Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

Directed by: Gore Verbinski
Starring: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Jack Davenport, Bill Nighy, Jonathan Pryce
Running Time: 2h 30min

The immediate thought that ran through my mind after seeing this film, (after 'Thank God that's over!") was how much i felt like when i had seen "The Matrix Reloaded". After being completely taken by surprise and blown away by the originality and complexity of the first, original film, i felt completely let down, confused, and saddened by how that first film is tarnished by this sequel.

Now, of course, in hindsight, i can appreciate the second Matrix film as a worthy installment of the series, and perhaps filled with the most rewatchable fight scenes of the entire trilogy. Hopefully, the same will be said about this film once all is said and done. Yet, for the time being, it seemed as though "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" is more said, than done. My initial feeling is that it sucked the life out of the original, spat back the enjoyable lines and character references, and created a ridiculously complex back story that makes it incomprehensible with its laboured pace and unsatisfying faux ending.

Which is the problem of the second installment of pre-planned trilogies. It's almost as though the filmmakers hold back, knowing they have to save something for the final film, or else why bother? (Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers notwithstanding). Which, in response i say, why bother with a middle chapter if it's going to be so unfulfilling?

Johnny Depp's role as Captain Jack Sparrow is still as much fun to watch as it probably is for him to act out. But his place in the movie as the bonafide hero takes a bit of the edge away which made him so dastardly to cheer for in the first film. What this film lacks is the presence of a real great villain, as Geoffrey Rush is sorely missed during the film. Both Orlando Bloom's Will Turner and Keira Knightley's Elizabeth Swann seem like mere window dressing, as they try to cram as much cast from the first film that it makes more seem like less.

Much like the second Matrix film, this film will most likely be remembered for its excellent action sequence, mid-way through the film. Yet, by then most of the audience will be just as turned off or tuned out as Depp's inspiration, Keith Richards. This isn't a plot line that's too complex because it's so brilliant. It's a plot line that takes so long to develop that it becomes too laboursome for the audience to care less. Just give us the popcorn movie experience we loved so much the first time around.

Unfortunately, like a bad movie spoof, this film is too full of repeated remarks and familiar circumstances, and not enough fresh, fun thrills. i wish i had Adam Sandler's remote from "Click" so i could fast forward half this film, and then on to the third one, where they must be storing all the fun and excitement this one left behind. Not enough booty to salvage this one from the depths.

Grade: C-