Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (Rob Marshall, 2011)

Given that this is the fourth film in the hugely successful franchise, many people were doubting there was any spark left. Although I’m a big fan of the Pirates franchise, I have to admit that even the third film was starting to push the limits. However, I’m glad to say that I found this film entertaining and actually better than the third film.

Many people have commented that a reason why this film was good was because it had a decent plot, which revolves around reaching the Fountain of Youth. I actually think all four films had a pretty good plot line, although, I don’t know if it’s just me but I’ve always found them really quite complex compared to most mainstream blockbuster films, and sometimes hard to follow − i.e. figuring out what each of the characters is after (like in the third film, for instance). Actually, I find it impressive that these Pirates films even have such plots, given that they are based on a Disney theme park attraction.

An interesting thing I’ve noticed with these Pirates films is the way they depict stereotypes or iconic things. For instance, this fourth film features the notorious pirate “Blackbeard”. Rather than steering clear of this well-known figure, Disney made an effort to involve him in the plot of the film. In addition, you’ve also got the Fountain of Youth − another mythical object that can be risky to try to represent in a film. People have different ideas of what this Fountain might be like and it could easily disappoint or challenge previous representations that the audience may be expecting or familiar with. There are so many different stories about this Fountain and what it does, so it’s either a lot of research to try and get the most common idea of this Fountain of Youth from popular culture and literature, or it’s about going with a particular representation/story of it and using it in the film. On the other hand, this process of getting the two chalices and mermaid tear, etc, seems to be an original addition. 

And of course, then you have the complete destruction of such a popular representation of mermaids − the Pirates films have mermaids like you’ve never seen them before! Also, I have to mention the stereotype of pirates because I’ve found that as an audience, when you finally think you’re warming up to Captain Jack Sparrow and empathising with him, he suddenly does something really selfish or surprising that momentarily repels you and reminds you that he is really just a deceitful, nasty pirate. It’s quite curious the way stereotypes are played on, and at times manipulated, in this film.

While talking about characters I have to mention the absence of both Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley − two actors that had been in the three previous films. It might have been a risky move but actually for me, it was a good idea as honestly the two characters they portrayed were starting to frustrate me. Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) was ok in the first film but after that, I was really feeling like she was a superfluous part of the film − the character became really weak and just didn’t really have a part to play in the Pirates franchise I believe. Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) also was starting to become a little unnecessary. I guess ultimately, I’m saying that Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow was always the main focus in the films and I believe that it was Depp’s fantastic performance in this role that really boosted the popularity of this franchise.

So on the other hand, the fourth film saw the return of Geoffrey Rush as Captain Hector Barbossa. It’s interesting to see how characters change over the four films − between “good” and “evil” − the roles are quite fluid. Also, it was great to see Keith Richards make a brief appearance once again as Jack Sparrow − it’s always entertaining, given that Depp has based his pirate performance on the Rolling Stones artist. Also, Judi Dench and Gemma Ward have roles in this film, so clearly the opportunity to be a part of this franchise really appeals, and to a range of actors too. Obviously, I also have to mention the addition of Penélope Cruz as Jack’s ex-girlfriend. It’s an interesting relationship and you never really know who has the power or who is deceiving who. I found the ending a little strange and it definitely could have been resolved better but then again, if the rumours are true, than it could all be explained in Pirates 5 (or even 6!). And if that ships sets sail again, you can be sure I’ll be there to watch.

4/5