Let's be the critics...... some fun with Pirates.....

[cindyfan]

I see lots of posts going for Pirates....
But thought I would start one just for everyone to post thumbs up or down...
And opinions....
It seems everyone in our neighbor hood has seen it this weekend. And many want to see it again.
I thought it was great. Different enough from the first to still make it "fresh".
I still thought the first was better... and here is why.....
#2 was just a little too dark and "grotesque" for my tastes. I really enjoyed the skeletons in the first, and this one has some phenominal special effects. But they took it a step too far with all the gross sea creature stuff. And........... I find it hard to believe that Will and Elizabeth are the only people that have good teeth! :rotfl:

But the thing that does bother me.... is the marketing of products. It seems they are marketing to the 5 to 12 age group! This is a PG-13 movie! There is a lot of violence and gore! There were way too many 5 to 8 year olds at the theatre. pirate:

But overall....... we loved it and can't wait for #3. :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

[sistertrip]

:thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

Overall, loved the movie. There were certain little things I didn't like about it, but they weren't enough to make me dislike the movie.

[JakeJoshMom]

We saw the movie at a Drive In. What a neat experience.
It was had for me to give the movie my full consentration with my 6 year old and 2.5 year old with us.
They watched the movie a little and played games a lot.
I cannot wait to watch it over and over like I have the 1st one. I catch something I didn't notice nearly everytime I rewatch the 1st one.

[msmickminn]

:thumbsup2 From me!!

Capn Jack couldn't look better but I'd have to agree that there were just a bit too many "squishy...gooey" effects for my taste.

But overall.... :thumbsup2

[Squirlz]

You're correct about the rating faux pas.

It definitely should have been rated...
















...wait for it.....
















ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!

[dbm20th]

OK, I didn't go on the first weekend, because I didn't want to fight the crowds. I saw it last night...

It is very different from the Black Pearl, and the difference is in the general feel of the film. The comic, whimsical tone of the first film, the same tone that the ride brought, is nearly entirely lost. Instead we have a more dark and plot focused film. If you liked the first one because Jack Sparrow was funny, and it was a light-hearted swashbuckler, you may not like this one much at all. Most of the smiling sword fights and funny lines, have been replaced with deadly duels and lost souls. It can be heavy, and much more intense.

This chapter does a great job in developing the characters. Nothing was more curious to me then Swann and Turner sticking up for and saving Jack Sparrow at the end of the first film. Clearly Sparrow had no interest in helping them. It was only coincidence that the three crossed paths. So when this film was being made, I was praying that Sparrow and Turner weren't suddenly turned into Luke and Han. They were not. In fact, you leave this movie with a bad taste in your mouth about Sparrow, wondering why they would want to help him again. But they do, and perhaps in the final chapter they will be rewarded for their work.

Without revealing too much, the relationship between Swann and Sparrow is getting very curious. This storyline could really be terrible, but Keira Knightley is a much better actor then the first allowed her to be, and these scenes prove that. Also, Norrington's characters has developed quite a bit and he can be very good in the final chapter.

One final note. The CG is amazing. Though the bad guys are hard to except and are perhaps a bit silly, the Kracken is amazing and absolutely everything about Davy Jones, from actor to animation, is fantastic.

If you are looking for fun and laughs, this isn't your film. But if you are looking for a great fantasy film, this is it. It is unlike anything you have seen in story and visuals, and the two final films have the potential of really being satisfying. Prepare yourself before you go for a much different experience from The Black Pearl, and you will not be let down.

[CarnotaurDad]

Ahhh....but the very reason that William and Ms. Swan want to help Jack at the end is the very reason why I LOVE this movie so much. It is very emotionally complex.

SPOILER FOR THOSE WHO DON'T WANT TO KNOW ANYTHING.....








* Remember, at the end William sees Elizabeth kiss Jack. William does NOT know that she did it for the reason of shackling him up and Elizabeth does NOT know that William saw him.

* So, William agrees to save Jack because he loves Elizabeth so much that he sincerely does want her to be happy, even at his own expense.

* And Elizabeth agrees to save Jack because if she does not, everyone will know that she set him up.

I love it. It is emotionally charged and extremely complex. This movie delves WAY beyond the surface emotions of the first movie and, as such, I think it is a far better film than expected.

JMHO

[dbm20th]

MAJOR SPOILER HERE!!!!

True, but they are also convinced Jack is a "good man". And he has given them no reason to ever think that. And now, thanks to Swann's little trick, things get even more strained. Also, there was cleary more to that kiss then simply saving her own skin. And now she sides with Barbossa? This is getting good....

