Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

Directed by: Gore Verbinski
Starring: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Bill Nighy
Running Time: 2h 48min

An epic conclusion(?) to this epic series, which redeems itself for the horrible second installment, and then some. Much easier to follow (even when a dozen Depps appear), much more for the entire cast to do, and much more fun to enjoy, knowing that, unlike the first sequel, there will actually be an ending to this one, so hold in there!

Indeed, this time around the Pirate series doesn't drag despite its near three hour running time, but rather floats along like it has the wind at its back. Waiting a good half hour before we get to even catch a glimpse of Depp as Captain Jack should be criminal, yet we hardly miss him as Geoffry Rush and Chow Yun Fat chew the scene. In fact, it is Rush's presence which returns the series to the glory of the first film, and his return really emphasizes how integral he was to the guilty pleasure that was the Curse of the Black Pearl. He is the only actor in the series that holds his own with Depp, if not showing him a thing or two.

The entire first sequence hearkens back to Return of the Jedi, as the rogue leader's friends must come rescue him from his purgatory prison, just like Luke and Leia had to visit Jabba to gain release of Han Solo. Much like Solo, Depp's Captain Jack character finds his appeal in his naughty nature, and how his plans play out with a pinch of courage and a bucket load of luck. He's a wonder to watch reprising his timeless anti-hero.

Fortunately, (for us AND for Bloom) Will Turner is given more reason to exist in this film, and drives more of the story and decision making. It's a testament to the writers that they would fore go the desire to highlight Captain Jack (which seemed to be the modus operandi for Dead Man's Chest) and keep Will and Elizabeth's motives at the centre of this film.

Though, with so much going on, some concepts fizzle out, like the whole Calypso affair, which is talked up but fails to deliver, typical of a pirate wager. The purgatory Jack scenes are hilarious, and are an excellent way to answer the question, "How do we get more Johnny Depp into this one?" or "Who can make a great foil for Captain Jack, by matching his eccentric zaniness?" As for action, there's carnage galore, with just the right amount of comedic breaks so as not to experience seasickness.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End isn't as rewatchable as the first one, but it definitely proves itself worthy of standing alongside it, and thankfully washes away the bad taste that number two left in moviegoers' mouths.

Grade: B+