The bombastic soundtrack, memorable characters, and surprisingly fun ideas are all terrific aspects of Pirates of The Caribbean; but what really sets this franchises apart, at least in the first three films, is a dedication that really didn't need to be there. Created from a Disney attraction, this project could have very easily been a cash-grab. But because they rose beyond our expectations, because so much effort and charm was put into the first two movies, the franchise grossed nearly 2.7 billion dollars over three films. So why is this series better than it has any right to be? The quality foundation of diverse ideas. In the first movie alone, The Curse of The Black Pearl, a neat historic setting is implemented in the form of a Britain-occupied Caribbean infested with pirates. If the namesake wasn't enough to catch your interest, how about a curse that tackles heavy themes such as "is immortality worth it?." Heavy themes not your speed? Well, the film has some brilliant action sequences involving swordplay and a terrific use of the setting. Still not convinced? How about a comedy? Romance? Political commentary? This movie has it all. And that's not even to mention the other two films of note: Dead Man's Chest and At World's End. In these two films a variety of new settings and challenges are introduced; this includes cannibals, an eldritch god, and a living manifestation of Davy Jones. You know... a metaphor for the bottom of the ocean? The series' coverage is admirable, but to forget characters would be a crime. To start with the obvious... Captain Jack Sparrow. Beyond being one of the most entertaining roles Johnny Depp has ever portrayed, the genius of this character becomes apparent at one key point of the series: the first time Sparrow responds to a question with "I'm Captain Jack Sparrow." Rarely does a fictional character's infamy feel so justified. Jack Sparrow makes the audience respect him, despite having one of his fundamental strengths be dumb luck. This isn't to mention the fact that Captain Jack Sparrow is a Disney protagonist without a moral compass. Every single "good" action he performs, is either unintentional or forced upon him by established circumstances. There is not a single moment in this series where Captain Jack Sparrow is a good man, but rather he is always a bad man forced to do good things for other people. This creates a sense of realism, as the main character of several movies about literal sea-thieves is a bad person, while ensuring he remains likable. Sparrow's greatness can never be properly explained, it must be viewed. There is something about the energy that Depp brings to the character that makes him Captain Jack Sparrow. While the captain may be the star of the show, other additions include two fantastic antagonists: the skeletal swashbuckler, Barbossa, and the loyal soldier Becket. Will Turner, the protagonist of the series, follows a simple, yet well-executed in character arc that makes At World's End a great closer. These movies aren't necessarily the greatest, especially from a technicality standpoint. Someone could easily dive into the choreography or other such aspects and find many mistakes. But these films have charm, and we could all use little of that in these times.
1 Comment
capn quint
9/26/2020 08:07:03 am
Here's to swimmin' with bow-legged women!
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AuthorMcRae Walker, an 20-year-old writer and lover of many dorky topics. Archives
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