant WAIT until next may. any critics who diss it must be blind and deaf. it ROCKS!
11 - RacelRacel
Myriah I think you are so cool. Of course Pirates of the Carribean was one of the best movies in movie history!!!!
12 - RacelRacel
Pirates 3 comin out soon!! 2007!
13 - RacelRacel
Happy New Year Everyone!
14 - Sarah
i love these movies! the are my favorite of all time! and i absolutly love Jack and Elizabeth together! they never get boring like will and liz do and there not like overly dramatic about the whole love thing, like will and liz. i can explain jack and elizabeth's feelings for each other very simply( for those of you who are confused or don't know what to think) Jack wants Elizabeth but does not want to want her, and Elizabeth wants Jack but does not want to want him. basically there both very confused and in very deep denile about each other.