Okay, actually, it’s rated PG-13.
“Pirates of the Carribean” was a fun film. Now I have to admit I’m a sucker for pirate films going in, so I’m hardly impartial. Furthermore, the movie was about a half hour too long (they go from point A to point B, and then there’s a lot of running around and sword fights and ships firing at each other just so they can get back to point B again.) But the cast does wonders with the material. You’ve got Geoffrey Rush in the “traditional” pirate vein of Captain Barbossa, contrasted with Johnny Depp’s delightful Captain Jack Sparrow, played as a total fop which hides his gloriously devious mind (most particularly when he executes a deft bait-and-switch to obtain a new vessel right under the noses of the British military.)
It’s surprising how many images from the ride they managed to sneak in without it being disruptive to the story flow. Snappy use of CGI and skeletal pirates combined with nudge nudge wink wink self reference makes the film far more entertaining than I expected. It’s easy to determine how many people in the theater really know the ride: At one point, several imprisoned pirates are trying to coax a mangy dog, holding the keys in its mouth, to come toward them. “You can stand there forever and the dog’s never going to move,” says Sparrow, apparently foreseeing the eventual Disneyland tableau featuring exactly that. Anyone who laughs at that has been on the ride. Anyone who doesn’t, hasn’t.
PAD
• 
B….but it can’t be good.
It’s by Jerry Bruckheimer…
I’m scared. Someone hold me.
I really enjoyed Pirates as well. The thing that tied it all together for me was reading an interview with Johnny Depp where he said he was playing Jack Sparrow as Keith Richards. I knew there was something familiar about him!
Trust us, Andrew, the odds are that you’ll enjoy this movie. It has zombies, it has pirates, it has zombie pirates, there’s a monkey, the characters are intriguing AND funny, gorgeous scenery …. I’m going to have to go play the “Monkey Island” series of computer games from LucasArts just to tide myself over until my parents arrive, and I get to take them to go see it. We’ll call it a start on repayment for all the times when I was very little and they took me to DisneyLand.
When I saw it, there was one scene — the climax of the story, really — where we suspended our disbelief just long enough to ask each other, “How on *Earth* did they pull off these stunning effects?!?” I won’t say any more so I don’t spoil the movie for those who’ve yet to watch it. You’ll know which scene I mean when you see swords and hear Captain Jack Sparrow’s trademark line.
Meanwhile, I wonder if Haunted House translated to the screen as well.
Well, I’d go for sure if there were giant talking monkey pirates….
Agreed, it’s a great movie.
Didn’t think it was too long at all … great script, great acting, beautiful special effects. I found the editing of the action scenes to be a little pedestrian (I was spoiled by the Hulk, I guess), but the content was so fun that it didn’t matter.
A good show all around.
I agree, this was an excellent surprise. I thought it would be another Cutthroat Island, but was given a great pirate film.
Stay until after the credits are over for a little more of the film that is very cool.
I hope that Starz picks this up for home viewing when the time comes. They could have a great tagline:
“Do you like Pirate movies?”
“Watch Starrrrrrz!”
And that episode of Frasier was on today. Go figure.
I went into this movie with possibly the lowest expectations I’ve ever had about a movie. I’m not that big of a fan of the ride and this looked too much like it for my comfort. However, my nine-year-old dragged me to see it and, at the end, I had to thank him for it.
Johnny Depp as Capt. Jack Sparrow was magnificent, especially the scene in which we first meet him.
As long as you go into the movie with your critical faculties fully detached and don’t expect logic, you’ll love the movie. It’s a good popcorn flik.
really what you need to know about why the film works is look at who wrote it it. Ted Elliot and Terry Rossio the same pair who wrote Alladin and Shrek, granted not all their films are hits but in general they are clever writers.
BTW, if you stay until the end of the VERY LONG credits, there is a little bit that may set up a sequel.
As for the Haunted Mansion, does anyone else remember that Eddie Murphy routine on why Black people DON’t stay in the Haunted House?
Okay, so Disney is now going to want to make movies based on all their best-known theme-park rides. After The Haunted House comes It’s A Small World. Tickets to see it will be free.
Tickets to get out will be $10.
(rim shot)
Paul
I loved it. Had a lot of fun watching it.
Yep, a lot of fun. I didn’t have any particular trouble with the length. Certainly the best of the “blockbusters” I’ve seen this summer, and the only one I’d be tempted to see again.
Did not even realise that it was a long film until I read this thread. Guess I was too entertained to notice.
Do not know the first thing about the ride exept that it exist, but I loved this movie.
