Memorable, crazy movie

Good concept, poorly executed.

As Good As It Gets

As somebody who had not heard any of this before, it became a curious phenomenon to sit and watch a film and slowly have the realities begin to click into place.

Continuing my plan to watch every Johnny Depp movie in order, I come to Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl. I have very mixed feelings on this movie. One one hand I love it, it's almost perfect entertainment and I love Depp's performance as Captain Jack Sparrow. On the other hand, I think the success of this movie and the character was a blessing and a curse (much like Smokey & The Bandit for Burt Reynolds) as it turned Depp from a popular actor, into an A List superstar!! And in the process, it ruined one of my favourite actors, who even in his worst movies, was always interesting.When the TV Show 21 Jump Street was a hit, it made Depp famous and turned him into a heart throb and an instant teen idol, and he hated everything about it. He fought to get out of his contract, and when they refused, he became a prima donna. He stopped trying and was awful to work with. Once free, he then spent the next decade, avoiding star making movies, preferring roles in smaller, more artistic movies that made little money but gained him credibility, and earned nicknames like Hollywood's favourite odd ball or Hollywood's favourite outsider. The last 5 years had been the most settled of Depp's life, he was living quietly in France with Vanessa Paradis and their children. Then he made this movie, so his "kids could finally see him in a movie." And it put Depp back right where he began. Beholden to a major studio, a product, a living embodiment of a theme ride. His next two movies were already in the can, and the following two were already in place, before the studio-approved Depp of the last 12 years.Now on to the movie. Depp's Captain Jack Sparrow is not the main character, more of a supporting character, but he steals every scene and was deservedly nominated for his first Oscar (losing to Sean Penn in Mystic River) he is the best thing in the movie, and truthfully the movie is duller when he is not on screen. He is at his quirky best (is he permanent drunk or did he get too much sun whilst stranded on the island) and I usually smiled every time he was on screen. Imagine how boring this would have been if Depp had played the role straight. It's a tad over long, the battles become a tad too repetitive considering the only casualties are the non pirates, since the pirates can't die. Even watching Depp and Geoffrey Rush engage in a totally pointless swordfight is a bit blah, as you know what's coming thanks to a reveal earlier. Orlando Bloom is a tad bland but is ok, likewise Kiera Knightley who looks good, but lacks the certain something that would explain why all these men are in love with her, and more importantly are willing to die for her. Geoffrey Rush Jonathan Pryce and Jack Davenport are all fine in their supporting roles too.OK I have waffled on enough.Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl became Depp's highest grossing movie, and joint best performing movie (alongside Platoon) as it grossed $305 million at the domestic box office to end 2003 as the 3rd highest grossing movie of the year.

When I saw this fifteen years ago I thought it was good. Rewatching it I found it in continually engaging with exciting scene after another. In my first viewing I dndn't care for the Orlando Bloom character but his role seemed to fit better second time around. The only criticism I offer is that it seemed to go on and on - perhaps it was ioo long.

While I have seen this movie three or four times, I re-watched it this past summer in order to prepare for the 5th insert. I am 20 years old and enjoy adventure/action movies. However, I am cautious when I see "Disney" on a movie. This movie begins with well created context and helpful details to set the plot of the movie. The witty comments and actions of Jack Sparrow challenge the logical sensible actions of William. As the movie plays out, the plot does a good job of staying on track.With that being said, the 2 stars I did not give to this movie would be for the beginning of the movie being action filled and witty and while Depp keeps the witty ideas present, in my opinion, the high point/climax of the movie felt like the slowest part. All in all, re-watchable, fitting for most above 12 years old

"Pirates of the Caribbean", first of the name is an excellent film, it is undeniable. The actors are all very good, although Johnny Deep surpasses everyone from the beginning, the moment when he arrives on the mast of his ship which is mythical and which allows to make of Jack Sparrow the image of the film (then of the saga) and tying it to Johnny Deep who made him "his" character. Definitely one or THE best film about piracy on the part of a very good realization, excellent sets, special effects that have not aged and an Original Sound Track that remains and will remain in the annals of cinema, an excellent film that justifies largely a 9/10! Mythical.