Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides - Movie Review

Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) is back and this time he is after the fabled Fountain of Youth but he's not alone in this regard. Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush), who is now working for the English monarch, is on a race to beat the Spanish to the fountain while the fearsome Blackbeard (Ian McShane) and his first mate, Angelica (Penélope Cruz), a woman pirate from Jack's past, are also wanting to use the waters of the fountain to prevent an unfortunate prophecy from coming true. Jack finds himself forced onto Blackbeard's ship, Queen Anne's Revenge. After a failed attempt at mutiny and finding out that his ship, the Black Pearl, is being held captive by Blackbeard, he becomes an semi-unwilling guide to the crew, sailing through mermaid infested waters to the islands that house the Fountain of Youth. With each party wanting Jack to show them the way and each having only a part of the necessary components for the fountain to work, Jack will have to use all his wits to outsmart and outplay his enemies in order to get out of this mess alive and get back his ship.

Even after three installments, On Stranger Tides proves that Pirates is still popular. Pirate fans are sure to enjoy this latest Jack Sparrow adventure as the movie is much better than the second and third movies. Jack Sparrow's outrageous craziness has been dialed down to more manageable doses in this one. The screening was in 3D but like most 3D movies, there isn't enough effects that warrants paying more for it. Just stick to the regular version of the movie - you'll enjoy it more without having to worry about the stupid glasses. There are a lot of unanswered questions (some I can't get into without avoiding spoilers) - one of being what is that "X" on Jack's face?! I thought the movie would go into detail about it but it wasn't even mentioned! Overall the story was exciting and interesting and the acting was good. Jack Sparrow can never disappoint. I enjoyed watching the old characters as well as the new ones. Loved the relationship between the missionary Philip and Syrena, the mermaid. What can I say? I'm a Little Mermaid fan. Action, adventure, danger, sword-fighting, explosions, romance, mermaids, a few zombies and voodoo - these are a few things you can expect from the movie. Also remember to stay until the end of the credits!

Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides sails into theatres and IMAX this Friday, May 20, 2011.