Get It Off Your (Dead Man's) Chest: Pirates Movie Reviews

[Mary Blairiffic]

I liked it. I wasn't blown away, but really enjoyed it.

Capt. Jack -- not as many funny moments, but still a delight and sexy as all spit. His entrance is creepy and brilliant and funny all at the same time.

Those Pretty British Kids -- felt like there was even more of a storyline for them, although they're rarely together in the film. And Keira's got moxie!

Davy Jones -- stole the show for me. Bill Nighy acted so believably through what has to be the most original use of CGI and make-up I've ever seen.

The Flying Dutchman -- I kept thinking, "How can they incorporate THIS into the ride?!" Flippin' awesome.

Make-up, Special Effects, Art Direction: ALL must be nominated for Oscar, or else the Academy should meet the fate of many of Davy Jones's victims.

Hoodoo -- I really liked how they incorporated this into the story. I hope they'll continue using this through the 3rd installment. Loved the Blue Bayou and kept listening for the banjo, but knew it wouldn't be there.

My only negative comment is that #2 felt like a warm-up in some ways to the third and final installment. I know they filmed 2 and 3 at the same time, so this sorta makes sense. But I left with a feeling that I should be able to tune in tomorrow to see the next episode. Instead I'll have to wait at least a year, so that made me poopy.

All in all, if you weigh a little less Johnny vs. a whole lotta Davy Jones and company, it makes for a film just as good as the first.

Oh -- and the kraken.

I am witlessly afraid of Monstro. I'm afeared of any big underwater creature who might swallow my whole house. I needed to take many deep breaths when the kraken reared its tentacles.