Pirates of the Caribbean - POST WHEN YOU SEE IT

[Josh]

<IMG SRC=http://www.filmhobbit.com/moviereviews/images/piratesofthecaribbean/post2.jpg BORDER=1 ALT="Pirate babe" align=right><FONT SIZE=3 COLOR=brown><B>Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl</B></FONT>

<B>Release Date:</B> July 9, 2003
<B>Distributor:</B> Walt Disney Pictures

<B>Cast:</B> Johnny Depp (Jack Sparrow), Orlando Bloom (Will Turner), Geoffrey Rush (Captain Barbossa; AKA Captain Blackheart), Keira Knightley (Elizabeth Swann)

<B>Director:</B> Gore Verbinski (Mouse Hunt, The Mexican; his latest before this is the horror remake, The Ring)

<B>Screenwriter:</B> Jay Wolpert (The Count of Monte Cristo) (first draft); rewrite by Stuart Beattie (wrote two Australian films, Joey, about a kangaroo, and Kick, about soccer; also has Collateral in development); rewrite by Terry Rossio and Ted Elliott (writing team of The Road to El Dorado and 1989's Little Monsters; also cowrote Shrek)

<B>Premise:</B> Set in the Caribbean Sea in the 17th century, this is the story of a gentleman rogue of a pirate, Jack Sparrow (Depp), who teams up with blacksmith Will Turner (Bloom) when Will's childhood friend, Elizabeth (Knightley) is kidnapped by the evil Captain Barbossa (Rush), who leads a band of pirates who are cursed to turn into skeletons by the light of the moon, who have stolen Sparrow's ship, the Black Pearl. Elizabeth, whose father (Pryce) is the governor of a Caribbean island, was kidnapped because she has a medallion which can potentially cure Barbossa's crew of their curse. Taking over the HMS Interloper, the fastest ship in the British fleet, Jack and Will race after Elizabeth, Barbossa and the Black Pearl, even as they themselves are pursued by Elizabeth's fiance, Commodore Norrington (Davenport) aboard his ship, the HMS Dauntless.

<B><U>REVIEWS</U></B>
"A pirate movie made with a pirate's sensibilities." - The Film Hobbit, FilmHobbit.com <A HREF=http://www.filmhobbit.com/cgi-bin/movies/movies.cgi?action=showreview&review=piratesofcarib>READ IT NOW!</A> 4/5

<CENTER><B>POST BELOW WHEN YOU SEE IT! There be <FONT color=red>Spoilers</FONT> here matey!</B></CENTER>

[Josh]

I really had fun with this movie. Just a rolicking good time.

Would have liked to have seen the Black Pearl duke it out with the big Heavy British Cruiser though. Damn that would have been COOL :)

I also wish they'd shown a bit more of the Pearl attacking the fort from wide shots.

[Doom]

I'm seeing it at 3:45

[NotSoSecretAgent]

I liked Johnny Depp's character, but I didn't like the movie. It wasn't as bad as the trailers made it look, but I still didn't like it. It's way too long. And the fantasy/skeleton stuff was just downright stupid. How the hell could they walk on the bottom of the ocean like that? Oh well, I still had a little (emphasis on little) fun and it's slightly better than T3. Depp was great though.

[Josh]

Originally posted by NotSoSecretAgent
And the fantasy/skeleton stuff was just downright stupid. How the hell could they walk on the bottom of the ocean like that?
They were dead and thus didn't need to bother much with breathing. What... were they going to drown? They are already freakin DEAD!

I read in a local newspaper column and over at AICN that Depp based his performance on Keith Richards. Basically, his idea was that Pirates are the rockstars of their era, living to excess and doing what most people consider ill deeds... but famous, their names known and idolized. So he thought, who is the EPITOME of what it is to be a ROCKSTAR? And he came up with Keith Richards. Personally, I find that freakin brilliant.

