Wow! Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End is a Dazzler

Wow! Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End is a dazzler. Those who know the thread of Pirates 1& 2 will marvel at plot lines that come together beautifully and, yes, coherently

To me, pundits-as-critics appear naïve in their attempts to cleverly comment on Pirates 3. With superficial observations that perhaps come from a haphazard viewing of the film, they reveal a hollow understanding of the cinematic universe created by writers Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio, director Gore Verbinski, and, of course, Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow.Sparrow fans will relish the fantastic Johnny Depp scenes. Even after three films, the sight of Jack Sparrow in close-up will still take the breath away. The character is as visually stunning as ever and as consistently inconsistent as the reluctant hero audiences came to love in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.

The central story line based on the high seas romance of Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann is heart rendering. The true ending to the saga blossoms following the credits and is indeed a gift to fans of the trilogy.

The world of Singapore is the perfect venue for the opening adventures of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End. In Pirates 1, when Sparrow quips, “Clearly you’ve never been to Singapore,” he hints at a world of seamy adventure far beyond the experiences of traditional men, even sailors of the realm.

As Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest drew to a close, the audience is promised a trip to the ends of the earth and beyond, as distant from staid English culture as possible. What better jumping off point than Singapore?

The world of underground Singapore created by the filmmakers is stunning in its palpable grit and depravity, yet ethereal and haunting as well.

Hard to imagine, but the set design, graphic art, costumes, photography, lighting and music are even more arresting in Pirates 3 than in the first two films.

In Singapore, we sense how far the Jack Sparrow rescuers have come, not only in distance, but in determination as well. Both Orlando Bloom and Kieran Knightly easily sell the audience on their authentic pirate credentials. Both are appropriately gorgeous as the larger than life lovers and both bring noble, strong resolve to their performances. It is easy to imagine that they would be pirates of legend in their own right.

As to legends, a hearty welcome back to Geoffrey Rush as Captain Barossa. Rogue that he may be, Barbossa lends a stature to the story line that was missing from Pirates 2. Barbossa is an imposing presence in size and voice, much like Rush himself. He receives much credit for the success of the Pirates 1 & 3.

Much like Rush (and of course, Johnny Depp), all actors in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise come with enviable acting credibility. Bill Nighy as Davy Jones manages pathos, despite playing a psychotic, corrupt and literally heartless villain.

As Tia Dalma, Naomie Harris is both innocent and mysterious. In many ways, she speaks a charming language only she truly understands. As odd a she appears on the surface, she is much more than she seems.

And how about the parents? Unfortunately, Jonathan Pryce as Governor Swann is not on screen long, but he does appear in pivotal scenes. Likewise Stellan Skarsgård, as Will’s father, Bootstrap Bill.

The iconic newcomer to the parental ranks is Keith Richards as Jack Sparrow’s father, Captain Teague. In a brief few minutes we sense an assurance and wisdom in Teague that lends insight into the complexity and flavor of Jack. Jack’s mum has a briefer role, but it is revealing as well. Always nice to have the “folks” around.

A surly Yun-Fat Chow as smarmy pirate lord Captain Sao Feng, brings gravitas to a role that plays nicely against the feisty nature of Elizabeth Swann. His authority as a pirate lord sets the stage for the dynamic power struggle that follows.

The adventures at world’s end are a delight to discover. Thankfully the promoters and marketers of Pirates 3 did not saturate viewers in advance with give-away scenes. By the time many fans viewed Pirates 2, they had seen the bulk of the “good stuff.” Not so with Pirates 3.

Much like Star Wars and Lord of the Rings, a new mythology of people and places has been born with the Pirates’ trilogies.
Although still an earth-bound fantasy, the journey in search of Jack Sparrow and the trip back are “awesome” visually, a momentous assault on the senses.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End is so full of surprises that it will be a gift from the actors and filmmakers that keeps on giving and giving to the audience. Expect fans to quickly take in, at minimum, two viewings of the movie. In order for those who have not yet seen the movie, the opportunity to be surprised we will be given away in review presented here. Get to the theater soon, before too many secrets are revealed.

Finally, as for Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow, that “thing” he sets out to find at the end of the film may not be necessary. Clearly, he’s already found it.

Savvy?