Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tidesby Wilson Morales
While Johnny Depp has made countless films playing characters that have been beyond the average guy, his performance as Captain Jack Sparrow from the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise is by far his most lucrative and famous role to date. Yet, after the first film, gone was the swashbuckling spirit he injected and came two bloated sequels that felt like he donned the makeup and outfit simply for a check.
Nevertheless, despite negative criticism, when the films continue to do well financially, producers will continue to make sequels. Hence, Depp is back for a fourth round, minus Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley, with ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides;’ a big budgeted emotionless vehicle that makes one wonder if Depp should seriously take the red bandana off Jack Sparrow’s head and let him rest.
With his most trusted sidekick Gibbs (played by Kevin McNally), Jack comes on the scene involved in some shenanigans, but puts them in the same path as his old nemesis Barbossa (played by Geoffrey Rush). As the ending the last film ‘POTC: At World’s End’ suggested, Jack is search for the Fountain of Youth, and so is Barbossa.
The task is never easy as Jack thinks, so he enlists the guidance of his father (played by Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards), who tells him the items that Jack needs for his journey. This would include two silver chalices and of course, a crew to help sail over there. Strange enough, the crew he gets involves a chance encounter with his ex, Angelica (played by the lovely Penelope Cruz).
Not only is Jack impressed that she’s run her own ship, but she’s the daughter of another pirate, Blackbeard (played by Ian McShane), who also wants in on the quest to the Fountain of Youth.
Between Jack, Blackbeard, and Barbossa, everyone has a different agenda once they reach their destination and mayhem ensues.
Written by Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio, the film is the shortest of the four films we have thus far. Although we have a plot that’s simple, there are several elements that are either overplayed and repetitive or missing. How many times do we have to see Jack and his crew go through another sea battle. Having Gore Verbinski do the last three films at least provided some consistency, even if some scenes weren’t necessary. Rob Marshall’s direction seems remote. With the exception of Rush, who does more here than the previous films and should be able to start a franchise on his own with Barbossa, there’s no life with the other characters. With Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley’s characters’ storyline coming to an end in the last film, gone is the romantic angle of the film. Not even the addition of mermaid Syrena (Astrid Berges-Frisbey) and the preacher who falls for her, Philip (Sam Claflin) can muster a sense of excitement. In fact, their storyline is so much in the background, neither of their beauty stands out.
While Penelope Cruz is a welcome addition to the film, she can’t help Depp pull this off when Depp’s energetic soul is missing. The comedy placed in the film doesn’t bring any laughter. The film does pick up a boost with some sequences such as battle with the vampire mermaids.
Shown in 3D, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ doesn’t have enough effects or thrills for people to shell enough money to see this dying franchise.
