How much do expectations play in the enjoyment of going to the cinema? With part five of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, the case for expectations effecting outcome is a strong one. With the downward spiral the films have suffered from since the fresh and funny first, one could be forgiven in thinking the worst. Certainly the film critics have sharpened their knifes.
In some ways, Captain Jack has his swagger back. It’s a silly return to the fun of the first film and doesn’t take itself too serious. Depp charts no new ground but his original idea of channeling Keith Richards and the cartoon skunk Pepe Le Pew still works well, so well in fact that his character has become ubiquitous. Pistol and Boo would be proud.
The cast this time features some fresh new faces, Australian actor Brenton Thwaites as son of Will, Henry Turner and British actor Kaya Scodelario as his love interest, Carina Smyth. There is also the welcome return of a couple of fan favourites. The story this time, while unchallenging, provides the back drop for some crazy happenings on the high seas. It pulls out all the stops in its computer generated imagery but the 3D effect darkens things just that bit too much.
This movie isn’t made for students of film, it’s made for the young and the easy to entertain. It follows the itinerary that most block busters follow, open big and try like hell to keep the energy up. It doesn’t really succeed but as far as popcorn films go, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales is a bit of frivolous fun.
Rob Hudson
www.pirates.disney.com
