Mind-blowing, spectacular, extraordinary, magnificent and electrifying are only a slight few of words to describe the midnight showing I have just walked away from. A film has not had this much of an effect on me in quite a few years. A film that makes me want to jump on a plane and audition for the sequel or to create such a film on my own.
The film of which I so humbly refer is Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, the sequel to a previous slew of 3 films including Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.
I grew up with these films at the ages of 10, 13, 14 and now 18. These films have captivated me and encouraged me into film acting and writing. The newest addition to this magnificent series is an exceptional work of art that has managed to trump all previous occurrences.
The film stars recurring actor Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow. John returns to the role of which he was nominated for an Academy Award (Best Actor, 2003). With even quicker gags and smarter slurs of Sparrow-tongue, Johnny brings back to life the character in full form.
Geoffrey Rush returns as Captain Hector Barbossa, bringing along a small few select characters of the past including Gibbs, Gillette, Teague Sparrow and Groves. These characters shine even brighter than ever in this action-packed thrill-ride as they evolve with even more flare and intensity than ever before.
New additions to the crew are Ian McShane as Edward Teach, the fearsome pirate also known as Blackbeard, as well as Penelope Cruz as his daughter Angelica. These two main additions to the cast are bold and full of promise when we first meet them. They help engorge the screen with humor and new light on the series.
The plot takes Jack on a journey to find the Fountain of Youth, seeking immortality and eternal days as a pirate. He is not without peril and clashes along the way as there are many new dangers including zombies and mermaids. Beautiful yet akin to the Sirens of myth of their devilish ways.
The film brings back to vivid life a series of which brings Summer to a high and promises to keep you at the edge of your seat which it has done for me. My favorite film of the series and of 2011 and quite possibly my favorite or at least one of my favorite films of my lifetime, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is warmly welcomed to theaters in 2D, 3D and IMAX 3D.
I encourage you all to enchant yourselves in a popcorn thriller of action, humor, love and piracy. Put on your cutlass and enter the theater. You are about to be wowed.
10/10
Review by Kaleb Andrew Paul Wilson
