Paradise Reel

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest

Synopsis: Captain Jack is back and enlists the help of Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann and a host of familiar characters from the first movie to free his soul from the clutches of the barnacled buccaneer Davy Jones and his minions of sea specters.

“Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” has to be the most successful pirate movie that has ever sailed to the silver screens. Now with the addition of the latest installment of the series, Disney has the most successful pirate franchise in all of modern day history. “Dead Man’s Chest” is an intelligent romp through the Caribbean that not only manages to capture the essence of the Eroll Flynn pirate ‘epics’ but to also combine it with uproarious adventure and daring-do in the vein of Indiana Jones and many other classic action films. Dir. Gore Verbinski (”The Weather Man” and “The Mexican”) literally struck gold with “Pearl” by bringing his talent for creating complex yet engaging characters to a little known project that was the spawn of a children’s ride at a theme park.

Everyone is back for this 2 ½ hour voyage into Caribbean (yes, including the evil dead monkey). Johnny Depp (“Sleepy Hollow” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”) is absolutely sublime as the spineless Captain Jack Sparrow. He manages to meander good ol’ Capt’ Jack through his willowy conscience to emerge with still an imprint of dignity in his stature. Essentially he plays the classic “rogue harbouring a heart of gold” (and at some point in the film, a barnacled one as well), his “piratey” nature is just his well worn disguise. Johnny Depp is a character actor of variety and not known to play the same part twice. To have him return for not one but TWO sequels (”Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” is being filmed as I type) basically means that we are in for a jolly good ride.

Keira Knightly (“Bend it like Beckam” and “Love Actually”) and Orlando Bloom (“Lord of the Rings” trilogy and “Elizabethtown”) return as the pair of unfortunate to-be-weds, Elizabeth Swain and Will Turner respectively. Orlando still sports the dogged determination of the first film and Keira upholds the personality and tenacity of a 21st century damsel trapped in a corset. The two main leads (other than Depp) both deliver very solid performances from that build upon their characters from the first movie.

Two of the most underrated performances of Dead Man’s Chest are Bill Nighy’s (“Love Actually” and “Underworld”) Davy Jones and Stellan Skarsgård’s (“Good Will Hunting” and “Exorcist: The Beginning”) Bill ‘Bootstrap’ Turner. Nighy plays the eccentric yet diabolical octopus of a pirate, Davy Jones. He imbues the character with slight facial nuances that fleshes out what would have been a very stereotypical villain. In whatever screen time he had (which is not much mind you), Stellan conveys the tortured soul of a father who made a deal with the devil to offset his Judgment day, perfectly. There is a look of loss that shines through even from under all that layered facial prosthetics.

Clocking in at 150 minutes, “Dead Man’s Chest” promises our money’s worth. Some may argue that the film is slightly draggy in the middle but it hardly detrimental on the enjoyment of the movie. Bookend by two really innovative action sequences that will leave you clutching your sides in laughter as well as the edge of your seat, witty dialogue and spectacular visuals; this is one of the few recent adventure films that really manages to ensnare the audience. Just one piece of advice, take a bathroom break just before the film or you’ll be battling with your bladder half way through the film. This is a pirate movie; there is water EVERYWHERE.

This is one of the few Bruckheimer productions that actually lives up to its initial hype (”Bad Boys 2″ was rather repetitive) of an all round hearty action/adventure blockbuster as latest reports tells of record breaking earnings for this money making vessel. A definite must watch for anyone between 5-80 years of age as it serves up a little something for everyone. There are some benefits of watching “The Curse of the Black Pearl” again (and if you have not before, shame on you, go rent it now!) as there are some in jokes in this film that references the first film. Oh, and do stay to the end of the credits as there is a tiny reward for all you movie buffs out there. Savvy?