film review by Ellen Wilds
|
When seeing this film, like so many others before it, the serious history student must chant the sacred mantra -- This Is A Disney Film. Keeping the mantra in mind, I can say that this is a pretty good pirate movie whose origins seem vaguely connected to a theme ride I remember from long years ago. It actually has a plot that isn't entirely predictable from the opening screen (ok, well I was pretty sure who'd end up with the lovely lady). Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom play wonderfully off each other, and Geoffrey Rush is at his villainous best. For once the British officers aren't hopelessly prim, inept, or duplicitous, the sea battles have some basis in naval tactics, and the lady's underwear is very effective -- both as costume and a plot device. Black-powder aficionados will perhaps have to grit their teeth to accept the business of Captain Sparrow's pistol (no spoilers here, of course), but keeping in mind that this is just for entertainment, sit back and be entertained. Now available on DVD. Tie on your eye-patch, grab your shoulder-parrot, and enjoy the adventure at home. But beyond the entertainment, how close to the truth is it?
|