I am not a fan of Disney’s live movies, but this was the best film this year after X2.
Captain Jack Sparrow was great. Loved the character and the performance.
Great movie.
Dangit, I have already seen it twice and now you guys say there is something at the end of the credits….
… People at the theatre are going to start wondering about me.
And that Keira Knighly (swoon) —
I’m in LURVE!!!
I keep hearing that this movie is supposed to be good. I wasn’t so sure when I heard anout it because it is, after all, a movie which was based on a theme park ride (Pirates of the Carribean) which was based on a movie (Disney’s Treasure Island) which was based on a book (Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island).
But if it really is as good as people say, then maybe I’ll go see it.
It’s surprising how many images from the ride they managed to sneak in without it being disruptive to the story flow.
This impressed me to, and not having seen the ride in like 20 years, the images I could recall (the dog in prison, the pirate town) I’m sure there are lots others I missed..
BTW, if you stay until the end of the VERY LONG credits, there is a little bit that may set up a sequel.
The huge box office take did that:-)..and all but Geoffery Rush is already contracted
As for the Haunted Mansion, does anyone else remember that Eddie Murphy routine on why Black people DON’t stay in the Haunted House?
I’d forgotten about that…if he’s able to do push the story a bit in that direction, it could well be worth seeing.
But if it really is as good as people say, then maybe I’ll go see it.
The worst I’ve heard anyone say about it is PAD and Ebert saying they thought it was too long. I was surprised it was so long when I left the theater…didn’t notice inside at all.
Frankly, looking at Pirates with Hulk and LXG, I’d say forget comic books and make more theme park ride movies. (I have to imagine Space Mountain is in the works.)
Well, I’d go for sure if there were giant talking monkey pirates….
The monkey they have doesn’t talk and isn’t a giant, but he is a pirate and a rotting zombie pirate to boot, so that should make up for it.
The parrot talks and is a pirate, but not a rotting zombie.
No giants. Sorry.
PAD
People say I’m crazy when I mention this, but seriously…Johnny Depp – Oscar nomination.
I’m not saying he should win it. There will be, undoubtably, better performances this year. But I can’t recall the last time I saw one actor carry a movie that much.
Geoffery Rush is good, but whenever Depp is not on the screen, the movie does flag. Fortunately, someone realized this and he was up there all the time. And it’s brilliant fun. I can’t remeber the last time I saw an actor so clearly having that much fun acting.
For all the bìŧçhìņg and complaining about how bad a lot of the movies are this summer, it is nice to see that two of the best – Pirates and Finding Nemo – are doing the best. It gives me some hope.
_craig
The wife and I saw it last night, and also loved it.
Adam Hoffman comments about how this is a very distant descendant of Treasure Island. Interestingly, the screenwriters for this film also wrote last year’s Treasure Planet. (They also wrote Shrek, Aladdin and Mask of Zorro, so their track record is pretty sound by now.)
While we agreed that Matrix Reloaded was a better film – and I know this is not a widley held opinion – we thought PotC was much more fun. Why? Neo and crew maybe heroes, but they are not particularly likeable. Everyone in this film, from Sparrow to even Barbarossa, has something to like about them. It doesn’t hurt, of course, that Depp and Rush are better actors than Keanu.
As much as it pains someone who has hated just about everything Johnny Depp has done going back to and including his 21 Jump Street days and is generally anti-Disney on principle, Pirates of the Carribean is definitely the standout, fun and exciting action flick it what is turning out to be a dismal and disappointing summer blockbuster season.
Yeah, it did run a little long, a failing of both the Hulk and LXG, but the story was engaging and the action scenes and special effects were spectacular.
I have no such hopes for Haunted House, though. From the previews I’ve seen, it’s yet another pathetic attempt by Eddie Murphy to show that he’s “family friendly.”
How can you tell you’re a child of the 80s? You remember when an Eddie Murphy vehicle was something worth watching.
I have to imagine Space Mountain is in the works
I’ll go see that if Ric Flair has a cameo.
“(They also wrote Shrek, Aladdin and Mask of Zorro, so their track record is pretty sound by now.)”
Elliott and Rossio wrote Pirates? I didn’t even notice!
No wonder it was so good!
While we agreed that Matrix Reloaded was a better film
What? Are you f*cking retarded? Matrix Reloaded was BY FAR one of the biggest dissappointments this summer. The first one was great, the second one was…okay. Reloaded had too many problems with it that’s why it would NOT be in my top 3 for the summer. I would go with 1. X2 – 2. Pirates 3. Maybe Finding Nemo or T3.
