Very few middle children of trilogies overcome sequelitis. Films like Back to the Future II, Matrix II and, unfortunately, Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Man's Chest suffer greatly from sequelitis, which leaves an audience with unfulfilled expectations and a growing sense of wanting more when the end credits begin to roll.In reality, every film of a trilogy should be able to stand on it's own. Some middle children succeed at this, such as Empire Strikes Back (the best Star Wars film ever), Superman II and Lord of the Rings: Two Towers, but most do not. Why? Because the filmmakers often write the second and third films at the same time to cash in on the success of the first film and, because it's cheaper to shoot the two films at the same time then not. Because they are written at the same time and because they are filmed at the same time, the two films end up being one long story.
In Pirates II, we find our heroes, Elizabeth Swann (Kiera Knightley) and Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) arrested on the day of their wedding due to their exploits at the end of Pirates I which freed Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp). Things get overly complicated as everyone gets involved with hunts for a compass, a key, a chest and a heart, with each character attempting to leverage their goals to help themselves.
Depp continues to shine as Sparrow and I thought the writers did a good job of not making him a caricature of himself, as often happens when a unique character is seen for the second time. Bloom and Knightley relive their roles as well, but I thought Knightley's character, in particular, was underwritten or miswritten at times. The effects of the film are interesting, but are a little on the gross side. The pacing of the film is problematic at times as it struggles to wrap it's overly complicated plot into over two hours long.
Pirates II is entertaining, yet unfulfilling without the third film, which is a problem, as people are paying to see this film... and not getting their money's worth. If you've got over two hours to escape back into the world of Pirates, then you'll enjoy the ride, but be warned that it is simply one-half of a two-part story.*************
BTW - I saw this film at my sister Loretta's surprise 50th birthday party. Her husband, Bob, rented out the theater, which was awesome! After the film we were served with chicken and fries and their daughter, Meghan, put together a wonderful presentation on Loretta's life.
Anytime we can get the family together, we're happy. Thanks Bob! And Happy 50th Rett!
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2 comments:
I agree. Also, I was disappointed with what the writers did to the Commodore Norrington. I found his small part very well written and acted in the Black Pearl. He came across as a man of honor and grace . . . I just don't see him turning into the character written in Dead Man's Chest. But this is a common problem with sequels, as you mentioned. They were true to Jack Sparrow's character, but I think they have overwritten Norrington's character and underwritten Elizabeth's character. The question I asked Jean and Jonathan this weekend, on the way out of the theater was, "Do we buy the DVD for this movie next Christmas, or wait until the three disc DVD comes out Christmas 2007?"
Wait until the 3 disc DVD comes out.
Also - why would people who are "immortal" or "undead" or whatever sleep?
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