I've been to Disneyland Paris once before and I did go on the ride itself and it was enjoyable. Then a few short years later they go and make a movie based on this ride, only thing was the film was a lot better than the ride I remember, no cheesy Disney songs and one heck of a bigger thrill. It brought forward the likes of Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom (I'll leave it up to you whether this is a good or a bad thing) and it put Johnny Depp firmly on the mainstream A list of stars. Made in 2003 it catapaulted pirates to instant infamy, the film was a big hit, and its main attraction was Captain Jack Sparrow whom Disney initially wanted to recast after seeing some of Depp's work on the film, they hated him! Oh how the tides have turned (pun!). Now in 2011 we have been given a fourth film in the franchise and this time 3D and without Orlando and Keira.
Rob Marshall has replaced Gore Verbinski for directorial duties, though the film starts off in a similar fashion to the three that preceded this one. A gloomy, haunting introduction that informs the audience that trouble is brewing, followed, after the opening titles, with a humorous escapade from Mr, sorry I mean Captain Jack Sparrow. This formula still works well for setting the scene and immersing the audience into the action. There's even an interesting, if maybe slightly pointless, cameo for Dame Judy Dench. However after this good opening, the film seems to slow down and there is quite of lot of scenes which seem to just introduce a flurry of new characters one after the other for quite a while, during which time not a lot else happens and Sparrow fumbles and manipulates his way about. Now there are a few giggles to be had here and Blackbeard's entrance is quite something, his character is quite good but never quite seems quite as intimidating as expected, especially as he is supposed to be the pirate all other pirates fear, at times I found myself almost rooting for him, unless that's what the studio wanted? Penelope Cruz has the same situation, she is very feisty and has great potential with her character, but she doesn't really do a lot in this film, other than the odd bit of bantering and shouting, which is a shame.
One of the film's biggest faults is that the whole production seems to rely too much on Depp's shoulders. Geoffrey Rush returns in this film and is funny and brilliantly plays his ambitious Captain Barbossa, he has some good lines as well, but it's all too obvious that Sparrow is the main focus and maybe there's just a tad too much. Now don't get me wrong, Depp is excellent as Sparrow and there is a reason he is so popular, but as this film is 137 minutes long and most of that time is spent in Jack's company it is putting this character in danger of starting to become a bit tiresome, the film does have the been-there-done-that about it.
The film has great production value; the locations, costumes and sets they make the film look and feel amazing, the action scenes are brilliant and there are the odd moments of good humour, however the film never really seems to properly take off. The stuttering flow of the film, and the over familiarity of the film's set-ups and characters mean that this film doesn't quite have the wow factor. The 3D is also mostly pointless as there are just a few moments when you really notice it (in the air landscape shots and thrusting swords).
I don't know if I just wanted the film to be as good as the first one, but it doesn't quite live up to those high standards. You can tell the director is different as there is a touch of showmanship to this film, and spectacle seems a priority over the characters and plot. Though I would tell you that if you are a fan and enjoy these films then definitely go and see it. This film is by no means terrible it just is something we've seen before, however I am sure it will do very well with the public and I am glad I have seen it.
Oh and well done Sam!
