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It’s been a long time since anyone could challenge Errol Flynn
as the best swashbuckler fighter of the high seas. Flynn had the looks
and charisma that made his films forever known, especially his most
famous film Captain Blood. While most of the summer action
films have their best scenes in the streets via car chases, Disney
has gone a step “deeper” and used the ocean to bring out the best
action sequences. Not only are they having success with Finding
Nemo, which takes place in the ocean, but they will have another
ocean box office winner with Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of
the Black Pearl. This film has enough wit, action scenes, horror
moments, and dazzling special effects and fight scenes that would
place it amongst the best Pirate films ever. Not to mention one of
funniest performances given by Johnny Depp.
Set in the Caribbean, actually Young Island on St. Vincent, Johnny
Depp plays scraggly looking pirate Captain Jack Sparrow who lacks
a ship as well as a crew. Wearing dreadlocks, with dirty teeth,
and torn clothes doesn’t add to the credibility that he’s one of
the best pirates in the area. Years ago, when Elizabeth (Knightley)
daughter of the Governor of Port Royal (Pyrce) stole the gold medallion
of a boy who washed ashore from a pirate ship, little did she know
what would lie ahead. As she enters her adult years, she’s reluctantly
engaged to Commodore Norrington (Davenport), much to the chagrin
Wil Turner (Bloom), the local blacksmith and longtime admirer of
Elizabeth. Wil is the one Elizabeth took the medallion from years
ago. Wil would later battle Captain Jack and get the upper hand
as Jack is captured and imprisoned for his treachery as a pirate.
By nightfall, the fabled Black Pearl ship arrives and wreaks havoc
within the town in search of Elizabeth. Led by Captain Barbossa
(Rush), the crew of the Black Pearl burn everything in sight and
kidnapped Elizabeth for she holds the key to their “future”. Seems
that the crew of the Black Pearl was cursed and can never die until
the medallion and the person responsible for taking it is brought
back to the place where they were cursed and release the spell
that has hounded them for years. Needing assistance and not getting
it from the Commodore or the Governor, Wil is forced to free Captain
Jack and seek his help in rescuing Elizabeth. Jack rallies what
little friends he has and off they go in search of the Black Pearl.
Little does Wil know that Jack and Barbossa go some ways back and
Jack has a hidden agenda in his quest with Wil.
Produced by Jerry Bruckhemier, he spared no expense with the high
octane action sequences such as the battle between the ships and
destruction of the town by the Black Pearl crew. At 135 minutes,
the film may seem long but it’s fast paced with an engaging cast
and fight scenes to make you stop thinking about time. Depp is
at his best when he plays quirky roles and here he’s simply marvelous
and funny. Bloom, fresh from playing Legalos in both Lord of
the Rings films, plays his role straightforward and is able to
hold his own in his first leading role amongst Depp’s quick wit
and Rush’s harrowing role. The screenwriters did an interesting
job in creating a story that tells the tales of pirates and treasure
while adding the animation sequences and romantic elements. Knightley,
fresh from “Bend It Like Beckham”, is a fierce and energetic actress
able to add more to her role than just being the damsel in distress.
Vebinski seems to be working well on the horror genre since his last film
was The Ring and with this film, while totally different, does
have moments of thrills and suspence. Nevertheless, he does a credible
job in getting a team effort. Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse
of the Black Pearl is fun film that all will enjoy since it
incorporates a mixture of genres in it. |
