At times silly, at times funny, the latest Pirates outing is an example of a, sad to say, dying franchise.
This time, Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), is as usual, down on his luck. That is until he encounters Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario) a feisty astronomer and Henry Turner (Brenton Thwaites) the son of Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley). The new characters ask for Jack’s help to search for the Trident of Poseidon which can apparently allow its user to rule the seas. But they are not alone as Captain Barbossa, played superbly, as usual, by Geoffrey Rush, joins them on their quest and the ghostly Captain Salazar, played excellently by Javier Bardem, who is determined to get his revenge on Sparrow.
On a fun note, I watched it on its opening day.
Pros:
Visuals:
As usual, the visuals are not disappointing and are top-notch, especially the ghost sharks.
Scenery:
Absolutely beautiful.
Performances:
Particular praise goes to Javier Bardem, Geoffrey Rush, Kaya Scodelario and of course Johnny Depp.
Cameos:
Entertaining with the likes of Paul McCartney for example.
Humor:
It has its moments of hilarity.
Action:
Often hilarious and sometimes good.
Cons:
Story:
It seems that the makers are running out of ideas to make a good tale. Without giving too much away, almost to the ending feels convoluted.
Treatment of Women:
This may be feminist talking but in the film Carina is an astronomer and wants to study more about her passion for the stars but all the men think that she is a witch for wanting to do such an accomplishment. Personally it angers me that women who wish to study are treated in such a way, but keep in mind that the setting is in the Victorian Era, if I am correct with the time period. Luckily Carina does not let anyone get in the way of her dreams as she has an admirable personality, most notably her spirited nature.
On an extra note, it seems as though the filmmakers are trying to either make money out of this film or just giving fans more swashbuckling action. Whatever the case, what it is they are hoping for might not work with this one.
Overall it is a not-too-bad Pirates outing, however, I am sorry to say, as much as I love the franchise, it is about time that they end it.