[mrp4352]

So when this film was being made, I was praying that Sparrow and Turner weren't suddenly turned into Luke and Han. They were not. In fact, you leave this movie with a bad taste in your mouth about Sparrow, wondering why they would want to help him again. But they do, and perhaps in the final chapter they will be rewarded for their work.


Ah, but there is the obvious Swann and Sparrow turning into Luke and Han thing. Which I thought was quite cleverly foreshadowed throughout the first movie, even though I didn't notice that until after seeing the second movie.

To me, Jack is a good man. He is a pirate, yes, but he is very honorable. He protected his men as best as he could by becoming the king of cannibles (well, the crown might have helped convince him a little there). More importanly, after he escaped the shackles, he chose to stay and fight the kraken. He could very easily have jumped off the boat, swam for the dhingy with everyone else and saved his skin. But doing that would a) expose everyone to the greater threat of a furious Davy Jones and b) expose Elizabeth for tricking him. For the greater good, he stayed to fight the kraken.

Finally, I hope(think) that in the third movie, we'll see Elizabeth dumping Will for Jack. Will doesn't want to be a pirate, Elizabeth not only desperately wants the freedom being a pirate would give her, but she is also very good at it and (although she won't admit it) she is in love with Jack. Personally, I don't think Jack is a one-woman type of man and she'll either learn to live with that or move on to a pirate who is a one-woman man.

Well, that's my 2 cents (although it's really probably closer to a nickel's worth). Hope this isn't too confusing!

[dbm20th]

Will doesn't want to be a pirate, Elizabeth not only desperately wants the freedom being a pirate would give her, but she is also very good at it and (although she won't admit it) she is in love with Jack.

Unless, of course, Bootstrap changes that in Will. Or the fact that piracy dying out changes that as well. These plots twists are all good, and are what makes this film an excellent film.

[MJMcBride]

but Keira Knightley is a much better actor then the first allowed her to be, and these scenes prove that.

You're just saying that because you think she's hot.

[dbm20th]

You're just saying that because you think she's hot.

She is hot. She also happens to be a good actor. That's a terrific combination...

[kjkcool]

All I got to say is :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 !
Loved it!I could barely hear what they were saying at my local theater but loved all I could hear and all I could see. I don't like how they are marketing this to little kids.It's a PG-13 film and disney says it's great for the whole family.I would say it's good for ages 10 and up not any younger.

[CarnotaurDad]

Quote: True, but they are also convinced Jack is a "good man".

I disagree. I don't think either Will or Elizabeth think that he is a "good man". That is the crux of the emotional challenge at the end. JMHO, but I personally love that about these movies. They are not as straightforward as they seem.

[The_Horned_King]

Can't think of a better thing to have my first post on then perhaps one of my favorite movie triliogies of all time!(( I saw triliogy...even though the final movie isn't out yet. However already this series has already taken it's place on my movie thrown near INDY, and Starwars))

First...great movie! From the gripping story that furthers the plot and the characters. To some of the best special effects yet in a movie. Davey and his crew are fantastic, and are some of the best creatures I have seen yet.
I'm sorry some of you fell they we're to disgustiing, but they were pretty spot on for the creatures of the sea.

The Kracken...WOW!!! that is all I can say.

Second The darkness of the movie, to be honest I didn't see it as any darker then the first. Actually less so...Undead Skeletal Pirate are much scarier then octipussmen.

Third, Bad teeth...well Pretty much history tells us they all would have bad teeth even Will and Liz.

Fourth, As for marketing, I don't see Disney really marketing it to kids. But I would much rather take a kid to see this movie then Shrek which has jokes that are far more adult then the jokes or themes of this movie.

Fifth, Will and Elizabeth will end up together. There is doubt about it. as For WHY they helped Jack in the first movie it's quite simple actually...deep down they are Pirates at Heart. from second one of the first movie we know Liz likes pirates. While she may not say so outloud she idolizes them for thier adverturous ways and carefree additude. Will why apprehensive by the end of the first move is a pirate weither he wants to be or not. His actons are not that of an noble man, but that of a pirate and continue to be through this movie. The best way to look at this rag rag bunch isn't like cut throat pirates, but ROBIN HOOD on the SEVEN SEAS. They break the law, but are good at heart.

Well I've probably rambled to much for you all ready.
Thats just my 2 cents.
Justin

[Another Voice]

As for marketing, I don't see Disney really marketing it to kids.
So all those McDonald's happy meals toys are aimed right at the AARP set?

[CarnotaurDad]

AV, just as an FYI, there were no Happy Meal toys for this movie. Last one that Disney did was for Cars.

