Pirates Of The Caribbean - At World's End (Blu-ray)

...anticipated third film in the Pirates of the Caribbean series which has caused a lot of excitement. After the release of the first movie 'The Curse of the Black Pearl' everyone thought it was a great film but wasn't sure about it's future, nobody knew if there was going to be a sequel to it however much everyone wanted it. Then last year the sequel 'Dead Man's Chest' hit cinemas nationwide to swarms of adoring fans. But upon watching it there were ...
...that their is more to pirates than you may have thought and however selfish they are they sometimes can rally together to fight for what they believe. This film shows that their is a lot more to all of the characters than we have been lead to believe. Elizabeth's role has become of increasing importance in all the films but this she takes the lead and makes a few good decisions that influence things greatly. A more dark sinister side to Will Turner ... more

Note: This is a review for the film and not the DVD.

■The Background■

This is the highly anticipated third film in the Pirates of the Caribbean series which has caused a lot of excitement. After the release of the first movie 'The Curse of the Black Pearl' everyone thought it was a great film but wasn't sure about it's future, nobody knew if there was going to be a sequel to it however much everyone wanted it. Then last year the sequel 'Dead Man's Chest' hit cinemas nationwide to swarms of adoring fans. But upon watching it there were many disappointed fans who were expecting a lot more. The second film had taken a more slapstick comedy and worked it into the film which wasn't exactly greeted very well by viewers or critics.

But, despite the slight unpopularity of the second film, most people have decided that the next one is going to be much better and that was just a filler that they didn't put very much effort in to. So this works out great for the makers, everyone went to see the second one and even if they didn't like it they're going to watch the third anyway! Well everyone is going to go and watch Johnny Depp as Captain Jack in his newest adventure so we're just going to have to see if this one meets expectations...

■The Movie■

Right, just to fill in people who haven't seen the last movie... Basically it just set up the storyline for this film. Captain Jack Sparrow got his ship 'The Black Pearl' back and sailed the seven seas. Then he made an enemy in Davey Jones, sounds like a pleasant enough chap but you'll see the problem when you see him. In the film Davey Jones sets his sea beast the Cracken on Jack Sparrow and eventually the Cracken eats poor Jack and his beloved Black Pearl. But being a kids' movie so he can't be dead! So the crew of his ship including Will Turner and Elizabeth Swan decide to go after their captain and to do this they need to go to the end of the world but to add a little spice they are accompanied by the star 'baddie' of the last film: Captain Barbossa. Jack killed him in the climax of the first film so he is not exactly loyal to him. He makes an interesting and unpredictable character. And so the story begins!

■The Story

The plot has most certainly thickened in this film from the last and with an exciting scheme and fighting scene to open the film, critics of the last film will see even from the beginning that this is going to be an improvement. The story is continued from the last film and all in all there is no surprises to be spoiled in the film. The villain of 'Dead Man's Chest' Davey Jones returns and has allied himself, unwillingly, to the East India Trading company who's power hungry leader, Commander Becket is looking to control the seven seas.

The story is thick and full of twists and turns, you can't miss a moment without losing track of something. I would definitely recommend going to the toilet before the movie! The nature of the plot makes it less relaxed watching and more intense, thought provoking stuff. You need to remember who's where in the film and keep track of the new characters that have been introduced. Many people change where their loyalyties lie at many different points. Elizabeth Swan's betrayal of Jack Sparrow in the last film causes much untrust between the main characters.

The character relationships in the film are one of the hardest things to remember what is going on with. Jack, Elizabeth and Will are all feeling untrusted and not as close as previous films. Captain Barbossa being thrown into the mix definitely spices things up. Elizabeth's love Will believes she loves Jack after the final scenes of the previous film so things are a bit rocky between them and it makes an entertaining watch.

The film shows that their is more to pirates than you may have thought and however selfish they are they sometimes can rally together to fight for what they believe. This film shows that their is a lot more to all of the characters than we have been lead to believe. Elizabeth's role has become of increasing importance in all the films but this she takes the lead and makes a few good decisions that influence things greatly. A more dark sinister side to Will Turner is seen as he attempts to free his father from the 'Flying Dutchman' and shows he'll do anything to free him.

