Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

Pirates of the caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

By Eric Maus

(This review contains spoilers)

"Drink up, me 'earties."

  Filmmakers find inspiration for their movies in the oddest of places. Some films, like Transformers and G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra, were based upon best-selling action figures, while others such as Snow White and Cinderella were based on fairy tales of old. Pirates of the Caribbean was based on a Disneyworld ride of the same name. I'm sure that when this ride was being constructed, it's builders had no idea that it would be the inspiration for one the most popular movie franchises of all time.

   When the peaceful colony of Port Royal is attacked by the legendary pirate vessel, the Black Pearl, and Elizabeth Swann, daughter of the governor, is kidnapped, Jack Sparrow, a crazed pirate, and Will Turner, a blacksmith apprentice, set out together to rescue her, with the British Navy right on their heels. Little do they know that Barbossa, captain of the Black Pearl, along with his crew, have been cursed. They have been doomed for eternity to neither live, nor die, nor enjoy the things of the world. More than eager to be rid of their curse, they are willing to do anything to reverse its effects. Even if that means a blood sacrifice.

   This film (rated PG13 for violence and scary images) completely encapsulates the feel for a pirate movie. No one has done a better job as of yet. Borrowing from old tales such as Treasure Island, this movie incorporates every feature related to pirates. From rum to treasure to walking the plank to parrots to cannon battles to quests on the high seas, this movie has it all. The spectacular visual effects and cinematography provided by Walt Disney Pictures make this adventure all the more alive. The dialogue is brilliant, full of "yo-ho's" and all other well-known pirate quips, making this movie extremely enjoyable and very funny.

   We all know that this film would be nothing without the legendary Jack Sparrow and the evil Capt. Barbossa. Award-winning Johnny Depp stars as Jack, and created for us one of the most well-known and beloved characters of all time. Geoffrey Rush as Capt. Barbossa is simply marvelous, and in my opinion, pulls off one of the best performances of all time. The roles of pirates Pintel and Ragetti are also masterfully done, making you laugh till you're blue in the face. Actors Lee Arenberg and Mackenzie Crook deserve recognition for their stellar performances.

   This film offers many interesting moral aspects, such as the battle between Jack Sparrow's conscience and his crazed pirate mind, to give this movie enough depth to sail it's course. The plot is also very well crafted and paced. The problems with this film lie with two of its characters. We all know their names. To begin with, I will not hesitate in saying that Will Turner is one of my least favorite movie characters. Ever. Ironically played by Orlando Bloom, this guy tries to be the hero, and misses by a million miles. Deeply in love with Elizabeth Swann, he will stop at nothing to save her. That means he will do and say the most stupid things he can come up with. When he shouts lines like, "On my word, do as I say, or I'll pull this trigger and you'll be lost to Davy Jones's locker," our reaction is not, "Wow, this guy is so awesome." Instead, we groan and wait for Jack to figure things out. Elizabeth Swann (played by Kiera Knightley), on the other hand, is not any better. Not only is she a paper-cut, stereotypical 'princess' character, but she isn't respectable at all. She swears to Norrington of the British Navy that if he assists her in saving Will Turner, she will marry him. He agrees, and Will is saved. Then, when Jack is to be hanged for being a pirate, Will jumps in and helps Jack escape. Elizabeth is right behind them, telling Will how much she loves him, etc., completely blowing off her commitment to Norrington. And to top it all off, she delivers the worst line in movie history. She says about Will, "He's not a blacksmith...he's a pirate." I guess sailing on a ship once or twice makes you a murdering cutthroat. Who knew?

   So, do I like this movie? Yes, very much so. It's funny, spectacular, and action-packed. I just wish a couple of the characters could have been better constructed. Am I happy that Will and Elizabeth don't have a part in POTC: On Stranger Tides? Very very happy.