[Another Voice]

FYI - The McDonalds down the road has a large banner demanding everyone stop so our kids can enjoy one of eight toys. These include a little Johnny Depp doll, a blow-up sword and a replica of The Dead Man's Chest (beating heart not include I suppose).

FYI - go to http://www.happymeal.com/potc/ and see all those "non-existant" McDonald's meals. And just prove McDonald's isn't advertising to childern, be sure to check out the title at the top that says "Hey Kids, this is Advertising" in a nice bold font. And I'm sure all the senior citizens will have lots of fun playing the games and checking out the "cool stuff" to be found on the site as well.

You can also sign up for e-mails about all the things they won't be offering in the future.

[CarnotaurDad]

Thanks, AV, my bad. Our MickeyD's told us there were no Happy Meals with POTC. Guess they were wrong.

[Another Voice]

Actually, my appologizes Mr. Dad. That came off harsh it wasn't intended (never post on the Internet during a really bad meeting).

[Tigger113]

Hi all!

I just wanted to inform you of the Pirates Exchange.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1166296

[CarnotaurDad]

No worries at all, AV. I know how those days can be.

[Sonno]

I just saw "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" for the first time about 2 hours ago .

First let me say, I absolutely LOVED this movie! The last few days I'd been asking friends and family what they thought about it and it was split right down the middle; for every person that said they loved it there was another that said they hated it. So I went into the theater pretty neutral, which, I guess, was a good thing. :teeth:

For me, this movie was a return to an era long gone. During the movie, I was reminded of 3 great Disney classics: "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea", "Treasure Island", and "Swiss Family Robinson". They've finally figured out how to make a fun classic adventure film again, and I totally enjoyed every moment of it. Disney has indeed returned to it's roots, and it is a good thing!

The main plot was rather weak (I don't really want to say weak, how about... simple); but like the 3 movies mentioned above, it was solid enough to build a great movie on. The plot twists, the comic relief (I was in stitches for a good part of it there :lmao ), the action scenes, the special effects, the grand score... I thought it was a total package. Honestly, I thought this move was better than the first one, and I can't wait to see the next!

Two big thumbs up from me!
:thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

I usually rate movies on a scale of 1-10, and I'm going to give this one an 8.5. Really, I thought it was THAT good.

Thanks for reading all!

[Mousema]

Just got back from Piratespirate: It was amazing. Can't wait for the saving of Captain Jack.

[mking624]

We saw this on opening weekend and loved it.

It's definitely much darker than the first and it makes sense that it's this way. It's the second in a trilogy...and is really the climax of it. The first was the introduction, the third will be its conclusion. I do like how whimsical the first one was, but it can't really be compared to the second because when the first movie came out, they weren't anticipating it to be as huge as it became. Hence it ended happily. But it wasn't long after that when they determined that a second and third installment would be made. When they made that decision, the course was set to take the plot into deeper and darker territory...because they knew it would be even bigger.

Of course the second movie isn't much about the ride anymore...all those "hidden" references were put in the first movie...can't do it over and over again. There were a couple of references in the second movie, but now that the ride has been revamped, the ride references will be slim to none in the third movie...except for its name.

Someone mentioned the movie leaving a bad taste in your mouth about Sparrow. I didn't feel that way at all. He's all about himself...and he was like that in the first movie. The only reason why he helped Will and Elizabeth in the first movie was because he wanted his ship back...and Elizabeth happened to be on that ship. He was not interested in how Will and Elizabeth would end up...as long as he had his ship. His character was still endearing, but no less selfish than it was in the second movie.

* And Elizabeth agrees to save Jack because if she does not, everyone will know that she set him up.
I don't think this is the reason why Elizabeth agrees to help Jack. It's not a matter of trying to cover up that she set him up (because if rescued, Jack could very well spill the beans...but leaving him unrescued keeps her action a secret). She was visibly troubled by her choice to trick Jack (though by his reaction, he seemed to know what was going on) and is now willing to do what it takes to reverse what she did wrong. I do agree about your statement on Will...that he wants Elizabeth to be happy and believes she will be that way if he helps rescue Jack.

As far as Happy Meal toys go...I just love them. I bought a happy meal this week just to get one and was so excited when I saw they put a Jack Sparrow in my box. :)

[BloomFan151]

I'm a big Pirates fan and I saw the movie 2 TIMES in the theater (then first time on thursday night at 12 pm) and when I saw it again yesterday I stayed for all of the credits and there is an extra scene in the movie =] so stay for the end credits !!! there may be alot of them but stay !

