Variety characterized the third installment of the Pirates' trilogy as "the second best Pirates movie ever" and was entirely correct. The nearly three-hour film engrossed a widespread audience (the Regal chapter I went to alone had 6 theaters devoted to Pirates) but failed to evoke as strong a response as did its younger brother (Dead Man's Chest). Jack Sparrow's humorous entrance did not encite applause and outburst, perhaps because Sparrow's role in the second film had proved disappointing. Well, Depp's swashbuckling skirt-chasing, speech-slurring doppleganger proved himself reprieved. Sparrow brought into the third film a sense of both gratitude (for coming back!) and restedness, as if he's been on vacation last year and only now is ready to take on a third adventure. Orlando Bloom, a handsome but dainty boy in the first two flicks proves himself worthy of a man's character, as Will Turner grows not only in appearance but in spirit as well. Keira Knightley plays the formerly delicate Elizabeth Swann, who returned to Pirates a tad too promiscuous and hauty. Oh well, if the role fits...All in all, this was a very well-balanced character-doused film, with Goeffrey Rush, Chow-Yun Fat, and Bill Nighy recieving their share of the limelight. The action sequences looked as if they were incredibly grueling, but--no worries--spectacular! Bruckheimer continues to prove himself as one of the greatest producers Hollywood has ever seen: the film is chock-full of eye-gouging visuals. Not a single space is left unfilled. What was most significant about this 'return to greatness' movie is its setting the stage for a fourth segment! I am itching to see the gang return for the fourth time and attempt (and probably succeed) at locating the fountain of youth. Perhaps Elizabeth will be less crass and more stereotypically female, simply because there is enough testosterone in this movie to fill a carton of steroids. See this terrific film and enjoy its bounty!

Wow...did we see the same movie? I'm afraid I was rather bored with this one. I loved the first one, the second was pretty good, but the third was just too long and with too many battle scenes. I was itching for it to be over so I could leave. I was really looking forward to seeing Keith Richards, but by the time he made his entrance, I was past my point of anticipation and just wanted to get out of that seat. I don't think I need to see another sea battle as long as I live.

But....I'm really glad you enjoyed it. I'm sure many others did also. To be honest, I was always more interested in watching Johnny Depp than the pirate story per se. To me, he is a fascinating actor. No stereotypes for him. At least not until this whole "Pirates" thing. I'm hoping he will continue to grow and not get stuck like so many other good actors have.