Although you may consider my review as what you'd call 'guidelines', for a Disney movie, this was pretty violent. However, I have to give it congrats for being one of my favorite movies (even though I gave it a 9; explanation coming up...). The special effects were great, the plot was good (except for some holes; the main reason why this movie got marked down), and the acting was probably the best part, especially on Geoffrey Rush's part. Lots of people liked this movie particularly for the main characters, Orlando Bloom and Johnny Depp (that means you, Margrock), but being a guy (a heterosexual one, that is), I didn't see anything great about that; in fact, Orlando Bloom played his average, tough guy performance, which is exactly what I expected and therefore not a letdown. Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) is a young man who was rescued from a pirate raid when he was a young boy (performed by Dylan Smith). After being saved by the British Captain Norrington (Jack Davenport) and taken care of by a girl named Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), Will moved to England and took up a career as a blacksmith. Now, quite a few years later, Will has matured into a 'fine young man' and has developed feelings for Elizabeth (who he firmly calls Ms. Swann); and although the feeling's mutual, neither will reveal it to each other. When young Elizabeth (Lucinda Dryzek) saved Will long ago, she discovered a strange medallion necklace he was wearing and took it for herself, not knowing what dangers it would bring her. This is basically where the movie begins. A group of notorious pirates from the ship, the Black Pearl, attack Port Royal and kidnap Elizabeth after she calls for a parley [coming from the French word parler, meaning 'to talk']. While on board with the frightening crew, Elizabeth meets the hideous Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) and learns that the pirates have been horribly cursed through ancient Aztec gold and will be freed once they have Elizabeth's gold piece, as well as her blood! Desperate to help, Will frees the captured pirate Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) to help him find the fabled Black Pearl. Will the inexperienced pirate and his untrustworthy ally be able to hunt down and stop Barbossa? Is that even possible? Even if Will rescues Elizabeth, would she leave him for the wealthy, noble Commodore Norrington (who has already proposed)? Find out what happens by buying this movie. As I have already said, the acting, for the most part, is great, including Johnny Depp's part (it must have been so hard for him to act like such a fruitcake, right?). The comedic reliefs in this movie, characters from all sides, including Elizabeth's father, Governor Weatherby Swann (Jonathan Pryce), the pirates Pintel (Lee Arenberg) and Ragetti (Mackenzie Crook), and the British soldiers Murtogg (Giles New) and Mullroy (Angus Barnett), create a comfortable environment for the audience throughout the movie, providing a great balance between humor and action. Because of violence, 'scary skeletons', etc., kids should probably not see this movie until they are older (although PG13 is a little harsh). Personally, this beats the theme park ride any day!
