When you think of a Disney movie, what image comes into your head? With me, it is cartoons and animation, so I was pleasantly surprised to discover that one of the summer blockbuster's was in fact made by Disney. 'Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl', to give it it's full title is named after the theme park ride. The film starts by introducing us to Governor Swann (Jonathan Pryce), whose young daughter Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) is on board his ship when they see a burning ship which has been under attack from the infamous Black Pearl, and against the advice of young wannabee Norrington (Jack Davenport), he agrees to save the boy and ensures he is put into safe care on land. Young actor of the moment Orlando Bloom plays the child, Will Turner, who is an ex pirates son, but only Elizabeth knows that as she took the only evidence which pointed to the link.
The film moves on eight years, and we see that Elizabeth has blossomed into a beautiful young woman, who has caught the eye of the recently promoted Commodore Norrington, but Will also seems to be trying to cover up the feelings he has for Elizabeth out of respect for her standing within
the community, of which he has become the local blacksmith. Norrington takes Elizabeth aside to make her aware of his intentions for her, when the dress she is wearing constricts her breath so much so that she faints and falls over the wall into the sea below. The incident is seen by a new arrival to Port Orleans, who we soon discover to be the well known pirate Captain Jack Sparrow. He dives into the water and saves Elizabeth's life, only for Norrington to try and take him prisoner.
From the opening scenes featuring the pirates, it is clear that Johnny Depp is going to camp the character of Captain Jack Sparrow up as much as he can get away with without his portrayal becoming farcical. I can't really say that I like Johnny Depp, but nor do I dislike him. I am aware of him, but I have seen very little of his work, and certainly not enough to decide whether or not I rate him as an actor. We soon discover that Jack was betrayed by his second in command Barbossa, who is played by the magnificent and extremely versatile Geoffrey Rush. Sparrow soon escapes the clutches of Norrington by betraying Elizabeth's trust, and he is only recaptured when he is knocked out during a sword fight with the gallant Will.
Barbossa and his men have been the victims of a curse, and in their pursuit of freeing themselves, they take Elizabeth hostage when they arrive in Port Orleans. Turner thinks that Norrington and his men are not doing enough to try and free Elizabeth from her captors, so enlists the help of Sparrow after helping his escape from custody, and heads off in pursuit of The Black Pearl. We discover that Will's father was no ordinary pirate, he was the legenday 'Boot Strap Bill'. Will struggles to come to terms with this knowledge, as he does not want to think of his father in a bad light, and he is mildly comforted by the fact that whilst he was notorious, he actually a pretty nice bloke all said and done. So much has happened that you may think there is nothing else to say about the film, but I assure you this is where the action really begins. Will is blinded by his love for Elizabeth, and Jack is as equally blinded by his desire to retake his beloved ship from the control of Barbossa.
Depp impressed me more than I could have imagined in this role, and he has shown a humorous side to him I have never witnessed before. I am sure that this is the film which will cement his career, and he can use this as a platform to move to bigger and better things, although I doubt that he will choose to, and he will carry on choosing only parts which stimulate him, as he rebuffs the glitz and glamour surrounding Hollywood at every opportunity. He played the whole film as if he was stoned, and knowing what I know of him...maybe he was!! What really matters though is that it worked, and he is extremely watchable, likeable and thoroughly entertaining. The script writers gifted him with some classic one liners!
Bloom is the straight guy to Depp's camp pirate, and the two bounce off each other well. Knightley could have tried to play the role too prim, but she enters into the spirit of things, and the end result is a very ballsy character who holds her own well amongst the men.
The director Gore Verbinski is an unknown to me, but he does an excellent job in holding the film together when it would have been very easy to allow it to become different tales which do not merge. His balance between humour and action makes for a well balanced entertaining film. Visually, it is a stunning film, and the special effects are memorable, and suit the subject matter well. The pace of the film is fast enough to keep you engrossed, and it seems to take enough natural breaks to allow you to catch your breath, which, as the film is over two hours long was very welcome.
I thoroughly enjoyed the film, even though I initially thought it would not be my scene. It is certified 12A, although I have allowed my 4 year old to watch it and she absolutely loves it, so much so that it has entered her ever changing top 3 favourite plays! To sum it up, there is kidnapping, sword fighting, humour, and lots of entertainment. It is out now on DVD, and it is as least worth renting if not making it a permanent part of your collection. The cast are inspired, and the director confident, which results in an excellent film.
BTW, my title refers to the amount of make up worn by Depp!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Production Year: 1964 - Action/Adventure - Director: Cyril Endfield - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring:Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, James Booth, Michael Caine, Nigel Green
Production Year: 2007 - Action/Adventure - Director: Paul Greengrass - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring:Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, Joan Allen, Edgar Ramirez, David Strathairn, Paddy Considine, Albert Finney
Production Year: 2002 - Action/Adventure - Director: Vincenzo Natali - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring:Lucy Liu, David Hewlett, Anne Marie Scheffler, Joseph Scoren, Matthew Sharp, Jeremy Northam
really enjoyed this film even though at first i didnt really think i would. Johnny Depp is GORGEOUS though!! Em xxx
tracey_angel 27.03.2004 15:20
This is in my list of all time best films. I can watch it over and over and never get sick of it.
katiemeringue 20.02.2004 13:09
I loved this film in the cinema, but watched it again on video recently and found myself getting rather bored. Great entertainment, but better as a one off than to watch again and again. Nice summary though xx
You won't need a bottle of rum to enjoyPirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black ... more
Pearl, even if you haven't experienced the Disneyland theme-park ride that inspired it. There's a galleon's worth of fun in watching Johnny Depp's androgynous perfo...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
From producer Jerry Bruckheimer (Pearl Harbor) and director Gore Verbinski (The Ring) ... more
comes the thrilling, high-seas adventure Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. The roguish yet charming captain Jack Sparrow's (Johnny Depp) idyllic...
![Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl [DVD] [2003]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78527576.jpg "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl [DVD] [2003]")
Jan 22nd, 2004
exceptional by (2%):
very helpful by (95%):
helpful by (4%):