I think anybody who have written a better ending. The dialogue between Neo and the “explainer” at the end was horrible. Here, direct from the Matrix reloaded script!
KEANU REEVES
Who are you?
THE EXPLAINER
I am The Explainer. I designed the
matrix screenplay. Unable to
decently explain the convoluted plot
well, I have resorted to putting
myself here in the final act and
having you ask all of the questions
the audience wants to ask.
(dramatic pause)
You must begin by asking your own
questions then gradually switch to
asking those of the audience, in
order to not make this scene any
more awkward than it already is.
Concordantly, while your first
question may be the most pertinent,
you may or may not realize it is
also the most irrelevant.
KEANU REEVES
Why am I here?
THE EXPLAINER
Many years ago, shortly before the
success of Speed, you sold your soul
to the devil in exchange for a
promise of notoriety that your
piss-poor acting skills do not
deserve. This series is the
actualization of this promise.
KEANU REEVES
What was the Osiris? And who was
that kid in zion who kept pestering
me?
THE EXPLAINER
You will find the answers to these
questions by purchasing The
Animatrix, a collection of nine
animated shorts from some of Anime’s
top directors.
KEANU REEVES
Alright. Well, what was that crap
Glora said about vampires and
werewolves? And how did Jada Pinkett
Smith get to Laurence Fishburne
during the car chase? And what the
hëll happened during the power plant
takeover climax that-wasn’t?
THE EXPLAINER
You will find the answers to those
questions by purchasing the Enter
The Matrix game, available for
Windows, Playstation2, Xbox, and
Gamecube. Enter the Matrix features
awesome gunplay and spectacular
martial arts that bend the rules of
the Matrix. This game isn’t just
set in the Matrix universe–it’s an
integral part of the experience,
with a story that weaves in and out
of The Matrix Reloaded. Enter the
Matrix is the story behind the
story.
KEANU REEVES
Fine! Then tell me this, what the
hëll is with Hugo Weaving saying he
and I have some special connection?
And how come I can control machines
in the real world? And will we win
the war if I don’t choose the door
to my right?
THE EXPLAINER
You will find the answers to these
questions when you watch The Matrix
Revolutions, coming later in 2003.
KEANU REEVES
I hate you.
THE EXPLAINER
Perhaps you should drink more
Powerade.
KEANU REEVES
Just answer me one question. We’re
not going to find out that the real
world is in another matrix, are we?
THE EXPLAINER
Christ I hope not.
I’ve been a big fan of Depp’s since his post 21 Jump Street Days, with Ed Wood still being my favorite.
Captain Jack Sparrow is a narrow second. For all those folks that thought the movie should be shorter, this was one time when I wanted it to keep going…just to have more of this character. Wonderfully played.
As for Jimbo, I don’t consider myself >expletive< retarded, but thought Reloaded was pretty impressive. Of course, I went in with low expectations, and was truly surprised.
…and as for ‘anyone’ writing a better ending, that’s pretty hard to swallow, especially since you copied ‘your’ ending from another site.
(http://ter.air0day.com/index.php?script=matrixreloaded)
So, please, the next time you want to prove your expertise, do your own work.
I have to imagine Space Mountain is in the works
I’ll go see that if Ric Flair has a cameo.
WHOOOOOO!!!!! Ride Space Mountain! All night long!
It might be one of the oldest rides in the park, but it’s got the longest lines!
Um, what? Sorry. I’ll just leave now, and take my wrestling catchphrases with me…
Call me a pirate geek, but I’ve already seen the movie 4 times, dragging more and more people with me. It’s gotten to the point where Sparrow’s bizarre mannerisms don’t glare at me so much as they did during the first viewing. More like being familiar with the odd, unexplained “Whooping” noises a crazy relative makes that everyone politely ignores, but secretly enjoys.
Didn’t know about the bit after the credits. Usually, the movie has me so crazed that I end up vaulting railings instead of walking, just to get to the “Little Pirate’s Room”. I’ll have to stick around next time.
And it’s a real testament to the film’s entertainment value that everyone gets so caught up that they really don’t discuss the film’s one plot hole: (Spoiler in case you’re one of the few dozen people who haven’t seen it yet)
Will Turner’s dad. Naturally, being cursed he would have been “alive” under the sea, chained to a cannon for the last 18 years until they undid the curse and made him mortal. Unless he somehow managed to get free and walk to shore…
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to buckle some swashes.
