Review of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) by Josh K — 26 Dec 2013

Yes it's the shortest of the four and like the first three, I enjoyed this one as well. Like the first three, this film delivers what its supposed to be: a fun popcorn film. Acting part of a standalone film (and maybe the first of a new trilogy), as well as a few years after the third, this film follows Jack Sparrow searching for the Fountain of Youth.

The Spanish are also searching for the fountain and the English have hired Captain Barbossa to find it first. Jack must aid Blackbeard and his daughter, while staying ahead of the English and Spanish.

The performances are fantastic, especially Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow, proving that he can still depict the character. Penelope Cruz does a great job as Sparrow's love interest, Angelica, who is also the daughter of Blackbear, while Ian McShane is a perfect choice for Blackbeard.

Geoffrey Rush has a lot of fun returning as Barbossa, bringing a sense of comedy to certain scenes. The cinematography is also incredible, as well as Hans Zimmer's score. At times the film feels like an Indiana Jones film, but with a Disney feel involving pirates.

The choice of Rob Marshall is an interesting one and he proves terrific, since before he was primarily known for musicals (Chicago). The special effects are also well done, especially the scenes with the mermaids.

The film ends on a slight cliffhanger ending, while the film also has a great amount of fun and never disappoints working perfectly as a popcorn film.