PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES
(REVIEW)
Rated M - 137 mins
Starring: Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Geoffrey Rush, Ian McShane, Astrid
Berges-Frisbey, Keith Richards
Ahoy there matey, it's been four years since the incomprehensible
bloated nonsense of the last instalment disappointed me, so it's great
to see this latest adventure with Captain Jack Sparrow seems fresh as
opposed to walking the plank.
No Orlando Bloom, no Keira Knightly, no problem. In fact,
the opening 20 minutes is a series of clever situations infused with
organised slapstick, one-liners and two hilarious cameos, one of them
is a right royal gem. Warbling around old London town, the wayward Sparrow
still has inspirations to locate the enigma - that is, the fountain
of youth. While crossing paths in a raucous tavern with Spanish siren
Angelica, also an old flame, she forces him onboard the mighty vessel
known as Queen Anne's Revenge that is led by the ferocious Captain Blackbeard.
The map may be missing, but amongst his sodden mind, Sparrow
remembers coordinates and they travel across spectacular oceans to reach
the fountain. In the meantime, the British government has hired a now
pegged legged Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) to follow with his crew and another
ship of Spanish misfits are also in deadly pursuit. Maybe it's the salty
air, as the journey continues, Sparrow seems to be in love with Angelica,
but the question remains, is she just a deadly dame with a sword?
These Pirates of the Caribbean films have the immense
stamp of producer Jerry Bruckheimer all over them, everything is big
in the name of entertainment and it works. Darker than its predecessors,
the supernatural elements that involve mermaids send an unexpected jolt
into proceeding s and make for the most arresting scenes in the film.
Blackbeard is intent on capturing a rare mermaid tear to complete the
process of power (don't ask) and he will stop at nothing to get it.
The Mermaids however have a deadly streak of retaliation.
Former catwalk queen, Australian Gemma Ward, made an impression
in Hollywood in the very scary film 'The Strangers' and appears as a
two-faced mythical half human sea creature singing before she strikes.
With a beard full of burning embers, Ian McShane growls through as Blackbeard,
cursing without remorse, he's actually full of humour.
Penelope Cruz is a welcome addition as Angelica, she's
foxy, fiery and funny, bringing with her an effective battle of the
sexes rapport with Depp that keeps things confident. My only gripe was
the meaningless repetitive swordplay thrown in for the sake of it. Despite
that, your eyes will be delighted by glorious tropical cinematography.
The 3D looks very good, however, to enhance the action
on offer, I think the impact would be of equal value without the accelerated
medium. Stay on after the final credits, as with all of the franchise,
there is an extra scene sure to add impact for a further edition.
Shane
A. Bassett
