Review of Che: Part One (2008) by Charlesl. — 09 Jul 2006

I love the way all the dissenting opinions for this movie appear to be well thought out critiques, where as the positive votes read like PR-cookie-cutter-praise-em-post-em notes. I never was into the whole POTC thing.

I never went to see the first movie. Not interested. That said, I saw it on cable eventually some lazy Sunday afternoon and was wonderfully entertained. "Wow" was the word that came to mind.

I had misjudged the movie, and was pleasantly surprised at how fun the movie was. So, now we have a sequel. I went to a later showing tonight to help avoid most of the youngsters in the crowd, and still the movie was jam packed with patrons.

And so began our next ride on Disney's flagship voyage. 2 1/2 hours later I am so bored, I left the theatre as soon as the first credit rolled. I understand there are 10 extra seconds at the end.

Who cares is all I can say. The movie is one incredibly long overbloated setup for the third installment. Characters seem to be out of touch with their characters from the first movie, I cared more for the villian than I did our heroes, the Kraken was used too many times.

The beach scene was 10 min too long. Have no idea what the heck was up with the cannibal Sparrow scene? (I mean why would you possibly think cannabilism could be utilized as a crude joke is beyond me.

) There were some great action sequences, although I agree with one reviewer who stated that so much action was present on screen that you felt as though you were wrapped in psychadelic wallpaper. (And I don't think he meant that as a compliment ;-) I also perceived the dialog as difficult to make out at times.

Whether that was a function of the mix or extreme dialect slurring I am not sure. But I found myself several times wishing I could back up the movie with my remote to catch what was just stated. CGI effects were pretty amazing on Davy Jones! The kraken was pretty cool as well.

I found the villian to be the most compelling character. At least he was honorable and true to self. Overall though, I still have to stick to my main points. Laboriously long, weak script, horrible plot elements and character asassinations.

You know..Jack Sparrow won our hearts in the first movie. Why would you now seek to cause audiences to re-evaluate that opinion? Tasting a toe?? Obstensibly throwing away peoples lives he had already saved? Being forced to take the higher road by a deceitful womanly misdirection? Preferring to root for the villian than the so called "heroes" is not a good idea Hollywood.

Ehh. Spend your money. Perhaps you will like it. Ultimately I felt let down and a bit irritated with the whole experience. The pacing was all off for me.