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

Top 6 movies to see in 2011

Well, it’s another exciting year of movies – so far we’ve seen a range of films hit our screens, including Thor, Tron: Legacy, Your Highness, Scream 4, Rango, Paul, Rio, Arthur and World Invasion: Battle LA. Although it’s already May, there is still plenty to look forward to in 2011.

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (Stephan Elliott, 1994)

A classic Australian film. Watching The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert made me quite nostalgic and brought back memories of Australian films from the 1980s and 1990s. Priscilla is one of those films that has an original formula which works: it’s entertaining, quirky, touching and clever. To have all of those elements in a film is a rare and difficult achievement.

The film features some great Australian talents, who have now made their name on the world stage, particularly Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce. I loved both of their characters, who both had quite different outlooks on life and personalities. Priscilla is essentially a road trip movie − it centres on three drag queens who travel across the Australian desert to do a show in Alice Springs. The show is organised by the wife of one of the drag queens, “Mizti” (Hugo Weaving), which makes relations between the characters a lot more complex and interesting. In addition, Mizti and his wife also have a child and I think what this film does really well is highlight the complicated nature of human relationships. Sexuality is not clear-cut as we have a drag queen who is married with a child, as well as heterosexual transsexual. We see Hugo Weaving’s character is reluctant to have his son see him performing but is relieved when his son surprisingly shows an active interest in what his father does, even requested a performance of ABBA. In other instances, we see the drag queens abused both verbally and physically in some of the more conservative country towns. So rather than stereotyping, the film brings these more non-mainstream themes of sexuality, identity and acceptance to the mainstream audience in a more light-hearted way. So while you may not expect it, the film really does have some substance. The movie touches on some big issues, and instead of being a one-dimensional comedy flick, it also has some quite poignant moments, including Hugo Weaving’s character struggling with his role as a father, to a more disturbing flashback of one of the characters with his paedophile uncle.

I should also point out there was some controversy about the racist and sexist stereotyping of Cynthia, who is a Filipino wife in the film. Personally, I saw her character solely as a comical role in the film, and for a film that aims to strive away from sexual stereotypes, to be accused of racial stereotypes is quite ironic I guess. If anything, I would say the film stereotypes Australians − the scenes in outback pubs with heavy-drinking, crude and intolerant men (and rough, muscled women) is enough to put anyone off travelling in the desert! Although, the beautiful landscape is enough to convince me otherwise.

Also, the fashion and costumes in the film were incredible − not surprisingly, Priscilla won an Oscar for Best Costume Design. The costumes could easily be the inspiration for Lady Gaga’s clothes − a dress made from thongs, bright, colourful “out there” numbers simply looking to draw attention. My favourite moments were when these characters were all glammed up, whether it was in a silver outfit, sitting in a giant stiletto on the top of the tour bus, dressed in costumes made from flowers while singing with Aboriginals, or on stage dressed as the Sydney Opera House.

At the beginning of the film, three things struck me immediately: the raw language and swearing, the Australian accent (a rarity in films) and the music, which consisted of a range of famous pop songs from various decades. From the start, you can feel that this is going to be a film that is very different from most of what you have seen before. Sprinkled with comedy as well as more dramatic moments, this is a film that appeals (or not) to people in different ways. Nevertheless, I think it’s worthwhile watching what is an iconic movie that helped bring Australian film to the world stage.

4/5

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (Mike Newell, 2010)

I had fond memories of the Prince of Persia game as a kid − well, mostly of watching my dad playing the game. Even so, I wasn’t as enthusiastic about this film but am glad to say it was better than I expected.

I wasn’t familiar with the plot, which centre on a magical dagger that has time-travel abilities. Prince Dastan (Jake Gyllenhaal) reluctantly teams up with Princess Tamina (leader of a country the Persians invade at the start of the film, played by Gemma Arterton), in order to stop the powerful dagger from getting into the wrong hands. As a result, Prince of Persia is a mix of fantasy, science fiction elements and of course, some sword-fighting action.

