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The new “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie is sailing around in theaters, and Marcus, who thought seeing it would be like walking the plank, was pleasantly surprised.
“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” stars Johnny Depp and is rated PG-13.
Yeah, I thought aargh, not another “Pirates” movie – yo-ho-ho and a bottle of dumb, but it's more like yo-ho-ho and a bottle of fun. But to quote the late Patrick Swayze in the movie “Roadhouse,” opinions vary.
Minneapolis Star-Tribune reviewer Colin Covert hated it, for all the reasons which I liked it. He says it has great slapstick humor, effects and action, but nothing new. True, and add to that some breathtaking scenic photography.
Yes, it lacks originality the last two films did not, but somehow I liked the easier-to-follow flow, unlike its predecessors. I thought Depp was hilarious in his slovenly swashbuckler garb, and slow, slurred speech, as if he just stumbled out of a pub on Halloween. Aye?
Geoffrey Rush is back on deck again as Barbossa. He sails in the name of King George, articulate in his unique pirate rhyme.
From the out-with-the-old-and-in-with-the-new department, no Orlando Bloom, but a fresh, famous character by the name of Blackbeard, played by Ian McShane, who's unpleasantly awakened in his cabin. Best let sleeping beards lie.
“There I were resting and upon a sudden, I hear an ungodly row on deck. What would be that first mate?” he asks.
“Mutiny, captain.”
I had a little mutiny on my mind as well. I wish we could throw Penelope Cruz overboard and get Keira Knightly back on ship. Cruz is Angelica, Blackbeard's daughter and first mate. She's also a former wench of Jack Sparrow, Depp's character.
Everyone's goal in “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” is to find the fountain of youth. Well you know what they say, a rolling stone gathers no moss -- except for maybe Keith Richard's face. Keith is jack's dad. He's so old, he'd make the fountain giggle.
“Pirates” has a couple of pretty scary scenes for very young shipmates, but if you're a teen or older, you'll have a screaming good time.