[catycatcat4]

I'm a big Pirates fan and I saw the movie 2 TIMES in the theater (then first time on thursday night at 12 pm) and when I saw it again yesterday I stayed for all of the credits and there is an extra scene in the movie =] so stay for the end credits !!! there may be alot of them but stay !
lots of credits lots and lots and lots and lots and lost and losts and lots and lots and lots and lot and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots
and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots
and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots

[Jackie H.]

More spoiler discussion:

I agree with mking624....I don't think Elizabeth agreed to help Jack because she "loves" Jack or trusts him or anything else. I think she feels guilty over 'killing' him. I didn't see her encounters with Jack through out the movie as her wanting him...although, he definately wanted her. ;) It seemed to me that she was teasing him to get what she wanted.

I think she is racked with guilt about what she did to him and may have even spoken up just because everyone else did. While swashbuckling and fighting ghosts may have had it's thrills, chaining someone to a post for the purpose of getting eaten by a sea monster is a little heavy! :rotfl:

Why William spoke up to help him is more confusing to me. I can see him "stepping aside" for Elizabeth & Jack to be together if he thinks that is what she wants, but I cannot see him going to all that trouble to save him. Unless, he thinks by doing this he can free his father as well.

I hope Elizabeth and William end up together, but even if they do not, I don't see Jack & Elizabeth together.

[cindyfan]

I also agree the tears were from guilt. But not neccessarily from thinking that she killed Jack, but just the fact that she kissed him. Therefore betraying Will. I expect to see the guilt make her confess to Will.... along with an explanation. But it will be interesting to see if it's too late by time she does confess.
She thinks that she had to do this to save Will too. The monster wanted Jack.... no one else. she had to do it to save Will and the rest.
And of course she views Jack as a friend.... therefore even more guilt for being responsible for his death. I dont' think she is in love with Jack....
But we will have to wait to find out.... :goodvibes

[cindyfan]

She was visibly troubled by her choice to trick Jack (though by his reaction, he seemed to know what was going on) and is now willing to do what it takes to reverse what she did wrong.
I agree 100%.
Jack is way too clever to NOT know what she was doing. I felt all along it was a "goodbye" kiss on both thier parts. That is why Jack did not fight her.

[The_Horned_King]

More spoiler discussion:

I agree with mking624....I don't think Elizabeth agreed to help Jack because she "loves" Jack or trusts him or anything else. I think she feels guilty over 'killing' him. I didn't see her encounters with Jack through out the movie as her wanting him...although, he definately wanted her. ;) It seemed to me that she was teasing him to get what she wanted.


Flat out Elizabeth is being a PIRATE!!! She is emulating Jack to the t. Jack even says to her in the movie. there will come a time you will make the choice to be a pirate, do the thing to benefit yourself first. And that's what she does.

I Think will still thinks there is some attractiob between her and jack. But on her part even if you go back and look at the first movie she has no want work Jack at all..she manipulates him every step of the way.

[raidermatt]

I'd say there are spoilers here, but if you open up a thread with reviews about a movie and don't expect spoilers, you shouldn't be allowed out of the house anyway.

But on her part even if you go back and look at the first movie she has no want work Jack at all..she manipulates him every step of the way.

Only problem is, when she had the compass, we saw it point to Jack twice. Once on the ship, and once when standing on the treasure. This caused her some serious angst.

We are clearly meant to believe there is a triangle going on, and this is my biggest gripe with the film. Its forced and it even looks like they are being intentionally vague about it because they know it doesn't make sense.

That aside, I did like the movie a lot. It most definitely had a darker tone than the first, which I guess is ok, though I'd like to see it lighten up a bit in the third. It also lacked as much character interaction as the first, which is a shame because that really was one of the strengths of the first.

But we do get some strong moments and some great action. Having Rush back in the third film should help. They didn't exactly take things to the next level with this film, but they didn't screw it up either.

[WeLuvDCL]

Hi all, DH and I saw P2 opening Sunday and again this past Sunday with friends. This is th only movie I've ever paid to see twice at a movie theater! popcorn:: So, ya I LOVED it pirate: pirate: pirate: pirate: (I use pirates instead of stars). Even thought it was better than the first. I can't believe we have to wait a year to find out what happens!

Ok, here's the "spoiler" (our friends perdiction for Pirates 3).

DO NOT READ if you afraid it might ruin 3 for you!!!


First, they, of course, go the the end of the world and save Jack.

