Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
A crew led by William Turner (Orlando Bloom), Elizabeth Swan (Keira Knightley) and Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) venture to the land of the dead in order to bring Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) back to life. Once returned the crew find themselves up against familiar enemies including Davy Jones (Bill Nighy) and Lord Beckett (Tom Hollander). Beckett has taken control over Davy Jones heart and is using it to take command of the seas and put an end to the reign of pirates. The pirates have but one hope, releasing the goddess Calypso from her human form in the hope that she will fight for them. In order for this to occur the nine pirate lords have to assemble including Sparrow, Barbossa and the notorious Sao Feng (Chow Yun-Fat). In order to secure their freedom the pirate lords will have to band together and fight the entire fleet of the East India Trading Company led by the determined and ruthless Lord Beckett.
At World's End serves as the second act to Dead Man's Chest with practically all the characters returning and the storyline following on right where it was left off. That is perhaps the films downfall as it lacks the sense of originality that the first two films had. The earlier films introduced a new 'crew' of supernatural pirates starting with the Black Pearl and then the Flying Dutchman, whereas in this film there is no new aspect to provide intrigue and interest.
The film has a very strong Asian influence with the character of Sao Feng introduced and scenes based in locations such as Singapore. I don't think the character of Sao Feng added much to the film and it shows as he has very little screen time. I think they simply wanted Chow Yun-Fat's name and face on the poster to appeal to the Asian box office. This was no doubt the film company's plan as the previous pirate films have been immensely popular in the Asian box office. The third Iron Man film is rumored to be taking similar action. In terms of box office this film holds the record for the highest budget film ever made at an estimated 300 million dollars. Luckily it is also one of the highest grossing films trebling its production budget in profit.
Despite some flaws the movie still has its memorable scenes none better that Sparrows arrival on screen where he is trapped in Davy Jones locker with multiple personalities of himself as his only form of company. The scene is extremely witty and imaginative and carries on throughout the film as Sparrow is haunted by his multiple personalities and struggles to maintain his 'sanity'. One has to have an open mind when coming to these movies and simply go along for the ride. A perfect example is the fact that half the characters have returned from the dead (Sparrow, Barbossa), some may simply scoff at his as over the top and unnecessary but I think it provided some truly memorable scenes are entertaining reunions.
The entire cast is basically the same as Dead Man's Chest except for Chow Yun-Fat and the nine pirate lords who act more as comical cameos. Depp is back to his best as he manipulates the other characters in an attempts to gain immortality. Once again he steals the show even when he only appears on screen half an hour in. Geoffrey Rush is a welcome return who was sorely missed in the previous film. There is plenty of conspiracy and treachery as characters alter their alliances left right and centre. The film is very satisfying as plot lines are revealed including who is Calypso, who does Davy Jone's heart belong to and who is Sparrow's father in an extremely fitting cameo that proves very amusing.
This is on all accounts a very fitting conclusion to the trilogy. The movie may be too long but is is none the less still very enjoyable. The film has an almost nostalgic feel to it as favourite characters return, ridiculous yet familiar situations arise and that well known theme song launches into action. The legend may have lost some of its charm but this franchise still has life in it yet, "drink up me hearties, yo ho!".
No comments:
Post a Comment