I very much enjoyed the previous three Pirates movies, especially the third one is, in my eyes, underrated. I didn't expect too much from this one, so it was hard to be disappointed.
Storywise, as indicated in the sequel hook of PotC 3, it's now all about the Fountain of Youth. Jack Sparrow, Barbossa, Blackbeard (Edward Teach) and the Spaniards all want to find said fountain for their own reasons and motivations. I can go with that angle, since the series has had a touch of the supernatural from day 1.
However, watching Penelope Cruz 'act' is excruzciating. I can off hand think of a few Latinas who are prettier, can act better, have a much less unpleasant accent - or one or more of the above. I won't go as far as to say that she ruined the movie, but she certainly threw a spanner in the works. Unfortunately for the movie itself, it would have been better without her - but still not great.
It was touted as a more down-to-earth, character-focused film, after PotC 3 admittedly went a bit over the top. However, none of the characters really stand out. Say no more about Penelope Cruz, but even Johnny Depp seems a bit hampered in the role that will always be associated with his name and that he completely defined over the course of three films. Geoffrey Rush as Barbossa seems just a little ridiculous this time, after he did ham 'n cheese so well in the previous instalments. Ian McShane as Blackbeard - well, I've seen him in three roles now, and somehow he's never the character, he's always Ian McShane. Kevin McNally (Gibbs) has been reduced to a minor sideshow, and Astrid Bergès-Frisbey (Syrena) does not get a chance to shine, so the only delightful moments she gets to provide are the shots that bring out her (beautiful) eyes. (Yes, I mean eyes, not "eyes").
The series' wonderfully ironic humour has mostly been reduced to slapstick, some of the plot elements made me roll my eyes (Blackbeard's zombified crew? Bitch please!) and the conclusion is as unsatisfying as the dramaturgy is wobbly. Right now I don't know if I should hope that they do it better for the next instalment, or that they can the franchise entirely. Watchable, but entirely forgettable.
Menu
Facebook Page