Review of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) by Harry W — 03 Jan 2014

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides had no chance of being as bad as Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End since less characters meant a less convoluted plot, but it also lacked a chance of being as good as Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl or Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest because this entry into the series emitted most of the characters from the previous entries and left this one to be a solely Captain Jack Sparrow venture.

And of course, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides had its issues. Its story isn't that original since there has already been so much territory explored in the preceding trilogy, and so Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is left with a basic and thin plot about the search for the fabled fountain of youth. Yet on the way the story encounters the legendary mythological mermaids and does little with them. There is one good scene with Mermaids, but then they drift into obscurity so that the story can return to its thin premise again.

And by this point, the writing has become dull. The complicated relationships the characters have with each other is no longer interesting and frankly it doesn't matter what happens to who because the only person that's important anymore is Captain Jack Sparrow. And no matter what happens it's obvious he'll turn out OK, so its even cliche and predictable in areas. Although, while the script isn't that insightful or original, its lines for Johnny Depp are arguably superior to in its predecessor since they are more commonly comedic in one way or another. Still, there are other characters in the story that aren't Captain Jack Sparrow, and they could use reasonable dialogue too.

Plus, after the entertaining and energetic opening sequences there is an inconsistency in action until the films end as it comes from all over the place and doesn't feel high voltage or adventurous. Plus, the action in the latter half of the film is dominated by a dark visual aesthetic which makes it less visually appealing than the more colourful action in the two superior predecessors which had their fights and such appear more commonly in the daytime. The adventure scale isn't as big as it should be due to the inconsistency in action and pacing, and frankly it just isn't as fun anymore for this among other reasons.

But still, I found enjoyment in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Mainly because of Rob Marshall's direction, because he decided to keep the story a lot more simple than Gore Verbinski did on its predecessor and make it more of a visual treat over a shorter running time, which he proved himself good at in Chicago and Nine even though the latter was crap. But in Nine latter he proved how well he works with Penelope Cruz, and he achieves that again. But he really does take Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides in a good direction which makes it a mostly entertaining spectacle with a few shortcomings.

But it really is a visual treat since it has great visual effects, a strong production design and range of costumes as well as an intense and excellently composed musical score. Everything contributes to making in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides memorable, and its easy to say that its worth seeing and is arguably superior to its excessively convolutedly plotted predecessor, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End.

Plus, although it didn't do much with the concept of mermaids, it did at least touch upon them and feature them in the film to the benefit of mythological film fans of Mermaids.

And when it comes down to the cast, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides does boast a group of actors to be proud of.

Johnny Depp's charisma as Captain Jack Sparrow still shines strong in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and his talent for creating a complex and convincing chemistry with other actors, especially Penelope Cruz, proves to be one of his greatest tricks in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Even though the script isn't as fresh anymore and we are used to his mannerisms, he still manages to surprise us.

And Penelope Cruz is a great addition to the cast. Her attractive qualities and Spanish accent make her a mysteriously attractive figure, but its her ferocity and charisma that make her a great pirate that almost rises to the level set by Keira Knightly. Although she doesn't get enough screen time or as much of a strong character as Keira Knightly did, she proves herself fierce and strong in the role of Angelica.

Geoffrey Rush is good all over again, and Astrid Berges-Frisbey was a great mermaid, in terms of attractiveness and her ability to convey a sense of fear and innocence. Richard Griffiths was also good.

The entire cast really was good, and there was never too many characters to comprehend.

So although the Pirates of the Caribbean series feels like its run its course, at least the fourth entry triumphs the third and gives a good amount of dying spirit that the series has provided.