An interesting and very entertaining insight into the working mind of Jack Sparrow is shown in a really ingeniusly positioned section in the middle of the film. This scene shows how the loneliness of being in Davey Jones' locker can affect a man like Jack. Comically produced, this is the result of high quality directing. It includes Jack and his ship the Black Pearl alone in the endless deserts of nothingness and him bossing around a crew of many Jack Sparrows that makes for a humourous few minutes of film. A credit to the actor as he spends around twenty minutes at least as the only person on screen.

■The Acting

The acting quality in the movie is outstanding. I have not thought the best of Orlando Bloom or Keira Knightley in previous films but they certainly stood out in their new more indepth roles as their characters Elizabeth Swan and William Turner. Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow continues to please and the character of Jack remains entertaining and spontanious to watch. Very enjoyable viewing. Geoffrey Rush as Captain Barbossa is as magnificent as he was in the first film. Taking his side with the 'goodies' this time but still he will go to any means to get his own way. The other acting talent is still fantastic and it is nice to see familiar faces still on board with the film.

■Special Effects

Special effects on both the fighting and ship battle scenes in this film are still of incredible quality and not overly used. It must be a burden trying not to over exploit top quality effects but the film contains just the right amount to keep the story and viewing experience enjoyable and believable which is of course of great importance. Stunning visuals of the 'Black Pearl' soaring over the edge of the gigantic waterfall at the end of the world, lovely to watch and still an exciting story line to keep it going.

■Comedy

I am very glad to say that the slapstick routine from the last film has been scrapped and the original humour we had in the first film has returned. Occasional jokes and comical moments are provided quite often by the quirky antics of captain Jack but other characters such as the crewmates also give their fair share of laughs. This time they have added just the right amount of laughs to keep you entertained but they are fitted in so that the storyline remains as serious as is neccessary. Great directing skills mean that all parts are played brilliantly and that the comedy is well positioned and not over exaggerated.

■My Opinion

At 160 minutes the quality has to be good to keep you watching and interested the whole time and I certainly found it the kind of thing that you want to keep watching to find out the end to. It keeps you on the edge of your seat as you want to know the results of constant side switching and back stabbing that occurs and reoccurs in the film. The storyline was, while simple on the whole, filled with great little changes that kept me interested. I feel that it was a great improvement on the second film and will probably be seen as better than the first.

A mention for the quality again of the music in these films. As was expected the original theme is kept but with newer music to suit the mood of the more intense and serious storyline of this film. Although I enjoyed the music as a whole, one scene had completed different music to the rest and it confused me a little. A whining electric guitar broke the tension before a battle scene instead of building it up. Gave me a bit of a headache but back to the tried and tested after a short while so no major complaints

The film started with a bit of action to get you into the mood. I thought that it was good, a bit of action to get things going. As well as this it contained a bit of a surprise attack that made it unpredictable. You see more of pirate loyalty which I found interesting to watch. I very much enjoyed all the characters and think they all played their roles wonderfully, everyone finds their place in the world in this film and makes entertaining viewing to see the characters making their own ways in the world becoming less reliant on each other.

As it should be, the film ends on a cheeky note from Jack to provide you with that happy mood as the credits run. The movie is ended in the way that their could well be a fourth in the series if they decided to do so but it could also be left as it is for people to decide for themselves what fate the characters should have.

■Conclusion■

A fantastic film which was is well deserved and high calipre enough to be called a Pirates of the Caribbean film. Those who were disappointed by the last film are sure to reignite their belief in the films with this one. Reverting back to the style of the first film, Gore Verbinski has definitely succeeded in making a high quality film which stands a pretty good chance of becoming your new favourite Pirates film. If you enjoyed the comedy in the last film more than the first you may be a little disappointed but you should agree that the more serious storyline called for less silly comedy and that has been done.

■Details■

Director: Gore Verbinski
Rating: 12a
Running Time: 160 minutes approx.
Genre: Action & Adventure

■Price■

Well, the same price as a cinema ticket at your local cinema! 

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