[NotSoSecretAgent]

Originally posted by FilmHobbit
They were dead and thus didn't need to bother much with breathing. What... were they going to drown? They are already freakin DEAD!

I wasn't talking about breathing. I was talking about walking on the bottom of the ocean. It's just not possible. They couldn't walk like that on the bottom of the ocean.

And yeah, I read that about Keith Richards, too. It was funny because my Dad and I talked about how he sort of acted like Keith from what we saw in the trailers, then we read that.

[Josh]

Originally posted by NotSoSecretAgent
I wasn't talking about breathing. I was talking about walking on the bottom of the ocean. It's just not possible. They couldn't walk like that on the bottom of the ocean.

And why not? Did you see how much gold they had stuffed in their pockets? Gold is very heavy. Put a bit of gold in your pockets and you'll sink like a stone, having no trouble at all walking on the bottom of the ocean.

Plus... they are the UNDEAD. If the UNDEAD can come to life, I don't think it is much of a stretch to believe that they might be able to walk on the bottom of the ocean! :lol

[7therror]

I saw this today and loved it. I will watch this again and it is on my to buy list. Johnny Depp is a great actor and I have yet to see a movie with him in it I didn't like. Some of the dialogue I didn't understand. The effects were good, very well blended.

And there is a little scene that takes place after the credits. I hope everybody caught it.

[Josh]

After the credits?? I stayed through almost the entire credits sequence listening to the music and I didn't see it. What is it? Is it after all the credits are completely done?

[Josh]

By the way, I said this in my review but it bears repeating:

Depp's entrance is one of the BEST entrances in movie history.

Thanks.

[Doom]

Pirates of the Caribbean was the best movie based on a Disney theme park ride EVER. I loved it. Though it may have gone on too long, the action and Johnny Depp was perfect. Depp ruled. And Kiera Knightly is a goddess....

[Josh]

Best Disney ride movie ever? :lol

So it was better than uh...

Hmm. Is there a magic teacups movie?

I think it will hold this title for some time, even after the <I>Haunted Mansion</I> movie comes out. They showed the trailer for it before Pirates... and it looks quite terrible.

When the trailer ended I found myself shouting out "What's next, Texas Giant: The Movie"? Which made Phillip Wuntch and the slicky boy TV reporter next to me giggle.

[7therror]

Hobbit, the scene is after all the credits at the very end.

Depp's entrance in the movie is pretty good.

[Josh]

So what is the scene? This is a SPOILER thread after all! SPOIL! :)

[7therror]

It's in the cave where the chest of cursed gold is at. You see an apple floating in the water and Jack the monkey swims up. He then jumps onto the chest and steals a piece of gold and turns back into the undead monkey. It is kind of dumb but funny.

[Josh]

The curse continues! Damn that little monkey. :lol

[Doom]

Originally posted by FilmHobbit
Best Disney ride movie ever? :lol


I was kidding, but yeah, I think it will hold that title for a long time.

I wish I had seen that scene. The monkey, like all other monkeys, ruled.

[NotSoSecretAgent]

Originally posted by FilmHobbit
I think it will hold this title for some time, even after the <I>Haunted Mansion</I> movie comes out. They showed the trailer for it before Pirates... and it looks quite terrible.

Great, I look forward to your 4 and a half star review for it later this year then. ;)

[Josh]

Originally posted by NotSoSecretAgent
Great, I look forward to your 4 and a half star review for it later this year then. ;)
No, that one I'll hate and you'll surely like. :lol

[NotSoSecretAgent]

Originally posted by FilmHobbit
No, that one I'll hate and you'll surely like. :lol

Me...like an Eddie Murphy movie other than Bowfinger? That will be the day for sure! Haha.

