They don't make them like this anymore. From the production values, witty script, to the booming soundtrack by Klaus Badelt, "Pirates of the Caribbean" is an incredible, wild ride worthy of the term "new classic." Regardless of its flaws, this is a movie that will sneak right into your memory and stay there for countless reasons, not the least of which is Johnny Depp's performance.
After the governor's daughter is kidnapped, it's up to one of her childhood friends, Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), to rescue her. Going up against the kidnappers, headed up by the evil pirate Captain Barbossa, is impossible for just one man. Turner is forced to team up with rouge Jack Sparrow (Depp) to try and make the rescue.
On paper it doesn't sound like much. In reality, it isn't. It's a simply tale, a basic pirate story that covers the same basic plot that has been done thousands of times. Girl is kidnapped; incompatible heroes go to her rescue. It's the way everything is done, with such enthusiasm, flair, and style that make this movie what it is.
At the height of all of that is Johnny Depp. His character is such a blast to watch, you can't wait for the next sequence. The entire movie is better because of him. Most of the real humor comes from his character (and the script of course) and it keeps things rolling along during the slightly extended running time.
The action sequences (of which there are many) are done with incredible visual style. They become completely engrossing and give the movie an epic feel. Visual effects are strong, the CGI really is solid and it's obvious a lot of care went into it. They interact with the real cast pretty much flawlessly. Production values ooze out of every frame.
Giving everything a central theme is a marvelous soundtrack by the above-mentioned Badelt. His work here is stunning, gripping the viewer to draw them in each time it's used. It keeps you in your seat through the credits too, which is important (hint, hint).
To say the film is overdone is a bit ridiculous. That's its best aspect. Everything is flashy and over the top, giving it broad appeal with a sky-high fun factor. It has a little bit of everything tossed into it (they even have a midget!). You just don't see many movies in your lifetime that strive so hard simply to entertain you. That's what this business is all about. (***** out of *****)
Article comments
1 - Karl Eklund. Ph.D.
Letter to the Editor
The Vincentian
Vinpub@vincy.com
KentonChase@hotmail.com
It is generally known that Disney is set to start shooting Parts 2 & 3 of "Pirates of the Caribbean" in Domenica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines this spring. Unfortunately, unlike the first part, this time Disney intends to work in the native peoples of these islands, the Caribs and "Black Caribs" or Garifuna.
According to Paul Lewis of the SVG Archaeological and Historical Society Disney executives insist that Caribs in Dominica be portrayed as cannibals. Adrian Fraser in his column in the Searchlight (quoting Carib Chief Charles Williams of Dominica) says that the scene will show Caribs roasting another Carib in the style of a barbecue. Evidently the Disney executives said the script cannot be changed.
That, of course, is nonsense. Scripts have been changed even with films in the can, if the change is necessary to market the film. And the easiest time to change a script is while it is just words on paper. What Disney doesn't understand is that a community that survived the attempted genocide by the British Empire is not likely to be fazed by a corporation that is dependent on popular approval.
Whether or not the Caribs roasted people, or even ate bits of them for ritual reasons, is, on the one hand, something for academics to argue about. On the other hand displaying it in a movie that is likely to be popular based on its predecessor is unnecessary promulgation of a racist myth for political purposes. Disney's researchers probably don't know that there is a distinction between "Caribs" and "Garifuna" or what that distinction signifies.
A minor change in the script in which the europeans BELIEVE the Caribs are cannibals and in which the roastee is a european colonist, while the central characters discover, at the climax, that the Yellow and Black Caribs are fierce freedom fighters defending their homes and independence, would not only be much more acceptable to Caribbean academics, but would be considerably more acceptable to audiences in the Caribbean diaspora and the non-melanin-deficient international market. And it would be a lot cheaper to change the script now, before any shooting, than to change the final cut after a lot of demonstrations.
There are lots of interesting questions about the Caribs that I will be discussing in future essays at [http://blogger.karleklund.net] and on the website at [http://svg.karleklund.net]. The Garifuna who survived attempted genocide by the British Empire are an inspiration to us all.
But it would be a useful thing if a lot of people showed that they care how the Garifuna and other aboriginal peoples are portrayed in big production movies. It is too late in the twentyfirst century to slander an ethnic group simply out of ignorance and greed.
Karl Eklund, Ph.D.
Villa, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
2 - Eric Olsen
Karl, In the words of Captain Jack, "interesting."
Matt, what a great job. I don't say it often enough but I really enjoy the attitude and thoroughness of your reviews, and you shame me with your coverage and knowledge of the special features, which I never seem to get around to discussing. Thanks!
3 - Matt Paprocki
Karl, that's interesting. What's even more surprsing is the change Disney has went through. This was the first movie to carry both the Disney label and a PG-13 rating. It seems like the next one could be pretty graphic if they do end up going the cannibal route.
Eric: Thanks as always.
4 - Anthony g
i thought that pirates of the caribbean was brilliant, johnny depp is ace i especially like the part where the 2 guards say "this dock is stictly of limits to civilians" 'n' johnny sez "ok sure, if i see a civilian i will inform you"
5 - Anthony g rocks
pirates of the caribbean is ace .... i can't wait till the second 1 comes out. . .
Johnny also rocks...p.s i'm gettin fed up of people sayin how fit johnny n orlando is.... when we all know that kiara is the fittest..
[deleted]