(Anyone else anticipating a sudden rise in “Pirates” at area Renaissance Faires this year?) 🙂
I heard that Bruckhiemer already has the title for the sequel:
“Days of Plunder”
(rim shot)
Oh, there are more plot holes than that… and I loved the film, so I’m just saying…
SPOILERS (or maybe not)
2. How exactly does the curse work? Why was Bootstrap Turner’s blood needed to undo it? Why didn’t Sparrow need any blood to undo the curse on him?
3. One of the things you have to do to undo the curse is return all the gold to where you stole it from. But the pirates found the gold on an island, which means the original theves (Spanish conquestidors) never reutrned it to where they stole it (Mexico), which means there’s still some cursed Spaniards wandering around somewhere. But why did the Spaniards gather all the gold into one place and not return it?
I’m sure there are more…
I’m not sure the plotholes mentioned are all that significant. Bootstrap probably was alive until the curse was undone. A sequel is in the works, so maybe if he did escape, we’ll seen him then.
As for the curse, Barbosa was pretty specific. You were cursed if you took a piece of gold from the chest, not if you took it from the original owners. So the Spaniards would not have been cursed.
To break it, you had to return all of the gold as well as a few drops of blood from everyone who had taken some of the gold or from their descendents.
And Sparrow did leave a few drops of his own blood on the gold coin when he threw it back into the chest, so that covered him.
I think that the fate of Bootstrap Bill would actually make a good plot for the sequel. Imagine Will realizing that his father had been hiding for years, and now is free from the curse. Wouldn’t Will, with Jack’s half-hearted and insincere help, set out to find Bill?
I enjoyed the movie so much. Johnny Depp’s character was great.
The only thing that would have made this film absolutely perfect would have been a scene of a lady in her nightgown pummelling the living bejesus out of a pirate with a broom, chasing him out of her house (during the Black Pearl’s raid).
Besides that, great film.
Spoilerish…
The only problem with Bootstrap is apparently he was tossed overboard with a cannon ‘tied to his bootstraps.’
Of course, since he was apparently undead as well (assuming that he took his piece from the chest), he may have spent some fairly uncomfortable time getting free of his bonds down deep.
Unless he was still down there until the curse was taken off and then drowned…
Spoiler continuation:
Didn’t the line about Bootstrap’s fate specify (emphasis added by me) “and sent him to the crushing depths of Davy Jones’ Locker”? If yes, that’d certainly explain why the cursed zombie pirate in question couldn’t take the boots off or untie the cannon during all this time.
Spoilers Below:
They pretty much say that the dropped him, tied to a cannon, alive (undead) into the sea forever
If you watch the fight carefully, Before he tosses the coin to Will, Sparrow slices his hand to cover the coin with his blood.
Joe Goforth wrote: And that Keira Knightly (swoon) —
I’m in LURVE!!!
Joe, then run, don’t walk, to see Bend It Like Beckham. Seriously.
Well, didn’t the movie also specify that it took them a while for the curse to take full effect one them? As they spent the gold they realized the food lost it’s taste, things lost their feel etc…
This cures one of the plot bunnies about Will’s dad, he could have been killed before they were truely undead but it opens on about Jack… how did the curse take hold of him so quickly… perhaps its because the curse was fully awakened at that point… i dunno…
Ra!
Well… I saw Pirates, T3, LXG, Matrix Reloaded, and X2.
I enjoyed Pirates, but I’m not sure I’m going to buy it… I will almost definitely be buying the others when they come out on DVD. So that should say something.
Even though Pirates was better written, acted, and more enjoyable than LXG, I’ll probably buy LXG because… rather than being a comic adaptation, I rationalized it as a Champions (superhero roleplaying game) session, and thought it was good from that perspective.
Pirates was fun, but much like The Rocketeer, I could see where the plot was Disney-fied and whitewashed rather than actually making sense.
It’s a pirate undead film, and those parts are enjoyable, believable, and work well for me…
… it was actually the very end, the “Happy Ending” for all except our fine young naval officer fellow, that kinda killed it for me. I figured there would have been more consequences for what Will Turner did at the very end.
A good fairy tale ending the way it was, but… it smacked of “but that wouldn’t have happened!”
Perhaps an odd thing to suspend disbelief for in a *pirate undead* flick, but there you go.
T3… while it offered, hmm, a more disturbing ending for a number of reasons, was better written and acted than everything on the list except Pirates.
i think pirates of the caribbean was the best movie ever.
i was wondering why will turners dad died if he was cursed inthe first place, although they dont really tell you he died. how is it that will turner isnt cursed if he has the remaining piece of the treasure?? if his dad didnt die tren shouldnt the curse still be upon the pirates since it has to be them that put it back from whence it came??
You can’t be 70044 serious?!?