Directed By: Joachim Ronning & Espen Sandberg
Written By: Jeff Nathanson
Story By: Jeff Nathanson & Terry Rossio
Based on Characters Created By: Terry Rossio, Ted Elliott, Stuart Beattie & Jay Wolpert Cinematography By: Paul Cameron
Editing By: Roger Barton & Leigh Folsom Boyd
Cast: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Branton Thwaites, Javier Bardem, Kaya Scodelario, Stephen Graham, Goldshifteh Farahani, Kevin McNally, David Wenham, Martin Kleeba, Angus Barnett
Captain Jack Sparrow finds the winds of ill-fortune blowing even more strongly when deadly ghost pirates led by his old nemesis, the terrifying Captain Salazar, escape from the Devil's Triangle, determined to kill every pirate at sea...including him. Captain Jack's only hope of survival lies in seeking out the legendary Trident of Poseidon, a powerful artifact that bestows upon its possessor total control over the seas.
When it came to this film i was expecting a disaster going into this film. What I got was a decent summer film that comes off as cliche with great tropic scenery. Though little of note or to remember as soon as the film is over. It's entertaining while it plays, but if looking for great or noteworthy film-making you will be starved. The most impressive aspect of the movie is the stunts as we watch one action set piece to the next, with some story in the middle more it sees to connect these scenes.
There is nothing logically wrong with the movie as it follows a pattern and offers the same thing over and over again. So if that is what you have come looking for. You will have no problem. As it plays like a procedural on television. Where the same things happen each week only certain Details change and maybe you get to know something deeper about the main characters.
This film is practically the same as the first film, especially as it involves the child of the characters from the first film. Only here it is more watered down and not as innovative. Even Johnny Depp's performance while amusing offers nothing new. The performance is more a continuation but offers nothing different. Think of Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau but not really too inspired. Curiously this is also the shortest film in the franchise.
I will admit I didn't see the last film in the series PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES fully or in theaters as I did the trilogy before it. Though that is because I was hooked in the series from the first film which I didn't expect much from but ended up loving. As it also introduced Johnny Depp more into the mainstream leading man category of big budget films. As he created a one of a kind swashbuckling comedic character that felt refreshing. While in this film he is still entertaining it feels familiar and like filler. Almost getting to be stale. Now I admire Depp usually trying something different in his roles. Where he seems to erase himself and get lost. Though here and in movies he has acted in for Kevin smith. It seems he gets lost in the humor and make-up that don't necessarily serve the film it's characters or story. Coming off more as indulgent.
We as an audience have seen this film or it's type so many times that we always know what is going to happen next so it offers no surprise and no real creativity. After all this is another entry into a series of films where the first three were connected but the film before this as well as this film are more solo efforts with minimal ties to the past. Though by the end of this film it seems like this is the end of the series or at least an end to these chapters.
The cast is good but the young actors feel more like pretty faces than actual characters even as they try to add some life to the female character played by Kaya Scolderaio, where she proves to be vital but also make her character ultimately naive.but nice window dressing. Which is all that is asked of her for the most part after awhile. Even thought he film tries to treat her at first as a trailblazer and strong willed
Javier Bardem seems to have fun in his role giving his role more energy and personality than the film ever does. He makes a noteworthy villain. Though his roles in ovation seems to be more about the special effects used to try and make him seem in some way dangerous and more noticeable. It's Like putting makeup on a blemish. Making it seem subtle but at times all the more obvious.
Geoffrey Rush comes into the film chewing scenery as always but ends up in a vital role that explains why he choose to return versus the other films and times he has come back seemingly for no reason. Other than just another big name in the cast. Which has quite a few notable cameos.
Like a lot summer films it is offered in 3D. But clearly is not needed to be seen in it or really worth it. Which is also strange as Geoffrey Rush's character started off the series as a villain and in each subsequent film. Starts off as seeming to be evil before doing something decent or even heroic. So watching him do the same here is hardly surprising. Which also happens with jack's crew. Who pretty much do the same as rush's character. They seem to abandon him then come back a few scenes later. Usually only due to being paid to but still stay loyal.
The previous films, at least the first three I saw also felt more epic and there was a sense of grandiosity on the open sea. Here it feels everything is a lot more small scale and only around a cluster of land.
This film introduces new directors Joachim Ronning & Espen Sandberg behind the camera into the franchise and while they don't do a disservice to the film they add nothing. Where as previous directors Gore Verbinski and Rob Marshall at least added a nice visual sense to the film. So even if disappointing there were visuals of note and something pretty to look at. Especally when it comes to special effects
Grade: C+
No comments:
Post a Comment