Sunday, May 22, 2011
Pirates of the Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides
It has been a long time. Sorry about such a long absence but life just got busy. I have made it a goal to not let that happen again.
While I will eventually go back and catch-up on some past events, I want to start with Pirates of the Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides. I was lucky enough to attend a midnight showing at Great Escape in McDonough with Bo’ sun, Powder Monkey and Stowaway. Unfortunately, Capt. Riggs was still recovering from surgery and was unable to attend.
**** SPOILER ALERT ****
Verdict: Over all, a definite thumbs up!
There were things I did not like such as the 'flame thrower' weapon on the Queen Anne's Revenge - that was just weird.
Also the Zombie crew did nothing for me; I thought they were a moot point. They really could have used non-Zombie characters to play those parts. 
I understand the 'love' story between Philip (the missionary - "I support the missionary's position" - J. Sparrow) and Syrena (the mermaid) but it seemed haphazard. It seemed like, OK we have to have a relationship to get the 'tears of joy' scenario but we really don't want to focus on a relationship so we won't do much of anything with it.
Also, I really wished they had not involved The Queen Anne's Revenge. The fact is Queen Anne's Revenge was run aground in 1718 near Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina. On Nov 21, 1996, a private research firm discovered the site believed to be Queen Anne’s Revenge. That made it very difficult for me to buy Barbossa now having control of the Queen Anne's Revenge. Now, don't get me wrong - I LOVED the scene at the end where we got to see Barbossa go full pirate - I just wish it had been a different ship.
Now using Blackbeard, I don't mind as much. Blackbeard has so much mythology built around him, it makes the story believable. Such as he was beheaded and still swam around his boat six times. In truth, Blackbeard fell with five shot in him and 20 dismal cuts in several parts of his body. Now please correct me if I am wrong, I have only seen the movie once, but did they not reference Blackbeard's death? If so, I can believe him either not truly dying or coming back - it goes a long way in explaining his supernatural powers (who knows maybe the ship 'came back' with him). I am still confused though, if he 'came back from death', why would be so concerned about dying again and why would Angelica be concerned for his soul - seems a little late too me.
So, what did I like?
The designs. Jack has changed just enough to be interesting - including sun bleached hair and longer dreads. I loved the look of Blackbeard and was pleasantly surprised with their take on Angelica.
The Queen Anne's Revenge. No, I didn't like the use of the name but I WANT that ship. The skeleton masthead. Flying his flag off the bowsprit instead of the main mast. I loved all of it!
The mermaids. Beautiful and deadly.
Richard Griffiths as King George and his thumbs up!
Judi Dench as the high society lady Capt'n Sparrow nibbles on (and acquires her earring) in the carriage.
Getting to see Capt'n Teague and Gibbs again. 
Finally, seeing Barbossa go back to full-on pirate at the end of the movie. That was awesome!!
So, while it had its shortcomings, overall it is a fantastic movie!
Now, I say this with a bias but I want Pirates 5.
Pretty please....
1 comments:
I was fortunate to see it with you and yes, they did reference Blackbeard's death. Overall, his ship was beautiful, a tribute the beauty of the Pearl and the Flying Dutchman (more impressive than both I would say).
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