Reviews

Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest

It seems that every franchise in films tries to compare itself to, or rather model itself after so many successful ones before. This franchise does so by way of the original Star Wars trilogy. While I absolutely had a lot of fun with this film, as much as I did with the first, the first sequel is so very much like “Empire” it’s uncanny. I’ll explain this in more detail in a bit, but first the ever-important breakdown.

Our heroes Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swan (Keira Knightley) are in a bit of trouble with the authorities concerning their assistance in the freeing of Capt. Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) from an untimely execution. Now the two young lovers face death as well, unless Will finds Sparrow and retrieves the good Captain’s compass for Lord Cutler Beckett (Tom Hollander) of the East India Trading Company (the unofficial true rulers of the sea). On top of this, Sparrow’s thirteen-year deal with the legendary Davy Jones (Bill Nighy) is drawing to a close, and Mr. Jones demands payment in full.

Now without giving away too much of the surprises, let me get into some obvious “Empire” comparisons. First off, there is a bit of a bummer ending, though there is some light at the end of the tunnel. An odd yet helpful sage is introduced, in the form of voodoo priestess Tia Dalma (Naomie Harris). We get a possible love triangle, character development, the loss of some characters and, of course, a much deadlier villain. On top of all these comparisons, the film does take a darker turn than its predecessor, yet it does retain all of the spirit and fun of the first. Now the only thing left is to see if this is the best of the three, but we will have to wait until next summer for that one.

Enough of the comparisons -- let’s talk turkey. Dead Man’s Chest is one hell of a fun ride. While this installment lacks the multiple sword fights of the first, it does have one really big one that involves a three-way duel atop a water wheel. Most of the action involves a chase of one sort or another and a bit of an unusual treasure hunt. Every surviving character from the first returns and even some I thought were done (remember the monkey?).

All in all, there is nothing really deep to say about a pirate film and there is nothing really artistic to discuss and analyze about said genre; this type of film was meant for an enjoyable time on a Saturday matinee. They are meant for an escape into a life of fantasy and entertainment, nothing more and nothing less. I had my good time and am relieved that I only have to wait just a year for the final installment.
8/10
George

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