"Where's all the rum gone?" (Pirates of the Caribbean - The Curse Of The Black Pearl (DVD))

Member Name: MI9to5

Product:	Pirates of the Caribbean - The Curse Of The Black Pearl (DVD)
Date:	21/06/08 (89 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fantastic cast, unforgettable characters and superb soundtrack

Disadvantages: NONE

Pirates of the Caribbean the Curse of the Black Pearl is a fantastic high seas adventure for the whole family to enjoy. It is up beat, humorous and doesn't take itself too seriously meaning it is a film that definitely should not be missed.

Captain Barbosa is a cruel and wily man, who legend has it, commands the Black Pearl, a shop with black sails and crewed by the living dead. The charmingly roguish Captain Jack Sparrow however knows all too well there's truth in the legend because the Black Pearl was his and he wants it back. But when he lands in Port Royal with the intention of commandeering a ship and sailing to Tortuga he was in no way expecting what was about to happen.

As when the beautiful Elizabeth Swann falls into the sea, only to be rescued by Jack, the pendant she has worn since childhood sends a shock wave-through the sea. The pendant itself however is not technically hers, because as a young child she took it form the neck of a young boy, who she helped rescue from the sea. That boy was William Turner, a know blacksmith and master swordsman, but more importantly a firm friend of Elizabeth.

The call made by this pendant is answered by the crew of the Black Pearl who all guns-a-blazing attack Port Royal, kidnapping Elizabeth and ransacking the town. It now seems that Will and Jack have a common interest. Will wants Elizabeth back and Jack wants his ship back and both of these interests lie with the Black Pearl and Captain Barbosa. So busting Jack from prison the pair join forces to seek out revenge.

What Will doesn't know however is that the rumours about the Black Pearl are all too true and that Barbosa and his crew really are damned to live forever as the un-dead. A suspense filled, high-seas adventure however is going to make sure that he does.

The film itself is fantastically constructed. The fight scenes are scripted and co-ordinated to perfection and the Computer Graphics of the skeletal crew are nothing less than stunning. The fast-paced high octave action however is perfectly contrasted with marvellously scripted comic one-liners and more sensitive moments.

The cast itself are perfection and each has made the character his own and not been too keen of Orlando Bloom, when the film was produced I was not expecting this to happen. Better still the entire cast gel perfectly together and seamlessly interact with each other and the objects around them. The characters themselves are truly unforgettable. Jack, despite being a pirate and a rogue is loveable from the very start and his love hate relationship with everyone he meets is entertaining throughout. Combine this with the more subtle humour of Will and Elizabeth plus the madness of the rest of Jack's crew and Barbosa's men and you know you're really in for a treat.

On top of all of this is the swashbuckling soundtrack that intertwines perfectly with the onscreen action constantly complimenting what is happening. The fast-paced energetic tracks are unforgettable and after seeing the film you'll be humming them for days. Furthermore the actually location shooting is brilliant and combined with the soundtrack makes the film very atmospheric.

All in all therefore this film is something I would definitely recommend. In my opinion the film is suitable for all the family as although it has a 12 rating the violence seen is not too extensive and blood etc. is very rarely seen. However some of the skeletal shots may be quite shocking and frightening from some younger children so I would suggest caution. The film is slightly long at just over two hours but is never once dull. The constant action sequences and humorous banter keep you glued to the screen from start to finish. Pirates of the Caribbean is therefore a classic film that everyone should see.

"You best start believing in ghost stories Miss Turner. You're in one."

Summary: A swashbuckling adventure you'll wish you could be part of