Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides: Review By Ghostman

Captain Jack Sparrow crosses paths with a woman from his past, a con artist who's using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. She forces him aboard the Queen Anne's Revenge, the ship of the famously evil pirate Blackbeard. Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure once again....

After the never ending sequel At World's End which left audience water logged and tired in the rear, Walt Disney Studios had "plans" for a future Pirates movie. We just weren't sure when of if it will ever happen. After years of speculation, Johnny Depp came out the Captains Quarters and openly announced a fourth Pirates of the Caribbean movie will eventually be made. Taken inspiration from a classic 1987 novel from Tim Powers of the same name, On Stranger Tides, Disney Studios have found their Pirates gold. The movie had their budget lowered to a more financially safe account, a new director (Rob Marshall) and was filmed with 3D cameras for an experience unlike no other for fans of the beloved billion dollar franchise.

Returning to the big screen from the last three Pirates are Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Kevin McNally. New to the franchise is seductive temptress Penelope Cruz who plays Jack Sparrow's love interest Angelica. Ian McShane plays the evil villain of Blackbeard. Johnny Depp loves playing as Captain Jack. I swear, I think it's true when he says that he often finds himself "walking around my house dressed as Jack". Johnny Depp does a much finer if not better Jack Sparrow this time as he's not too goofy like he was in the last two. This Jack Sparrow is a more melancholy laid back, improvising Jack. Geoffrey Rush returns as the bad pirate turned good, Barbossa. He's little different in this film also due to the fact that he wears a wig and has a peg leg now. It's a neat character addition and it's different from the other films we've seen him in the past.

The two newcomers, Penelope Cruz and Ian McShane make for excellent casting and a refreshing breath of air from the previous three replacing supporting cast members Orlando Bloom and Keria Knightley. I wouldn't even of liked it if those two were in the movie as their story seemed to of been finished in At World's End and needed no continuation in On Stranger Tides. without getting too distracted time to get back on the right track and continue on sailing down the right path. Ian McShane does a devilishly fine job at playing the evil Blackbeard the most feared pirate on the seas. He shows his menace real well. Ian McShane has fun with his character as he enjoys every minute of it. Penelope Cruz is another nice addition to the franchise. Her and Depp have a sp*cy chemistry on screen (especially during one steamy dance number) their chemistry on screen is a perfect match.

With a refreshing new story, new cast members and director, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is a watered down not to epic or overwhelming adventure movie that is near good as the original; On Stranger tides has a much more simple plot that isn't overly complicated and easy to follow throughout the movie. Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Ian McShane, and Penelope Cruz all do a good job at bringing this classic tale to life. Once this short 130 minute adventure movie is over, you can't help but feel that you want more. Someday if those rumors are true that a fifth Pirates movie is in the works and might have a release date in the future, you wonder how long can this franchise go before things start getting old? Will it finally end after six or even go as far as eight? Who knows, as long as Johnny Depp keeps having fun acting as Jack Sparrow and Disney keeps making a ton of money I have a feeling that they'll never stop making Pirates of the Caribbean movies.

-McLovin