The ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ films have been huge
hits. Based on the Walt Disney ride, it has amassed a fortune since the
first movie in 2003. That’s just as well because it has cost a fortune to
make. With gargantuan-sized budgets thrown mostly towards the actors and
CGI, they truly embrace the word ‘spectacle’. Every penny of the money
spent is clearly seen with its efforts in creating colourful romps obviously
appreciated. ‘Dead Men Tell No Tales’ is in the same vein as it offers glorious
entertainment other rivals can’t afford to match.
Still sailing the high seas like a piratical scallywag,
Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) is on a new mission. Discovering an
old enemy, Armando Salazar (Javier Bardem) has risen from the depths, Jack is
worried. Knowing Salazar tends to kill every pirate at sea, Jack goes in
search of an ancient artefact to enable him to defeat Salazar. In his
quest, Jack is helped by Henry Turner (Brenton Thwaites) who is on his own
crusade to free his father Will (Orlando Bloom) from a bygone curse. What
follows is adventure aplenty among the high seas with Jack’s pirate skills
firmly affixed to the mast.
As entertaining as previous entries, the fifth outing for
the colourful pirates generally scores. You know what to expect with the
series by now which isn’t a bad thing. Those wanting action, romance, dazzling
CGI and lashings of humour will find it. It may be looking a little tired
around the edges with Depp’s Sparrow now more caricature than true
character. But there are a few new wrinkles maintaining freshness.
Henry’s journey to re-unite his family ties in well with the film’s overall
theme with depth seen in a series not usually known for it.
‘Pirates 5’ is hardly a sombre experience with fun and
colour evident. Whilst the zippy energy of initial outings feels lost,
the performers never over-play the humour in spite of their cartoonish
roles. Unlike the previous film Sparrow doesn’t dominate proceedings
which allow other characters to come to the fore. This is a wise move as
it makes the film different with the CGI out-doing itself. The pacing is
occasionally sluggish but the visual feast displayed ensures the story
maintains engagement until its soggy conclusion.
An entertaining slice of expensive escapism, ‘Pirates 5’
does exactly what the posters promise. It might not rank among the best
but it offers a grandiose epic one expects. Although things are neatly
wrapped up another outing wouldn’t be amiss with the pirate’s flag showing
little sign of flaying.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 6
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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