I loved the first movie. Saw it 5 times in the theaters. Thought it was Hollywood blockbuster at its best, and considered Jack Sparrow one of the best characters written for and performed on film.
I really, really enjoyed the second film. As much as the first? No. The surprise was gone. Jack's character wasn't as bright or unexpected, but I liked what they did with Elizabeths' character even as it bothered me that they overused the same jokes from the first film. And I greatly enjoyed Nighy's Davy Jones. Dug the new monstors. Didnt' mine the non-ending. Figured the first was a one-off, and the second and third would go hand in hand. The second film had me thinking a lot about the mythology borrowed and the character developments. Saw it 3 times in theaters.
I very much enjoyed the third film.
Spoiler:
Had a great time watching, excepting the elongated "Jack is somewhat crazy" scenes. Enjoyed the conclusions of each character, for the most part. Was slightly disappointed that it was Barbossa who stole the Pearl and not Elizabeth, but felt gratified that she was made a Captain, as I'd predicted. I liked the resolution of Calypso and Davy Jones, because theirs was introduced as a tragic story and I'm glad it ended pretty much the same. No way for those two to be united. She returned to goddess form - as wild and untamed as ever - and he had to die. But the short moment between them, when he was briefly turned human, I loved. LOVED.
Too bad the Flying Dutchman myth was cut so much, because there was more to that story filmed, I think and it would have made some of the ending easier to swallow for some. His commitment was to ferry the dead for 10 years, after which, should he find true love on land, he could give up his tenure as ferryman to the dead to be a husband and father. Somewhat disappointing that Elizabeth winds up where she was headed at the start - wife and mother. I kinda hoped she'd become a pirate in her own right. But I guess it makes sense for her character. And kudos to Knightly for showing such energy the third time around. She had spunk and she pushed herself, IMO. Some of the other characters really had lower shelves to reach up to. Barbossa and Sparrow pretty much stand still, but I still enjoyed them, though Jack slightly less I admit. It would have served the character better to seem less kooky over time rather than more, I think. Depp was (so was the writing of his character) at his best in the first, and I'm glad the first stands strong on its one, completely separate from the rest.
But I enjoyed the second to the third. Find no real fault with its resolution. Had fun watching it, which was my main goal. As blockbuster sequels go, I'm glad for this one. I had more fun watching the 2nd and 3rd pirate movie than I had watching any Alien past the 2nd, the Die Hards past the 3rd, etc. I dig the myth and history, however tweaked. I think the CGI was to be applauded.
I'll add I'm a sucker for Underworld passages and loved both how they got to the Underworld and how they returned. Jack figuring out how to get back? That's him at his best. In those moments the character still shines.
I can't say I'd want a 4th, mostly because I think it's time Depp retired Jack Sparrow. In the sequels they seemed to expand upon what was funny and quirky about him in the first, when they should have gone for the metal - the meat and bone.
I agree with one critic that this was Elizabeth's movie. And I agree with another that it's too bad she seemed to give up everything she fought so hard for during most of the 3rd film. Then again, lots of women - lots of people - would make great sacrifices for those they love. So maybe the film was honest in that respect, even if the literary romantic in me turns up her nose a bit.
All said, though, I won't see the 3rd movie again until its on DVD. So as much as I might praise the sequels and be amongst those who like the films, the one I'll keep watching over the years will be the first.