I always usually say the same old thing about every movie, but this time I truly mean it—Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl could’ve been perfect. It has one sole flaw, but a big one at that, that holds it back from being the ideal summer motion picture. It’s about a half an hour too long. I love the first forty minutes, as well as the last hour, but despite the many jolly moments in between, too much of the near two hour and thirty minute duration is flat and boring. When viewing Pirates of the Caribbean, I felt as though the filmmakers were afraid to make any cuts (one thing that is always apparent in Jerry Bruckheimer films). But, even when slow, this film offers us dazzling eye candy (and Keira Knightley), which ultimately keeps us satisfied when leaving our local multiplex 

     The Walt Disney Company has found a new, successful, and marketable type of movie—the theme park flick (which I don’t really understand the hype over). While I never knew that the ride ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ at Disneyland had an actual plot, and was quite apprehensive about it being made into a movie, I anxiously awaited its release. The final product that I witnessed did not fulfill my gigantic expectations, but when the credits of Pirates of the Caribbean began to roll, I did feel very satisfied, thanks to a spectacular ending. This film is all over the map, and attempts to capture every feeling that’s been shown before on film. Sometimes this works for the better, but during others, I began to wonder if the filmmakers were carrying Johnny Depp’s character’s broken compass, to guide the many routes they utilized in doing their work. All of this mis-mapping, on the crews part, leads to one thing—the audience being bored. And, frankly, some people just can’t deal with not being entertained for half an hour when a ten dollar admission price is on the line.

     Pirates of the Caribbean still earns a positive recommendation from me, however. There are a few stupendous aspects of it, that keep the audience awake and involved in its booming-summer-epic-style. The acting and special effects are what ultimately save it from being a complete bore. Whether we most like the romance, action, or humor—it all draws back to those two features. The entire ensemble cast is excellent. Orlando Bloom (who also plays Legolas in the Lord of the Rings series) entertains us with the twisty liveliness that revolves around his character. Veteran Geoffrey Rush gives a creepy performance as a villainous pirate, whose appearance is much helped by the works of computer effects. Keira Knightley (the young British actress, who also starred in the indie-hit Bend it like Beckham) is solid, and very good-looking, in her daring and interesting role. Knightley is one of the few things about this film that is never flat to view. But, the best performance is definitely Depp’s. He provides the comedic relief for the film, and is so outrageously hilarious, if his character had been used to fill up the rather uninteresting, excess, thirty minutes in the middle of the film, the entire thing would be a flawless picture. From the second he appears on screen, Depp strikes us as hysterical; he is one member of the cast Pirates of the Caribbean couldn’t stand to lose.

     Even though it’s tremendously flawed, I walked out of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl with a wide grin on my face, and was glad that I saw it. With thirty minutes of dead time, it is occasionally a chore to sit through, but the ending pay-off is worth the wait. This one is most definitely worth the ten dollars it’ll cost for you to get in (go at night, all the morning and afternoon shows are selling out, because of the giant interest of children). Your personal tastes will determine if it’s worth revisiting on video, or at a matinee when the crowds lighten. Pirates of the Caribbean is a worthy watch, but with so many bigger, better movies out there, I’m not sure if it’s the absolute best way to spend two and a half hours, in comparison. When you have the chance, see it, but don’t go into it with insanely big expectations, for they won’t be met.

-Danny, Bucket Reviews