Loosely inspired by the time-honored Disney theme-park ride,
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL is a
swashbuckling high-seas tale directed by Gore Verbinski. When
Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), an eccentric rogue, arrives at
Port Royal, he barely avoids going down with his ship. Soon enough,
he's in the market for a new one, but not before he saves the life
of Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), the beautiful daughter of the
governor (Jonathan Pryce). This act of bravery sets into motion a
sweeping adventure involving Elizabeth's childhood friend,
blacksmith Will Turner (Orlando Bloom); a mysterious medallion; and
a legendary pirate ship, the Black Pearl. The Pearl's mottled
Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) wants Elizabeth's doubloon
necklace, and when she's kidnapped by the ol' salty dog and his
crew, Sparrow and young Will must rescue her and find out the truth
behind the ship's curse.
Verbinski's PIRATES is a welcome throwback to Hollywood offerings
of yesteryear, filled with rope-swinging heroes, crusty villains,
treasure hoards, swift swordplay, and even wittier wordplay.
Screenwriters Terry Rossio and Ted Elliott have crafted one of the
most clever action-movie scripts in many moons, and this gives the
filmmakers and cast plenty of room to cut loose. Although the
skeletal pirates may be a bit frightening for small children,
there's lots of humor to temper the scary moments, making PIRATES
OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL a nearly flawless
fun film.
