Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)

Genres

Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Directors

Joachim Rønning, Espen Sandberg

Country

USA

Cast

Johnny Depp, Javier Bardem, Brenton Thwaites, Kaya Scodelario, Kevin McNally, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, Golshifteh Farahani, Stephen Graham, David Wenham, Martin Klebba, Keira Knightley, Angus Barnett, Giles New, Adam Brown, Danny Kirrane, Delroy Atkinson, Paul McCartney

Storyline

Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) finds the winds of ill-fortune blowing even more strongly when deadly ghost pirates led by his old nemesis, the terrifying Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem), escape from the Devil's Triangle, determined to kill every pirate at sea.

Opinion

The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise started declining in quality since the very beginning with the first sequel and kept on doing just that with the following movies. In spite of that, I still decided to spend my Friday night and money on Dead Men Tell No Tales. Not that the trailer looked particularly appealing to me, I just was excited to see Javier Bardem playing a pirate, some sort of zombie-like, evil pirate - and by the way, he's not even a pirate. Anyway, he was great. The rest of the film? Well, I'm not so sure about it.

The worst thing about this film is its inability to amaze with new things. It's basically the same, old Pirates of the Caribbean movies, with a silly and tremendously predictable plot that bores so much chances are you'll end up like Salazar, a dead man. It is plenty of pointless subplots. Not to mention the plot twists with the old Barbossa. The guy does the same thing in all the movies, he joins one side and then he leaves the sinking ship.

In addition, there's the lack of emotions and that's probably because of the characters. The new characters, specifically Harry Turner, Will Turner's son, and Carina Smith, an astronomer accused of being a witch. They are beyond annoying and they lack that characterization that should get you to know them, and, I'm not saying like them, but at least having a reason to root for them.

The villain doesn't get any better than that. Although Javier Barmer is fantastic as Salazar - he's clearly having a good time - and makes you almost root for him, the character is pretty weak. Also, his backstory feels rushed. Still, his performance (easily) stands out and his scenes are never boring.

That said, Dead Men Tell No Tales still manages to be a little entertaining. In spite of the lame jokes that fall flat most of the time - I have to admit though that some people were laughing a lot -, and the action, good action but not spectacular as I was used to with the franchise, this fifth instalment - and I'm afraid not the final one - manages to entertain.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)

Genres

Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Director

Rob Marshall

Country

USA

Cast

Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Geoffrey Rush, Ian McShane, Kevin McNally, Sam Claflin, Astrid Berges-Frisbey, Stephen Graham, Greg Ellis, Damian O'Hare, Oscar Jaenada, Richard Griffiths, Keith Richards, Gemma Ward, Judi Dench, Ian Mercer

Storyline

Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) embarks on a quest to find the fountain of youth only to discover that Angelica (Penelope Cruz), a woman he had seduced in the past, is the daughter of Blackbeard (Ian McShane) and that they are after the fountain too.

Opinion

Since the original trilogy was a big hit, Hollywood figured why to stop at three films. So, many years after the third entry here it is another film following the adventures of Jack Sparrow, and it's bad. Gore Verbinski left the ship right before it sank.

Just like the majority of the films in the franchise, "On Stranger Tides" suffers from a bad storyline and doesn't really have a plot. It does, however, have an interesting plot element, that being the fountain of youth, but the filmmakers weren't able to make the most of it.

Unfortunately, the tedious story they try to pass for a pirate story isn't the worst thing about this film. The characters, they are the worst thing ever happened to the entire series. I'm especially talking about Jack Sparrow who is no longer the odd hero of the story, the eccentric pirate, but he is reduced to a pathetic plot device, a very poor attempt at keeping the film together.

But I'm afraid that's not all. The new entries are also terrible. Penelope Cruz's Angelica will make you regret Keira Knightley. The Latina lover could have been a breath of fresh air but the character is annoying and one-dimensional, and her only purpose is to add more time to the film. Ian MacShane's Blackbeard didn't get a better treatment. He is the pirate all pirates fear, but there isn't a bit of backstory of back that up. Also the previous films gave me the impression Barbossa and then Davy Jones were the pirate all pirates fear.

At last but not least the action sequences, they just feel unreal, and they are not even that enjoybale. The only scene worth of being mentioned and remembered is the mermaid attack, although those magical creatures don't add anything to the story, and netiher doesn't the love story between one of them and a priest.

