Pirates of the Caribbean Review

[AliciaG]

Hi guys! I think AmyA is going to write a more in depth review of this movie later today - she's much better at that than me, but I just wanted to give you a quick take on what I thought. I really enjoyed the movie! I thought it was great with lots of fun elements. There is lots of action and great special effects.

For those who love the ride, and want to know how Disney is going to incorporate it into the movie...don't worry. I don't want to give away any surprises, but you will see and hear things from several of the scenes in the PoC ride, including that song we all love. 8)

Johnny Depp is really funny as Captain Jack Sparrow. He plays the character with an eccentric flair.

Orlando Bloom is just flat out cool as Will Turner. He's the good guy who is being a hero for love and honor.

I think you'll be impressed with the storyline and the special effects. The cursed pirate crew in the moonlight is just amazing.

I've gotta give it two big thumbs up. Make sure and get there early enough to see the previews. You'll see a preview for the Haunted Mansion movie. Talk about amazing sets!

[HappyCamper]

Thanks for the review.

I just have to ask: what about kidlets for this movie? The trailers appear frightening for small children. I usually bring the 6 and 4 year olds to see Disney movies. What about this one?

And, I thought your write-up was really good! Don't knock your writing style - it was clear and precise and had personality! Here's my pat on the back to you!!

Debby

[Moley]

This movie sounds wonderful! Thanks, Alicia, for the preview review. :clap: I'm also looking forward to Amy's. What a great movie weekend this is going to be! 8)

[LimeGreenCheri]

I'm walking out the door now taking my 7 year old and 3 year old. They have been psyched about this movie for months now. I hope it's not too scary. I'll let you all know!

[Moley]

Have fun, Lime Green and kiddos!! Looking forward to the report on the scare factor. Might have to get extra Depends for me and the mister! :shock:

[AliciaG]

Debby, I think the scare factor is going to be on a individual basis with the kiddos. It is rated PG-13, not for language, but for violence (lots of sword fighting), and I guess the scare factor of the cursed pirates.

I think it will be fine for my 7 and 9 year olds. My DD is a little bit of a scaredy cat, but I think once she gets adjusted to seeing the pirates she'll be OK. There was only one scene that made the audience as a whole jump. One of those scenes where something startles you. That would be my main concern. It's not really a bad scene, just one that surprises you for a second.

I'll be interested to hear how Lime Green Cheri's little boy handles it. That might be a good guideline.

[WillCAD]

That was a great review Alicia. I've been really looking forward to this movie ever since I started seeing the trailers for it, and now I'm even more excited about it!

Does anybody say:

Shift your cargo, dearie, show 'em your larboard side!

??

[AliciaG]

Does anybody say:
Shift your cargo, dearie, show 'em your larboard side!
??

:lol: Will! I don't think I remember that one, could've been though. :lol:

Think about the warning you hear when you enter the dark. :wink:

[AmyA]

Alicia, I think your review was great!

Ahoy, me heartys! I also give PotC 2 thumbs up. I think it's equally appealing to both men and women--it's not solely an action movie, but it's definitely not a chick-flick either.

I was impressed with plot line the screenwriters were able to devise based solely on the (IMO) fairly noninformative ride. The plot is just like WDW is for me---fantastical enough to make the story feel like an escape from reality, but not so out there that suspension of disbelief isn't possible. As Alicia already pointed out, the way they work in scenes and music from the ride is masterful.

As you all know, Johnny Depp plays Captain Jack Sparrow. He is in full-on "Edward Scissorhands funky character" mode in this movie. I'll admit, I found his lurching, semi-comprehensible portrayal of the rogue and fearless captain somewhat distracting at first. Fortunately, about 20 minutes into it, I was able to finally decipher 95% of his dialog and was able to get into the character more. Overall, this is a great character. Throughout the movie, his motivation remains somewhat suspicious and he is much more complex than initially presented.

