Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
Starring: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Ian McShane, Penelope Cruz, Sam Claflin
Director: Rob Marshall
Rating: 3/5
It's been four years since the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise was brought to a close with the somewhat confusing At World's End.
Sadly the series of movies didn't go out with the bang that was expected - but now Johnny and co are back as Captain Jack Sparrow returns to the big screen.
Captain Jack Sparrow is one of the biggest cinema icons of the last decade and, I have to admit, I'm glad to see him back!
Crossing paths with the enigmatic Angelica (Penélope Cruz), he's not sure if it's love-or if she's a ruthless con artist who's using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth.
When she forces him aboard the "Queen Anne's Revenge," the ship of the legendary pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn't know whom to fear more: Blackbeard or Angelica, with whom he shares a mysterious past.
Ok there has been some comments that On Stranger Tides even tops the original - so let's get this out of the way first... it doesn't.
However what I will say is that it's the best Pirates movie since Curse of the Black Pearl graced the big screen back in 2003.
And, I will say, that the plot is nowhere near as complicated as the previously two movies - yes you will understand what you have just watched when the credits finally roll.
I say finally as the movie is a tad long as it does take quite some time for them to eventually get on their quest to find the Fountain of Youth.
The weird depiction of Captain Jack from At World's End is gone and back is the cunning, witty, charming Jack that we all fell in love with years ago.
Depp just thrives in this role - appearing in Judges robes in his opening scene - before a great chase along the streets of London.
His relationship with Angelica, played by the lovely Penelope Cruz, brings another dynamic to the movie - the former lovers may at times be al flirty and lovely but they do seem more likely to kill each other than kiss.
But don't worry it's not an in your face relationship that dominates the movie, rather hinted at every now and again.
As we have come to expect Depp banters well with Geoffrey Rush who returns as a one legged Barbossa now in the service of the King - but he is looking for revenge.
Ian McShane is the perfect actor to take on the role of Blackbeard but perhaps his role is not as large as it should be and there is a certain lacking of menace - but this is much more to do with the script that the actor himself.
The mermaids are a great addition to the movie and they really are stunningly done as these beautiful yet deadly creatures.
However the relationship between Philip and Syrena really is incredibly unnecessary - two people falling in love whilst on a dangerous quest... haven't we seen all this before?
Sadly it just wastes screen time and is predictable as well as boring - however Astrid Berges-Frisbey does look fabulous as mermaid Syrena.
So Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides doesn't quite deliver all of the promise of the trailer but it is a great romp that's action packed as well as funny - Captain Jack is back what more could you wish for?
Ok so On Stranger Tides is not the best blockbuster movie that you will see this summer but kick back and enjoy the laughs and the action and don't take the whole thing too seriously!
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is out now
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw
Tagged in Johnny Depp