I just can't wait to see what they'll bring on next.

Johnny Depp's Teaser Trailer For ON STRANGER TIDES!

**Update July 30: Just got the official version of the clip! Check it out below...

**Same Day Update: I have been requested by Jerry Bruckheimer's team to remove the video, to which I have complied. Too bad, I enjoyed it immensely!

LOL. I love how he captures an audience! Johnny Depp is truly one of the great actors of his generation. Depp's acting range is unmatched and Captain Jack Sparrow will go down as probably his greatest character.

Disney is right to place him front and center with PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES because much of the previous star power is now gone: Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley will not be returning. Geoffrey Rush is still there though thank the movie gods.

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer needs a massive hit too. Lately his stock has fallen somewhat, but still $326 million worldwide is not too shabby for PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE SANDS OF TIME - it is just not Bruckheimer numbers that's all. THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE is languishing too; just $68 million worldwide to date. That one hurts - though I enjoyed it somewhat.

Check out Depp's little rant - all in character!



Director: Rob Marshall
Writer: Ted Elliott
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Cast: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Penelope Cruz

Release: May 20, 2011

There are not many surer bets than a PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN sequel is there?

Exclusive: TRANSFORMERS 3 Will Be Native 3D And An Update From PACE

We have already heard that there is a strong chance that Michael Bay is shooting TRANSFORMERS 3 in native 3D via Ridley Scott. Now we have exclusive information from a person very much in the know that it is in fact happening.

...As I said in the last post, I have recently spoken with Vince Pace who is of course very well known in 3D circles.

Here is what Vince had to say about his current projects:
"Trying to lay low and do what I do best. We took delivery of the first Alexa cameras for Hugo and have 23 more on the way. Transformers has also signed on to shoot 3D throughout the film. I am working on a big Disney film but can’t mention the name and are lining up five more films. Just wrapped on additional photography for Resident Evil and Tron. Currently in Hawaii and flying out to London for Hugo."

Perfect! I can't wait to see the 3D visuals from TRANSFORMERS 3. And the unnamed Disney movie shooting in Hawaii? I would place my bets on PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES wouldn't you?

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES Starts Production

Walt Disney Pictures / Jerry Bruckheimer Films' PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES has started production in Disney Digital 3D!

I have been waiting for this one for a long time - 3D is perfect for family entertainment and of course Disney is on top of that.

Here is the press release:
BURBANK, Calif. (June 21, 2010) -- Production has commenced on location in Hawaii, the United Kingdom and Los Angeles on Walt Disney Pictures’ and Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ sweeping comedy adventure “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” directed by Rob Marshall (“Chicago”), the fourth entry in the blockbuster franchise which has already reaped $2.7 billion in worldwide box office from the previous three films, and the first to be filmed and presented in Disney Digital 3D™. Johnny Depp returns to his iconic, Academy Award®-nominated role of Captain Jack Sparrow, newly joined by Academy Award winner Penelope Cruz (“Vicky Cristina Barcelona,” Rob Marshall’s “Nine”), Ian McShane (HBO’s “Deadwood”) and newcomers Astrid Berges-Frisbey and Sam Claflin. Also rejoining Johnny Depp and Captain Jack are Academy Award-winner and three-time nominee Geoffrey Rush (“Shine,” “Shakespeare in Love”) and Kevin R. McNally (first three “Pirates of the Caribbean” films, “Valkyrie”). The film is slated to open May 20, 2011.

“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” captures the fun, adventure and humor that ignited the hit franchise —this time in Disney Digital 3D™. In this action-packed tale of truth, betrayal, youth and demise, Captain Jack Sparrow crosses paths with a woman from his past (Penelope Cruz), and 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.

Rush reprises his role as the vengeful Captain Hector Barbossa, and Kevin R. McNally returns as Captain Jack’s longtime comrade Joshamee Gibbs. Claflin stars as a stalwart missionary, while Berges-Frisbey is transformed into a mysterious mermaid.

“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” is written by “Pirates” veterans Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio. The executive producers are Mike Stenson, Chad Oman, Barry Waldman, Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio and John DeLuca.