I enjoyed the film more than I thought I would and once I learned that Jerry Bruckheimer (who worked on the Pirates of the Caribbean films) was one of the producers, I wasn’t that surprised. Similarly to the Pirates of the Caribbean films, there were themes of betrayal, loyalty, magical and otherworldly devices, and good old fashioned sword-fighting. Prince of Persia also had some humorous moments, which I wasn’t expecting. Actually, in Pirates of the Caribbean, Captain Jack Sparrow and Elizabeth also reluctantly work together at first − so I guess these Disney films have even more in common than I first thought.

Anyway, I also really liked the set design and the beautiful Persian locations depicted in the film. I wasn’t really a big fan of Jake Gyllenhaal as I hadn’t seen many of his films but I think he really suited the character of Prince Dastan (and not to mention, looked quite appealing in the role of a rugged, heroic prince!). So while fans of the Prince of Persia video games would probably want to see the film for nostalgic reasons or just pure curiosity, I would recommend the film for anyone who likes films involving sorcery and swords or ancient cultures, and definitely fans of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.

4/5

The Social Network (David Fincher, 2010)

When I first heard they were making a film about Facebook, I thought it was a joke. Once the film was released, I still wasn’t very interested in it but I ended up watching it purely because I’m a cinephile and I like to be open to a range of films and not only watching ones I like.

I think what gives The Social Network its appeal is the life of Mark Zuckerberg − his very unusual life as a college student/billionaire. While most students would just be focused on studying and other everyday aspects of college life, Zuckerberg had his mind and efforts focused on a business venture − not without its personal, financial and legal complications. The film is cleverly structured to try and hold the audience’s interest while ultimately just retelling a few years of the life of this individual. This is done by cutting between the two lawsuits he is involved in, and the chronological development of Facebook.

It is the interesting life of Zuckerberg or the overall plot that was the best quality of the film for me as I wasn’t able to connect with the characters, especially Zuckerberg, who I found a little repelling and insensitive. If I had to choose a favourite character or one that I empathised with most it would be co-founder Eduardo Saverin. I don’t know if it’s some sort of 'nerd' stereotype of if the film depicts a real reflection of Zuckerberg’s personality (although Mark Zuckerberg himself has said it isn’t). Ironically, you get the impression that despite creating this groundbreaking website that connects millions of people around the world, Zuckerberg is actually quite a lonely, isolated person. Then again, I wouldn’t take everything in this film as face value because it is not all factually accurate.

I found Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake) a particularly annoying character, sort of like the sneaky stranger you see in films, who ends up breaking a solid friendship. I found it ironic that Justin Timberlake portrays someone from Napster, given that no doubt people would have used Napster to illegally download Timberlake’s music. But also, the film gives the impression that Parker is a founder of Napster, when he actually isn’t − nor is he a founder of Facebook. (Also, on a sidenote, I found it amusing to see Brenda Song star in a film that is so different from those light-hearted, comedic children's Disney TV shows she is a part of − I can't help but associate her with those films!)

While I see the appeal of The Social Network, I personally didn’t really find it that remarkable or worthy of any Academy Awards − although maybe for the script, which was based on a book (as I said, it is a skilful way to construct what is essentially a retelling of a few years of someone’s life). The music, on the other hand, was so eerie and dark, it would’ve suited a horror and at times the music seemed to drown out the dialogue (and I don’t just mean in the club scenes). It was an interesting choice to have Nine Inch Nail musicians scoring the film − that would explain the darker edge to it. But I almost found it really grating and almost insulting to have one of my favourite Beatles songs, “Baby, You’re a Rich Man”, playing during the end credits of this film − and at the same time, it was sort of undoing or mocking the seriousness and drama exuded throughout the rest of the film. Anyway, yes, Facebook is a significant idea and development that has dramatically changed the way many people (including me) connect around the world but this film was just nowhere near as noteworthy to me.

3.5/5