Orlando Bloom---well, since this is a family site, I am not able to say all that I want to say about him. He looks soooooooooo good and his performance is stellar throughout this movie. I swear, if it were a possibility I would have climbed through that movie screen and, uh, well you know :oops: . His character is also more complex than is initially let on. His family origins are unknown to him throughout most of the movie, but as the end nears he realizes his ancestry is more vital than he could have ever imagined.

Goeffrey Rush does a fabulous job playing the mutinous captain of the Black Pearl and the leader of the cursed band of pirates. Also, Keira Knightly does a good job as the Colonial Governor's daughter who refuses to let a man be considered a traitor and a scoundrel just because he's a pirate. She is also stunningly gorgeous.

As Alicia said, the special effects are great. The cursed pirates and the cursed Black Pearl are scary without being grotesque.

I think this movie definitely earns it's PG-13 rating. There's not a lot of swearing (except for a few "dam*s" and about 100 "bloodys"), there's only a few very mildly sexually provocative scenes, but there's a ton of violence. Coupled with that violence are the cursed pirates that (IMO at least) are bound to scare the crud out of some kids.

IMO, I think that a child should be at least 6 or 7 years old to see this, and even then I think it really depends on the child. I can truly see this causing some real nightmares/night time problems for some kids. This isn't your average Disney movie. I think the violence feels more "real" and scary than it does in the animated movies.

Also, did I mention that Orlando Bloom is awesome? :wink: :lol:

I hope others will post their reviews soon after seeing it, too! I'd love to get other's opinions!

[AliciaG]

I'll admit, I found his lurching, semi-comprehensible portrayal of the rogue and fearless captain somewhat distracting at first. Fortunately, about 20 minutes into it, I was able to finally decipher 95% of his dialog and was able to get into the character more. Overall, this is a great character.

Me too! Once I got used to it...I realized it was just a part of that character. You get used to the fact that it's just part of his style and mystique.

Orlando Bloom---well, since this is a family site, I am not able to say all that I want to say about him. He looks soooooooooo good and his performance is stellar throughout this movie. I swear, if it were a possibility I would have climbed through that movie screen and, uh, well you know.

Yep, uh huh, me too! :wink:

[sandar]

I can't wait! Hope I can get to see POC over the weekend. Big thanks to Alicia and Amy for fun reviews! :D

Sandi

[LimeGreenCheri]

Oh my word what an awesome movie!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I agree with crawling thru the screen to get to Orlando baby! :wink:

My 3 year old boy loved every second of it. He is into pirates and swords and guns and such so it was right up his alley.

My 7 year old girl loved it because she thinks Johnny Depp is all that and a bag of potatoe chips!

As for the scare factor, neither of my children seemed bothered by the skeletons, we discussed that they would be in the movie a good bit before we went. My DD said that even though there were skeletons, the fight scenes and the "funnies" made it not scary.

Only bed time tonight will tell, if it bothered them. But, so far so good and they both asked to see it again!

[Moley]

Super reviews from AmyA and Lime Green and her kiddos!! :clap:

Let's have a spoiler thread on this one when Saturday is over. Would love to discuss the finer points of going through the screen to see Orlando. I have honorable intentions, though. I just want to iron his puffy pirate shirts! He can stand by shirtless and watch while I finish them up. :lol:
ssssssssss-steam iron :popcorn:

[HappyCamper]

DH and I took the DGC to see this one last night. Our ratings: two thumbs up from each of us!!

Absolutely incredible movie. Lots of fun. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a movie this much.

I have to tell you, though, that Orlando did nothing for me, (must be my age because he looked soooo young), and I just loved
Captain Jack Sparrow. He kept me in stitches throughout the movie.

I liked this movie so much that I would pay a second time to see it - without the DGC!!

There were previews of Haunted Mansion and it appears that it has the same potential as PoC. Am now really looking forward to it.

Debby

[BuzzsMom]

We just came back from it and we all loved it! I can't wait to start a thread to see what things from the ride you found. I told my DH that I would like to go back and see it again because I'm sure I missed some things. Each time we would spot things we would turn and catch each others eye, and even my DD who is 6 caught a number of things and would turn and say "Wasn't that in the ride?"
It was a lot of fun and a great thrill ride in the movie theatre!! I can't wait to get this one when it comes out on DVD!
Susan

[SuzyQ]

Yeah! I can't wait to see it! We are going either tonight or tomorrow night.

