Pirates of the Caribbean

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest just set the record for biggest opening ever. Experts on movie economics had seen this coming, as it had huge tracking numbers. Apparently this film appealed to demographics across the board, not just to teenage boys or thirtysomething women, but everybody. I'll admit my ass was in the theater on opening weekend as well.

I enjoyed the first film, and I enjoyed this one, too, though not as much. A certain element of surprise was missing in this one, understandably. The creation of the character Captain Jack Sparrow, by Johnny Depp, was such a marvelous discovery in the first film. That couldn't be replicated here, instead we waited to see what else Depp could do with the role. Turns out it was pretty much more of the same, this time emphasizing the cartoon-character aspect. Whenever there is danger nearby, he can be seen slinking out of frame, eager to beat it, with exaggerated movements. All that was missing was for him to say, in a Snagglepuss voice, "Exit, stage right!" Of course, befitting the anti-hero he is, he also has moments of bravery, much to his chagrin.

The criticisms of the film, of which there are many, are mostly do to its length. It is a bit long, but I knew that going in so I had no problem and was engaged throughout. The plot relies heavily on magic and supernatural stuff, and at times you wonder whether the filmmakers have the laws of all this worked out, particularly with the last, cliffhanger shot.

I think the main reason why I enjoy these films compared with other multiplex blockbusters is that there is a wit and joie de vivre that is lacking in some of the other pictures (especially Superman Returns). Also, since these are the only movies about swashbuckling pirates made in the last twenty years or so, there isn't a sense of been there-done that that there is in superhero films or the standard action thriller, with its car chases and explosions.