“Yo, ho, yo ho! A pirates life for me!” I remember walking out of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disney as a young child singing that song, then trying to get back in line to go on the ride again. I’d guess that if you’ve been to Disney, you would know the song and eagerly watched the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie to catch a glimpse of some of our favorite ride scenes. Opening today, May 20th, Disney is building on the story of Captain Jack Sparrow as he searches for the Fountain of Youth in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.
About Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Rob Marshall, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” captures the fun, adventure and humor that ignited the hit franchise—this time in Disney Digital 3D™. Johnny Depp returns to his iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow in an action-packed tale of truth, betrayal, youth and demise. When Jack crosses paths with a woman from his past (Penelope Cruz), he’s not sure if it’s love—or if she’s a ruthless con artist who’s using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the Queen Anne’s Revenge, the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn’t know who to fear more: Blackbeard or the woman from his past.
The international cast includes franchise vets Geoffrey Rush as the vengeful Captain Hector Barbossa, and Kevin R. McNally as Captain Jack’s longtime comrade Joshamee Gibbs, plus Sam Claflin as a stalwart missionary and Astrid Berges-Frisbey as a mysterious mermaid.
The Review
Action, adventure, love, and pirates (of course!) If you’re looking for an exciting and entertaining movie to watch in the next few weeks, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides definitely delivers. I was able to watch the movie in 3D and IMAX and WOW. It was hands down one of the best 3D movie experiences I’ve ever had and was enough to make me recommend that it might actually be worth the extra money to watch it in 3D.
As usual, Johnny Depp shines as Captain Jack Sparrow. Depp truly excels at making you wonder if Sparrow is a brilliant pirate or if he’s just “making it up as he goes along.” Pirate regulars Geoffrey Rush and Kevin R. McNally also return as Captain Barbossa and Gibbs. While the first three Pirates movies built upon familiar pirate lore, On Stranger Tides starts a new story line, with new characters Blackbeard and his First Mate, Angelica (Penelope Cruz), as Captain Jack Sparrow searches for the Fountain of Youth.
I really don’t want to give away too much of the movie, since there were a few twists and turns – even from the start. I will say that one of the opening scenes that involved Jack Sparrow and what looked like an cream filled puff pastry was quite ingenious. Another scene involving a serious of coconut trees was brilliant as well. In typical Pirates fashion, the dialogue is fast-paced and peppered with double entendres, keeping your attention and keeping you thoroughly engaged in the movie.
There were a couple of subtle love plots going – one between Captain Jack Sparrow and Angelica and the other between the captured mermaid, Syrena, and missionary, Philip. I’ll let you discover how those actually occur and play out, but I will say that for me, they were important elements in the movie to help add the “innocence” that was very present in the first Pirates movie.
Overall, I would definitely recommend Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides for teenagers and adults who are looking to watch a good movie. Again, if you can afford 3D, I think you’ll find it worth the extra few bucks for the glasses. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides opens in theatres today (May 20, 2011) and is rated PG-13.
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Online
- Visit the Pirates of the Caribbean Website
- “Like” Pirates of the Caribbean on Facebook
- Follow Disney on Twitter
Disclaimer: This post consists of my (and/or fellow tester) opinions only. Your experiences may be different. No compensation was given for this review/giveaway. I did attend a free movie screening courtesy of the manufacturer or their representing PR agency for the purposes of this review. This did not affect the outcome of this review.
denise says
May 20, 2011 at 11:27 amcan’t wait to see it–it will be a couple of weeks since I cashed in some rewards and have free tickets and concession cash (have to wait at least 2 weeks)
Miriam says
May 20, 2011 at 2:48 pmNice. I think you’ll find it well worth the wait! I enjoyed it and I didn’t even have any popcorn!
Emmi says
May 20, 2011 at 8:35 pmI love how you mentioned the Disney ride. It was my favorite ride at Disney when I was little. It was the perfect place to go for a relaxing ride and to hide from the heat!
Miriam says
May 20, 2011 at 11:54 pmI totally hear you on the heat! Plus, the ride is more than just 30 seconds…so you get a nice ride where you can just kick your feet up, cool off a bit, and enjoy the fun!
laurel says
May 23, 2011 at 11:10 am* Visit the Pirates of the Caribbean
* “Like” Pirates of the Caribbean on
* Follow Disney on Twitter
did all this good luck
http://twitter.com/#!/tomgirlbc/status/72680556143456256
denise says
May 30, 2011 at 5:33 pmjust saw it–loved it. only cost us $8 for a large drink and large popcorn because I had two free tickets to see the movie (coke and kellogg’s), free drink coupon (coke)and $5 movie cash (kellogg’s)