Jack and Elizabeth hook up. Elizabeth has proven she is true pirate at heart, the whole scene where she is romantically smirking after an encounter with Jack, the compass pointing to Jack, the kiss (which was way to passionate to just be a ploy) and her regret. Plus, as another friend of mine said - A Pirate is not a Pirate if he doesn't get the girl! pirate:

Will is so heartbroken that .... he takes over for Davey Jones!!!! Afterall, they explained that Davey Jones became what he is because he could not live without his true love!


What do you all think? :confused3 It made sense to me.

[mking624]

First, they, of course, go the the end of the world and save Jack.

Jack and Elizabeth hook up. Elizabeth has proven she is true pirate at heart, the whole scene where she is romantically smirking after an encounter with Jack, the compass pointing to Jack, the kiss (which was way to passionate to just be a ploy) and her regret. Plus, as another friend of mine said - A Pirate is not a Pirate if he doesn't get the girl! pirate:

Will is so heartbroken that .... he takes over for Davey Jones!!!! Afterall, they explained that Davey Jones became what he is because he could not live without his true love!


What do you all think? :confused3 It made sense to me.
I don't think it makes sense at all. First of all, being a pirate has nothing to do with getting the girl. Read up on real pirate history to see what a pirate's idea was of "getting the girl."
Second, it was already very clearly established in the first movie that Will and Elizabeth were in love with each other. Even if she's infatuated with Jack, she still loves Will. While I'm sure she enjoyed her kiss with Jack, her move there wasn't about trying to hook up with him, but rather a calculated and manipulative move to save herself and the others. She wouldn't have even be in the same area as Jack if she and Will weren't arrested...instead she would be happily married.
Third, Will becoming Davy Jones is highly unlikely. He is appalled at how people were killed by him, he was furious about being whipped at Jones' order, he can't stand his father's enslavement. If Elizabeth were to leave him, I'm sure he'd be heartbroken, but I highly doubt that he would torment others as a result...the writers didn't build up his character to be that way.

I think the idea is a fun fantasy, but not a likely scenario for the third movie.

[jimmytammy]

We saw it the Tues night after opening. It was OK, not as good as the 1st IMO. But a movie like that, I always have trouble understandiing the dialogue trying to follow along with the story line, so I miss things. So DS and I went back to see it last night. I have to say I enjoyed it a lot more. There werent as many people in there, so not as many distractions. I was able to follow along a little better with the dialogue which helped to clarify some things. Davy Jones speech still sounds a little slurred but I caught the jist of what he was saying. And the voodoo lady, she is a little tough to follow so I tried reading lips. That helped. So my opinion has improved from the 1st go round. And they have definitely left the door open for the 3rd installment.

[Luv2Roam]

We saw it for the second time last night, and I enjoyed it more than the first time! Usually I don't watch movies twice, especially in the same year. (The last one was Lilo & Stitch)
On the second viewing I am usually bored and a little restless. I say I was more so the first time around. (Which was very minor even then; very brief at maybe two places.)
I was able to view the details more this time, rather than just the main attention of what was going on.

SPOILER below. DO NOT READ FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT A SPOLIER.





My only question --
When Jack was alone and leaving the Black Pearl in the boat, before the Kraken attack, he had land behind him and was looking over his shoulder.
I thought I heard gunfire from the land, he had a strange look on his face.
Then he looked at his compass, and went back to the Black Pearl.
The rest is history.

Now -- DH did not hear the gun fire. Jack knew the heart was missing. I am guessing the gun fire is from when the person who stole the heart was being captured.
Jack looked at the compass. Was what he wanted most Elizabeth or the Black Pearl? And is that why he returned to the Black Pearl?
Just wondering why he returned to the Black Pearl knowing it would probably be his end. Why didn't he go to the land? Afraid of capture there and no bargaining tool? Was he really taking the captain stance of going down with his ship? I don't think Elizabeth was really on his radar at all. :confused3

[catycatcat4]

i like the darker tone to this movie i yet its very funny i hope it stays this way

[YoHo]

My thought was that he wanted his friends. He went back, not to save the pearl, but to save his crew.

I'm not sure if that works given what the writers have said about Sparrow, but it makes sense to me.

[Jason71]

My thought was that he wanted his friends. He went back, not to save the pearl, but to save his crew.

So he did the "right" thing and still ended up getting betrayed and (presumably) killed for his efforts. Not a typical Hollywood ending--an interesting choice by the writers, one that I think helps make this such a good movie. Really, with the possible exception of Will, everyone in the movie has selfish motives (and even Will is willing to sacrifice Jack to the Kraken to save his father by stabbing Davy Jones' heart); not typical movie heroes, but fitting for pirates.

Here's hoping they keep the darker tone in PotC 3, and don't decide to have the a bunch of furry "Sea Ewoks" save the day.