Thanks for all of your reviews - it has really gotten us goin'!

~Suzy

[Rosebud]

I had heard about how Johnny Depp played this character, but after Amy's comments I'm wondering about the understanding factor. I really hate it when you can't understand what the actors are saying. Amy was it more that you didn't "get" his character and was distracted by that or that you actually couldn't understand him?

[AmyA]

I had heard about how Johnny Depp played this character, but after Amy's comments I'm wondering about the understanding factor. I really hate it when you can't understand what the actors are saying. Amy was it more that you didn't "get" his character and was distracted by that or that you actually couldn't understand him?

Actually, I think it was a little of both, Rosebud. I had a sort of hard time getting into this whole "pirate as a cross between Keith Richards and Pepe Le Pew" thing that Johnny Depp decided to do. It just wasn't gelling in my mind with what I picture a pirate to be. Also, he uses this not-quite-but-almost cockney accent and slurs a lot of his words. In general, I find cockney accents hard to understand, so the slurring doesn't help, lol.

However, all that being said, I can't imagine Jack Sparrow being played in any other way by any other actor. Once I was able shift my paradigm (so to speak) and I got used to the accent, I got way more into it. I hope to see it again with DH and oldest DD (youngest DD is only 2 and I don't think it's appropriate for her).

Don't let the accent thing keep you from going to see it. It really is a good movie, and you'll be able to figure everything out even if you miss the majority of Johnny Depp's dialog, lol. Plus, think of it this way---if you don't get all the dialog the first time, that gives you a fabulous excuse to see the movie again and have 2.25 more hours of Orlando Bloom drool time 8) !!

[WillCAD]

I saw POC Friday night with my friends. We all loved this movie! Great action, lots of comedy, a clever plot line, and beautiful locations that really captured the look and feel of the ride, all made it exceptionally enjoyable.

I didn't have any trouble understanding Johnny Depp except in those scenes where he said something that had the whole theater laughing so hard we missed the next 2 or 3 lines of dialogue.

You ladies can drool over Orlando Bloom all you want, I'll be drooling over Keira Knightly, thank you.

Even though this movie just came out in theaters last week, I already can't wait to add it to my DVD collection.

[Lady]

Hi everyone - just saw PoC - wowzers what a cool movie - so much fun!! I thought it was well done : ) The critics say a pirate has not been done this way before but I sort of remember an old movie - what was it called - a guy sails a boat for a family down around the islands - Captain Ron I think? Jack Sparrow reminded of that - same delivery etc.

When they say PG13 - they sure do mean it
I was thinking maybe even 15 - yikes
for example someone has their throat slit - yikes
and blood drips from a sword
ghosts - yikes

there are a few comments about the sexuality of a couple of male characters which were not needed I thought

and one comment that Rum is a vile drink and should be thrown out
grrr

this is not a kiddy ride - but it was lots of fun!!!

The added treat was in the previews - this Thanksgiving
The Haunted Mansion comes to the screen - not sure what the
plot is - but a black family moves in, I think, Eddy Murphy is the dad
it looks like lots of fun too : ) Can't wait to see it : )

Another preview showed us - Brother Bear
think we'll skip this one - especially since the
hunter with the spear in the cave art is the bad guy
how about the fact that is how people ate then - they didn't
have supermarkets - dang that irks me : P

http://images.animfactory.com/animations/people_m_z/pirates/pirate_with_bottle_of_rum_md_clr.gif

[Moley]

Lady, I love that pirate animation in your post!

We saw the movie this afternoon, too. Loved all of it. WARNING. Joke spoiler follows.

Favorite lines:

Elizabeth:"You mean you spent three days lying on the beach and drinking rum?"

Jack: "Welcome to the Caribbean."

[Lady]

Moley - I loved that line
it cracked me up
I howled : )

[ddoll]

We saw this on opening night, too. We took our 16yr old and 8 yr old boys. Everyone of us loved the movie.