[Luthien Tinuviel]

I just got back from seeing Pirates of the Carribean, and I am happy to report that it was quite enjoyable. The fight scenes were fast, but not too fast. The characters were fun to watch (I love Johnny Depp, he's as hot as all Hades.). All in all, it was probably the 2nd best movie I've seen so far this summer. (#1 being Finding Nemo)

[Abscynthe]

Just got back from seeing the movie. Bit longer than I thought, me having to be up at 6:30am to get to work, and not getting home until after midnight. Loved it! I was looking forward to Depp's entrance (silly me for reading the PWYSI threads---I'm a glutton for punishment) and thought it was great. He really stole the movie for me. The special effects were really good too--how they kept going in and out of the moonlight. I was watching closely and didn't really catch any mistakes (fleshed-out hands/arms when they were supposed to be skeletal). Definitely will be seeing this one again; I have to take my husband this time. I think it makes it's way to #2 on my list, following closely behind X2.

[B1ade Runner]

Just saw this last night. Overall, a good movie. But that's about it. I was hoping it would be THE pirate movie. The one to end all other pirate movies. It was fun, but way too long. I liked the fact that they created a really distict story as opposed to some buried-treasure hunt that never ends. This movie was pretty intricate in it's storytelling. Johnny Depp was very funny, but Orlando Bloom was kind of dull. One reason I was disappointed is that there is no real hero. Depp's character is in the background a lot of the time, making jokes, while Bloom's character seems to be confused. The special-effects were good, and there were some very nice moments all around, but I just wasn't as entertained as I had hoped I would be. This is a good movie, but not the real blast it could have been. And mostly, at the risk of sounding critic-y, it was more exhausting than it was exilarating. It's fine to be both, but it's bad to be just the former. Still, a breezy, fun movie.

***1/2 (Out of 5)

[ReservoirSean]

this movie was sooo great! I loved EVERY SINGLE MINUTE OF IT, but I especially loved Depp's character and the way he acted, anytime he wasn't on screen i was kind of dissapointed. Not sure which part I like the best, but I did love Depp's entrance, and also thought it was hilarious too! There were quite a few parts where i broke out loud laughing, and I liked all the little things Depp did in the background while the focus was on other characters. The scene with the 2 men in which Depp wanted to get onto the ship reminded me of the 3 headed scene from Monty Python.

this movie was just so much fun for me and i'm not sure if it was the best or 2nd best movie i've seen this year.

4.5/5 from me!...maybe 4.8 :D

Depp owned so much that I imediately went to Blockbuster to rent whatever Depp movies I haven't seen already for however much money i had remaining!

i need to see this again, someone get me the DVD now!

[Josh]

lol! The two guards reminded me of a different Python sketch... I kept thinking of them as the two guards that guard Swamp Castle in Holy Grail. But the three headed giant is a good comparison to.

Blade... 3.5 from you is pretty solid. hehe. Maybe you expected to much. There are some BRILLIANT old pirate movies, you'd have to go a long way to surpass those. Hmm. Perhaps I should start a thread for them.

[B1ade Runner]

I was expecting too much. But about those two guards, that got a little old. I didn't think it was that funny to begin with.

[Josh]

Those guards honestly only have 4 or 5 30 second scenes and almost none in the second half of the movie.

I loved em though.

[Taln Hess]

FANTASTIC!

This movie got me to thinking... they just don't make movies like this anymore... but they did: This one!

Swashbuckling like this hasn't been seen since the old days with the exceptions of The Princess Bride and Disney's Three Musketeers. Finally, a movie that allows the combat to shine instead of feeling like cutting to a different shot every 2 seconds.

Acting, brilliant! Depp was great, as were Knightly and Bloom. Honestly I didn't think there was a weak person in the movie. The pirates were fantastic, the british were annoying, but perfect. Just all great.

And how about that score, eh? I really thought Howard Shore did the score as similar as it was to Gladiator at times, but it wasn't. The score was so frickin' fantastic! I can't wait to grab a copy for my collection.

Wonderful action flick.

[crevette]

GREAT MOVIE!

And I'm glad I'm not the only one who was reminded of a Python Sketch from HG with the two guards. Mine was about the guards discussing the velocity of a coconut laden swallow, though.

Depp... wow. INCREDIBLE. He stole the entire movie, although I still think Bloom did a very good job as a straight man to him. He doesn't have the blacksmith "physique", but I'm not complaining. Liked Keira Knightly in this too, EXCELLENT job.. not just a shrieking mannequin.

But Orlando can shiver me timbers any old time...

SPANK ME, PIRATEBOY!

[Josh]

Originally posted by Taln Hess
And how about that score, eh? I really thought Howard Shore did the score as similar as it was to Gladiator at times, but it wasn't. The score was so frickin' fantastic! I can't wait to grab a copy for my collection.
I am so in love with that score Taln. Really wonderful. First time I've heard a score besides the LOTR movies where I've instantly thought... my god i have to run out and buy that and listen to it again and again.

I LOVE IT. Perfect pirate theme. I saw the movie a second time last night, and I think I like it even more now.

Oh, and now my favorite moment is officially Depp's very last line. "Yo ho me hearties, yo ho." I can't even begin to duplicate his delivery, but it is every bit as good an exit as was his entrance.

[Josh]

Originally posted by crevette
I still think Bloom did a very good job as a straight man to him. He doesn't have the blacksmith "physique", but I'm not complaining.
Nobody is saying much complimentary wise about Bloom, but I don't think that's because he was doing anything WRONG per say. He just had the misfortune to be playing the straightman who has to stand next to Depp and Rush. No chance. :)

[B1ade Runner]

He didn't do anything wrong, but he was pretty dull as the hero. Playing the straight man can still be interesting, Like Tommy Lee Jones in Men In Black. Bloom reminded me a little of Jason Patric in Speed 2 for some reason, maybe it's because of all the blue water and the fact that his girlfriend is kidnapped.

[Josh]

Tommy Lee's straightman character was good because he was humorous. I don't think Bloom could really have played his character that way, especially with Depp right next to him already playing it over the top.

[fafhrd]

Faf's review:

There haven't been all too many pirate movies in the past two decades that are worth mentioning, unless one counts Muppett Treasure Island and Cutthroat Island, the latter of which isn't something to write home about. The recent animated Sinbad wasn't much of a pirate film, from all acocounts. One would have to go back to the golden age of film to see the classic pirate films. However, Pirates of the Carribbean may well have brought back the pirate genre into full bloom after a long hibernation.

The basic plot of Pirates of the Caribbean is simplistic in design, but it evolves through the character interactions and dialouge. Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) is in love- but can't admit it- with Elizabeth (Keira Knightley), who gets kidnapped by cursed pirates, and they need her to release them from their curse- by killing her. Turner enlists Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) to hunt down the pirates of the Black Pearl, and along the way learns that Sparrow has a history with the Black Pearl, and their Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush). Everything in the movie revolves around the characters and their conversations, and thus relies heavily upon the chemistry between all the actors and actresses. It is here that the film would make or break itself- and by large, it works admirably.

Depp, Rush, Bloom, and Knightley all have a wonderful chemistry on screen, like they are old hands at this game with each other. Depp is fantastic as Jack Sparrow, cavorting and swaggering his way throughout the film. He dominates the film, not becuase he overshadows everyone else, but simply because he has the best lines and the best delivery of those lines. This movie is somewhat of an interesting choice for Depp, who normally shies away from big budget hollywood adventure flicks, and opts for more avant garde filmmaking (yes, that even includes Burton's Sleepy Hollow). The best guess is that the script was enough of a risk as well as an insurance for Depp to take a stab at the film. Orlando Bloom, as Will Turner, does a good job at breaking out of his role from Lord of the Rings as the elvish archer, Legolas Greenleaf. It isn't too much of a risk for him, but it affirms his acting credentials outside of his Rings work. Bloom was highly effective as the "buddy" to Depps' over-the-top Sparrow, bringing more dramatic acting (unlike Depp's more comical turn) and a subtle stability to the film that would not have been there if not for him. Geoffrey Rush chews the scenery as Barbossa, playing the type of villain that one doesn't see much in films anymore. People have become accustomed to the anti-hero, rather than someone who just isn't likeable....Rush pulls that off well. And, to be honest, Rush plays the pirate better than Depp does. Knightley does a good job at bringing in comic relief when needed, and also proved her worth in the action sequences, rather htan being the obligatory Fay Wray, screaming everytime her hero is needed to save her. She does a good job of being a determined and resourceful character, while at the same time, never losing sight of the comical turns of the movie.

The action in the film is, of course, the best reason to see the film. There is plenty of sword fights, harrowing escapes, naval warfare, and explosions to go around. But none of it seems gratituous, and it all serves the plot, and helps move the film along at a brisk pace. It's staged well; the fight between the Interceptor and the Black Pearl is well done, and the sword fights are a necessary positive for a pirate movie. In fact, the sword fights may be the best sword fighting since Star Wars- very dynamic and the swordfights are allowed to play themselves out in natural fashion, not to be gimmicked up by shortcutting camerawork tricks. The effects work is some of the best of the year (it would not be a suprise to see the movie be nominated for Best Special Effects this year), especially with the "morphing" of the cursed pirates, from skeletons back to flesh, even during the fight scenes. The attention to detail is commended, and Gore Verbinski, the director, should get the credit for it. Out of the entire film's cast and crew, Verbinski should get the most out of the movie- his biggest film prior was the 2002 American remake of The Ring. His steady directing, smart attention to effects work, and ability to bring the chemistry of the actors to the screen should not be overlooked. The script is also very well done, bringing what could have been a ridiculous concept- a film based off of a Disney theme park ride- and found a way to make it into a workable movie. Not only that, but the script was most likely what got Depp and Rush involved in the movie in the first place.

The film score is the best since Lord of the Rings, bar none. It fits the mood and atmosphere completely for the film, and without it, the film would not be the same. The music stands out as a rich orchestral work, but does not take anything away from the film- high praise indeed. The film score really shines in the sword fights- that's when you know the film's made it.

The comedic touch of the film works like a charm; Depp shines in this role. The film doesn't take itself too seriously, which is a good thing- if this film did, it would be a serious miscalculation on making this film too dramatic and thus too sensitive to its strengths and weaknesses. It is also refreshing to see a British soldier (Commodore Norrington) who is not portrayed as a bumbling fool, but rather as a veteran naval commander. His character could well have fallen into the trap of being the butt end of many jokes, or a semi-villain, but Norrington came off as a rather likeable side character. Plus, there are two British soldiers and two pirates who seem to be channelling British humor, and it's refreshing to see such attention paid to such characters, who give some breathing space from the movie's main plot.

All in all, Pirates of the Caribbean is an enjoyable film, but there are some minor problems with the film. Some of the dialouge is stilted, and feels as though it is being rushed. There are times when a character would walk in, say a dramatic line, and the whole setup for the scene doesn't really call for such a dramatic line, or the intensity of the line's delivery. As a result, there are times when some scenes just feel too short, as though some expository or action would have made the scene better overall. These problems don't happen often, and don't heavily effect the film. But they do exist, and as such, needed to be mentioned.

Pirates of the Caribbean is a worthy successor to the ranks of the pirate films, and hopefully will start a new branch in the pirate genre (either with sequels or with other franchises looking to cash in). Johnny Depp may end up getting an Oscar nomination out of his role, while a long shot, a nomination (primarily for his body of work and recognition for his most marketable film to date). The film score and effects work both deserve notice as well (wonderful scene when Elizabeth first learns about the undead nature of the pirates' curse). However, the film moves by so quickly- it doesn't feel like it's over 2 hours and 20 minutes...it feels like a little under 2 hours- that its ultimately dispensable. While the film is a great ride, alot of fun, it is not a great work of cinema. It's meant to be great summer entertainment, and in that avenue, it succeeds. But ultimately, that's all Pirates is, and you'll forget about the film when you leave the theatre. To be fair, it's not meant to be the next coming of The Godfather, but a highly enjoyable and well concieved newcomer to the pirate genre. And at that level, the film deserves three cheers.

3.75 stars out of 5

Fafhrd

[TheBohemianKnight]

I LOVED this movie. I'm defintly buying this one! Depp was awsome, anyone else and i don't think the movie would of been as good as it was. I loved it because nothing was predictable, you knew Depp wasn't going to double cross but than again there were times when you thought he just might. I could see a actual relationship build between Sparrow, Turner and the other chick that i forget what her name was.

Yes, Depps entrance was awsome, i had a smile throughout the entire movie. I just have a few questions

- That guy they woke up by splashing water on him, he was in the beginning of the movie too. How'd he become friends with pirates when at the beginning he hated them?

- I noticed the subtitle on the movie, with hollywood sequal crazy, does anyone see a Pirates of the Carribian sequal coming anytime in the future?

[Kerstique]

Originally posted by TheBohemianKnight
- I noticed the subtitle on the movie, with hollywood sequal crazy, does anyone see a Pirates of the Carribian sequal coming anytime in the future?

http://www.filmhobbit.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3890 :)

[masterthes]

Saw it last night. Really incredible. A great follow up from The Ring for Verbinski. This is Johnny Depp's best role. It was refreshing to me seeing him play a non-brooding and so serious role. No complaints, but one big question

Both Elizabeth and Will had contact with the necklace throughout the film, yet how come they never turned into skeletons?

[Kerstique]

the curse applied to those who stole the gold from the chest, not anyone it passed to later.

[Tick]

It wasn't the worst thing I saw this year but I didn't enjoy it very much.

A. It was far too long for such a silly movie.

B. It was filled with tons of HORRIBLY unfunny jokes, like pirates losing glass eyes or some guy getting shitted on by a parrot. The audience loved it and laughed and laughed while my sighs went unnoticed in the noise.

C. I think I spend at least half an hour of watching people swordfight against ghost pirates. I mean, what's the point? They can't die. It just doesn't make any sense.

D. My popcorn was much too salt.

[Josh]

Well glad you saw it at least Tick. No love even for the opening scene where Depp sails into port majestically... while bailing out his sinking ship? ;)

Originally posted by The Tick
A. It was far too long for such a silly movie.
That was my main issue with it. It could have been shortened up. Made a tighter movie out of it.

C. I think I spend at least half an hour of watching people swordfight against ghost pirates. I mean, what's the point? They can't die. It just doesn't make any sense.
Well, Depp and Bloom fought them at the end just to keep them busy until they could make them mortal. And while they can't die, a Grenade did a nice job of scattering their pieces all over the place, thus keeping them from being an effective fighting force.

Everyone else fought them because... well what else the frick should you do when attacked by ghost pirates? I mean you have 2 choices. One, you can fight them or Two, you can just stand there and let them kill you.

[Tick]

The opening scene was alright I guess, it just seemed weird to me because it wasn't very pirate like. His whole character wasn't. Heck, the whole movie wasn't, it was more of a kids movie. One that would give them nightmares probably, but nothing for adults either.

[Josh]

You are to mature for me. ;)

[Tick]

No I'm not, I just meant it sort of surprised me. I love kids movies but this just wasn't one for me, I'm more the Muppet Treasure Island kinda kid.

[Josh]

Muppets would have been a nice addition.

I'd like to see Captain Jack Sparrow sail with Kermit

[crappertay]

Great "fun" movie.

Depp is hilarious as the seemingly drunk Jack and Keira Knightley stirred parts of me I wasn't sure still worked :lol