Author: Rep
Date: 7/23/03
Rating: 9.5
Movie Rating: PG-13
Purchase on Amazon.com
DVD
| VHS
Buy this poster:
from MoviePoster.com
Some movie critics have called it way too long and accuse it of overdoing the action. I must disagree; this movie is fantastic. So what if Disney is plugging their rides? As long as they turn out movies like this, I'll spend my $9.50.
The acting was great. No one was pretending to be dramatic; this really is an adventure - comedy.
Johnny Depp had the audience in the palm of his hand with his stupid but hilarious jokes, mannerism, and comments. In his entrance scene, we see him proudly enter the harbor on the mast of his ship, and then the camera cuts down and we see his ship sinking slowly; he steps off the mast and onto the dock. :P Geoffry Rush keeps the 'scary' plot going, with some nice performances. Orlando Bloom is here for his third movie, and is on his way to stardom. He doesn't have as great a part as Depp, but he still holds his own and keeps the movie's energy going. The girl, Kiera Knightly, is new to film, but certainly acts like she's been around for several years. She did a great job, and for an unknown actress, has certainly broken through on the silver screen.
At two hours and twenty minutes, the film runs long, but I was entertained through its entirety. Unlike certain [shifty eyes] Episode II's...
Also, I loved the little touches from the actual Disneyland ride that were recreated in the movie.
The action was fantastic, especially the swordfight between Bloom and Depp, and later Depp and Rush. As far as love story, it doesn't revolve around that, but Knightly and Bloom definately don't look stupid together.
Another great thing about this film is that it's great for the whole family! Now, normally, when someone says this, I think, Piss off, loser. Family movies are stupid. PG-13 means 'not a family movie'. But in this case, the movie is great for anyone. I saw it with my family and my best friend's family. Out of all of us, there were 4 over 50, 3 between 18 and 50, 2 between 13 and 18, and a seven-year-old. And everyone loved it.
To break it down:
Action: Good. Nice sword fighting scenes.
Plot: Original. Yeah, there have been pirate movies, but none as enjoyable as this.
Acting: Good. All the major and minor characters were well-cast and creative.
Would I see it again?: Absolutely.
Would I buy it?: Yeah.