The 16yr old has always had an intellectual, discerning view of films. He loves to dissect them after watching them. Even he gave this a thumbs up.

The 8yr old loves pirates and creepy stuff. He gave it a thumbs up too.

DH and I just went for the fun of it. It surely didn't disappoint. We laughed and were hushed by the special effects throughout. We were then able to compare notes afterwards on the similarities with the ride. According to my DH, everything in the ride was supposed to be represented somewhere in the film. I think I'll have to go watch it again because there were some things I don't remember seeing in there.

I must be too old too, because I had a thing for Johnny Depp in this movie, never Orlando. I trust Orlando's acting skills are better portrayed elsewhere, because Johnny Depp acted circles around him and overshadowed the kid's performance.....IMHO anyway.

My younger son has had some traumatic issues, so I'm always concerned about something frightening him. I agree that humor was added to everything that had a potential scare factor, and that tempered it greatly. Just when you'd start to tense up, something would come along and make you laugh. At any rate, this film entertained, not frightened him.

So the movie earns 4 thumbs up from our family!
http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0325980/01_poc-3402-2.jpg

Also, I found a list someone had written up as to the things in the movie that were directly from the ride.
http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0325980/board/flat/2253859

[Lady]

same here lol I must be old too
I was looking at Depp not the other guy
hey at least I wasn't checking out the governor lol
wasn't the guy who played the gov the same one that
played the lead alien in Galaxy Quest? There were a few lines
he said - the tone - mannerism etc took me right to
Galaxy Quest - hmmm?

and p.s. the first time you see the moon in the movie - it has the same face that was in the old ride - oooooh which one was it??? Horizons - where the moon has a telescope in his eye - that same moon is in the movie just the one time

[ddoll]

and p.s. the first time you see the moon in the movie - it has the same face that was in the old ride - oooooh which one was it??? Horizons - where the moon has a telescope in his eye - that same moon is in the movie just the one time

Wow! I'll have to check that out!

Oh, and just to let all you "older"women off the hook, Johnny Depp is 40! So lusting after him isn't indecent in any way!


And as for the Governor (good one, BTW!! :lol: ), he was played by Jonathan Pryce, who I remember best as Peron in Evita.

But here's his film biography: http://us.imdb.com/Name?Pryce,%20Jonathan

[LisaG]

In addition to Moley's favorite line - which was great, my other favorite was: - joke spoiler follows -

When Jack Sparrow is in the jail and the he looks at the other prisoners trying to lure the dog with the key over and says "That dog is never going to move."

Definitely an obvious scene from the ride.

[BetsyAnn]

Alright - just back from PoC -- I loved it from the minute it started until the screen went black. :clap:

The sword fights, the special effects, the great scenery, the acting,the line liners, the humor, the girl who was not a victim YEA and of course without a doubt, Johnny Deep brought that character to life (got to agree that he is great to watch! :lol: )

It was fun to see parts of the ride reflected in the movie.

This group gave it two big thumbs up! The warning from here this film is rated PG for a reason - violence (geesh it is a pirate movie), some of the adult humor, and intensity of the film from beginning to end!

[AliciaG]

Lady, ROFLOL about the spilled rum thing. :lol:

ddoll, thanks for that yummy pic, and the link to the ride similarities. Great stuff!

[BetsyAnn]

Ok - saw it for a second time! It still kept me glued to the very end and I mean the very end - Watch the credits until the very last name rolls, and everything and everyone has been thanked and then - BetsyAnn Stops Typing! :wink:


And it has been years since I went to a movie a second time in a theatre!
Can you tell I love this one!

[Tinkerbell]

:tink: This is one movie that I'm dying to see. Thanks for the reviews. :tink:

[ddoll]

Found this blurb on Internet Movie Database:

# The final cannon shot during the Black Pearl's siege of the town, billows into a Mickey Mouse head shape against the night sky

I've seen the movie twice and never noticed this! Did anyone else see it?

Lots more trivia on the movie can be found here:
http://us.imdb.com/Trivia?0325980

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0325980/PiratesCN-36-6.jpg