Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

Starring: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Geoffrey Rush, Keira Knightley, Jack Davenport, Bill Nighy, Stellan Skarsgard, Chow Yun-Fat, Keith Richards
Directed by: Gore Verbinski
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
2007

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: Will (Orlando Bloom), Elizabeth (Keira Knightley), and Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) venture into Davey Jones'(Bill Nighy) locker to save Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) and mount an offensive against the East India Trading Company.

Review:

Tim: The trend the first sequel started (each film worse than the previous one) continues here. While this is still entertaining and better than most movies out there, it is still another step down, and quite a ways from the excellent original film. The problem here is that Gore Verbinski tries to cram too much into this film. The story is so big, so epic, with so many different characters, multiple alliances which change constantly, and more special effects than you can imagine. This is a case where less would have been more.

It is entertaining to see these characters that we've come to know and love. Unfortunately, Johnny Depp further descends in his portrayal of Jack Sparrow. He was so absolutely terrific in the first film, but here, he's significantly less so. He is too over-the-top. I enjoyed him far, far more in the first film.

Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley are decent, but also not nearly as enjoyable as they have been in previous films. There are several scenes where their acting is just terrible. I did enjoy Geoffrey Rush's return in this film. He's quite enjoyable. Bill Nighy is also good reprising his role as Davy Jones. Chow Yun-Fat doesn't add much to the cast. While the cast is expansive, as a whole, they give only decent performances.

The special effects are impressive, but they don't compare to the previous film. The film's ship battle conclusion in the middle of a whirlpool is pretty astounding, as is Jack Sparrow and Davy Jones' final battle on the mast. While these special effects don't compare to the Kraken in the previous film, they are still quite good.

My biggest problem with the film is that it tries to pour so much into the film, with so many subplots and characters that it is hard to keep track of everything. The multiple switching alliances- Will is with Jack, Will has betrayed them, Elizabeth has her own agenda- it just gets out of control. This prevents the film from being better.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End is still enjoyable, but it is definitely the weakest film in the trilogy. The special effects are great, and Johnny Depp is always enjoyable as Jack Sparrow (even though he's been far better in the role). I recommend this film to round out the trilogy, but it is a bit of a disappointment.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Edward Scissorhands, Benny and Joon, Troy, The Ring, Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest