Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

This movie is a mess, but what a wonderfully pretty mess. Following directly after Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, the crew of the Black Pearl have to save Jack Sparrow from Davy Jones’ Locker. There are twists and turns in this movie to fill 20 movies. People are making backhanded deals and backstabbing each other throughout the story. You almost need a chart to keep up with these plot points. Who is on who’s side?

And, that’s the problem with the film. It’s overly complex and needlessly confusing. I mean I didn’t want the movie to be mindlessly stupid, but it just feels like they were making it up as they were going along. And, by many reports, they were writing the script while filming the movie. Plotlines and subplots from the second movie are done away with very little payoff. Remember that Elizabeth Swann betrayal? Well, don’t expect much from it. This kind of stuff makes watching the film frustrating.

However, there are many things about the movie I found enjoyable, just like the second movie. There are some amazing battles and CGI work throughout. The effects teams need to be commended for their work here. Hans Zimmer’s score is very good, as I’ve written a review on it in my blog.

Geoffrey Rush is the main reason to watch this movie. I’ve always enjoyed his performance in The Curse of the Black Pearl. He is certainly having fun with his role. Bill Nighy as Davy Jones is other reason to watch this movie. I actually ended up liking this guy more in this movie than the last one. Orlando Bloom is pure shit, while Keira Knightley does an okay job here. She does look sexier in those Chinese outfits than her normal clothing.

The movie is misguided and sometimes too cute for its own good, but still enjoyable than some of the other ‘third’ movies from the summer. There’s just too much going on, which was the same problem with Spiderman 3.

Grade: C

Elizabeth Swann: “Captain, I heard you were on a ship called 21 Jump Street. Is that true?”