Joining Bruckheimer and Marshall for the new voyage is a top-flight group of award-winning behind-the-scenes artists, including director of photography Dariusz Wolski (first three “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies, Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland”), production designer John Myhre (two-time Academy Award® winner for Marshall’s “Chicago” and “Memoirs of a Geisha”), costume designer Penny Rose (all three “Pirates of the Caribbean” films, “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time”), visual effects supervisor Charles Gibson, who won an Academy Award for “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest,” Oscar® winner and eight-time nominee special effects supervisor John Frazier (“Pirates of the Caribbean” films,” “Pearl Harbor”) and stunt coordinator George Marshall Ruge, who also devoted his talents to the previous three “Pirates” films as well as Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer’s “National Treasure” franchise. The editors include two Oscar winners, Michael Kahn (“Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time”) and David Brenner (“Born on the Fourth of July”), as well as Wyatt Smith (Marshall’s “Nine”).

Rob Marshall’s first three films, “Chicago,” “Memoirs of a Geisha” and “Nine,” have been honored with a total of 23 Academy Award® nominations. For his work on “Chicago,” winner of six Oscars® including Best Picture, Marshall received the Director’s Guild Award, an Oscar nomination, a Golden Globe Award® nomination, a BAFTA nomination, The National Board of Review Award and the New York Film Critics Online Award. A six-time Tony Award® nominee and George Abbott Award winner, Marshall’s extensive work on Broadway includes co-director and choreographer of the worldwide award-winning production of “Cabaret” and director/choreographer of the Broadway revival of “Little Me,” along with many others. He also produced, directed and choreographed the NBC television special “Tony Bennett: An American Classic,” which earned seven Emmy Awards®, including three for Marshall, and directed and choreographed Disney/ABC’s critically acclaimed movie musical “Annie,” which received 12 Emmy nominations with two wins, including Marshall for Outstanding Choreography; it also won the prestigious Peabody Award.

First in partnership with Don Simpson, and then as the chief of Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Bruckheimer has produced an unprecedented string of worldwide smashes, impacting not only the industry, but mass culture as well. Bruckheimer’s films include (producing with Don Simpson) “Top Gun,” “Beverly Hills Cop,” “Beverly Hills Cop 2,” “American Gigolo,” “Flashdance,” “Bad Boys,” “Dangerous Minds,” “Crimson Tide,” “The Rock,” and (producing solo) “Con Air,” “Armageddon,” “Enemy of the State,” “Gone in 60 Seconds,” “Coyote Ugly,” “Remember the Titans,” “Pearl Harbor,” “Black Hawk Down,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl,” “Bad Boys II,” “Veronica Guerin,” “King Arthur,” “National Treasure,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End,” “National Treasure: Book of Secrets,” “G-Force,” “Confessions of a Shopaholic,” “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time” and “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.”

On television, Bruckheimer had an unprecedented 10 television series airing in the 2005-6 season, a record in the medium for an individual producer. JBTV’s series have included “C.S.I.: Crime Scene Investigation” and its spinoffs “C.S.I.: Miami,” “C.S.I.: NY” and “Without a Trace,” “Cold Case,” “The Amazing Race” and “Dark Blue.”

Jerry Bruckheimer Films and Television have been honored with 41 Academy Award® nominations, six wins, eight Grammy Award® nominations, five wins, 23 Golden Globe® nominations, four wins, 88 Emmy Award® nominations, 18 wins, 23 People’s Choice nominations, 15 wins, numerous MTV Awards, including one for Best Picture of the Decade for “Beverly Hills Cop” and 20 Teen Choice Awards.

“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” will film on the islands of Kauai and Oahu, Hawaii, followed by locations and studio work in the United Kingdom and Los Angeles.

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES Will Be In Native 3D!

Walt Disney Pictures has announced that PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES will in fact be shot in native 3D. Disney Digital 3D to use the Mouse House's vernacular.

Johnny Depp is returning as Captain Jack Sparrow and the new film will be somewhat based on the Tim Powers book "On Stranger Tides." Geoffrey Rush will once again play Barbossa and Ian McShane will suit up as Blackbeard with Penelope Cruz as his daughter. Captain Jack continues his search for the Fountain of Youth.

The Jerry Bruckheimer produced, Rob Marshall directed mega-project is slated for release on May 20, 2011.

I think this is a VERY wise decision from Disney and Bruckheimer's team. While Jerry's last 3D effort, G-FORCE, was a well done conversion; Warner's CLASH OF THE TITANS 3D blunder (despite its massive Box Office) gave the industry a bit of a black eye. It's time to ante up with quality projects and you can push this one to the top of the list now!