Jul 08, 2006 10:55
Let me begin by saying that I loved the first "Pirates" but thought it was flawed. There wasn't enough Captain Jack and it ended up being a lot like a ghost story instead of a movie about pirates. "Pirates 2" solves these problems, creating a masterpiece of modern American Cinema.
"Pirates 2" is the first half of a story following Captain Jack Sparrow's search for the "dead man's chest". I went into the theatre not knowing this, and it lead me to believe the movie was going to be about 5 hours long and was extremely slow. However, I then realized when the lights came up that I had just witnessed one of the greatest cliffhangers in a long time. It almost felt like I was watching a TV show where it's gonna kill you to wait a week, but instead I have about a year to wait. So if this kind of thing bothers you, you might want to stray from "Pirates 2" until the DVD release, although I don't suggest it.
Let me begin the real review with the cast. Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, and Keira Knightley... If you don't have an orgasm at some point in this movie, no matter what your gender or sexual preference is, there is something wrong with you. Leave your computer and go see a doctor. Not only are they good looking (like really really ridiculously good looking), but they pull their characters off with Style and a perfection that is rarely seen in movies now a days. Jack Sparrow is probably one of Johnny Depp's greatest characters and should allow this franchise to last until I have kids. His wit and sarcasm drew me in and held my attention throughout the whole film. It was one of my major gripes with the first film. More Captain Jack equals more enjoyment. Orlando Bloom plays the love puppy opposite Keira Knightly and although it's cheesy and you wonder if they really are in love, they make a cute couple. I hope they improve on their relationship for "Pirates 3".
Special Effects were amazing, along with the design for them. There is Davey Jones' crew, which looks creepy yet someone welcoming, but above all they look real. From their wet skin to the actual designs of the crew, they look amazing. The Kraken scared the shit out of me, and had a really cool look, which I won't describe as to keep this spoiler free. The sounds were good too, nothing too amazing there. Another major part of the film was the swordplay, of which there is a lot. Again, spoiler free review means not much of a description, but lets just say it was amazing and it involved a three way sword fight. Also, They've included a lot more of Pirating and the codes and lifestyle behind it, which they kind of left out in the first "Pirates". That was my only other problem with the first one, which is why I was so happy when I found out they included a lot more of it.
Not much else to say besides this is the summer hit we've been waiting for. Finally, a movie that can live up to the title of "Summer Blockbuster", especially after the disappointing "X-3" and "Superman Returns". If you haven't seen "Pirates", go soon. If you've seen "Pirates", get off your ass and see "Pirates 2" now. You won't regret it.
Story:9/10
Acting:9/10
Sound/SFX:8/10
Overall:9/10