PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD'S END (2007) *1/2 Singapore isn't in the Caribbean . Grimy people of every race and nationality with bad teeth. They forgot that the franchise is supposed to be funny, which is ok, I guess, because they forgot how to be funny, too. Utterly disjointed, incoherent gobbledygook, those are its strong points. Johnny Depp's character was originally a tremendous cartoon of a pirate, now it's a lame fabrication of itself. Even so, he's the second best thing about the film, and so it doesn't help that he doesn't show up for what's already seeming like hours. But isn't all the metaphysical, other-worldly desert of Davy Jones locker stuff ambitious? Maybe, but in a very lazy way. What about the metaphorical asides at big business and capitalism? This is a Disney film, did you notice the merchandising? If the metaphors had been wittier, they might have at least been presentable as representations of ambivalent hypocrisy. You could probably travel the world far and near without finding a less appropriate actress for her role than Keira Knightley. Not that she doesn't try. She is,in fact, absolutely desperate to be tough. The real ones need not bother. Which brings us to Keith Richards. As to so many situations over the years, Keith brings integrity, unpredictability, and that buzz. Things do improve. Johnny even looks interested in the proceedings, but it's impressive scribbling in the margins more than anything else. They close by experimenting with about 19 conclusions, but at least they do us the service of leaving after the one that works.
back to Brilliant Observations on 1776 Films page, or Index
go back home, or send me email
Reviews won't do it any more! I need sustained brilliance! I want to buy your novel!