Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End: Review By timbruderek

The third installment of the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' film trilogy, 'At World's End', continues on right where part two, also known as 'Dead Man's Chest', left off, with our eccentric and motley pirate crew, which includes Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), Elizabeth Swan (Keira Knightly), Tia Dalma (Naomie Harris) and the newly-resurrected Captain Barbossa (Jeffrey Rush) on a quest to rescue Capt. Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) from the bowels of Davy Jones' locker. We met Jones (played by the insatiable Bill Nighy and eerily animated into a half-man/half-sea monster) in 'Dead Man's Chest', when he called Sparrow to settle his debt. If you thought the second film was complicated, you ain't seen nothing yet!

Barbossa leads his ragtag bunch of ruffians to rescue Jack Sparrow and settle their respective unfinished business. The film's plot is twisted into a labyrinth of deals, debts and double-crosses, and the story is at times impossible to follow. However, most of the time, it doesn't matter. The 'Pirates' films have always been about adventure, entertainment and action, which this film has in spades. The lead actors, led by Depp's most in-depth character acting to date, are all fantastic, and this film features a much-anticipated and surprisingly stellar cameo from Keith Richards, who plays Sparrow's father.

As usual, the special effects are top notch, especially the mind-bending climactic battle scene that will have you almost standing up on your seat in suspense. Through all of the on-ship swashbuckling and epic fight scenes, the film still offers much in the way of character studies. You will be enthralled with the impressive transformation of Elizabeth Swan, uneasy about Will Turner's journey of doubt and dedication, and obsessed with learning the truth about where Jack Sparrow's heart truly lies.

The film's ending offers a few surprises, while tying up the loose ends (and there are many of them) from all three films, and manages to still leave you yearning for more (will they continue the franchise?). Some may consider the third 'Pirates of the Caribbean' to be the best of the three, with viewers finally receiving some much needed closure. Others may think it lacked heart and a linear story. But I think that despite its shortcomings and oft-bulky storyline, it is an enjoyable and satisfying ride from beginning to World's End.