| Home | Movie Archives | Useful Information | Product Reviews | Recalls | Rating System |

Film Title:  Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

 Best for ages: 11 and up.

Movie Website: Click Here

Year Released: 2011

Rated: PG-13 (US)

The Review

   One of the biggest attractions in Disney’s theme parks is The Pirates of the Caribbean.  The ride was always a hit. So Much so that even the late Michael Jackson asked Disney to build one at his Neverland Ranch as payment for staring in Captain Nemo. That never did happen, however the reality of the ride being made into a film did and now there are four films based on the popular Disney ride.

   Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tide is about Captain Jack Sparrows own adventure without Will or Elizabeth, on a quest to find the fountain of youth. Of course there is Captain Barbossa to contend with once again, whom is now part of the British fleet.  In this adventure the Spanish navy sets sail to find the fountain of youth after two fishermen bring a man up in a net with a diary to the fountains location. The British get wind of this and look for Jack Sparrow, because of the rumor he has the map. Of course he does, but after a brief encounter with the British army he loses the map. He finds out that there is an imposter using his name to get a crew and a ship together. As it turns out it’s an old love interest that is doing so.  He ends up on the ship of the pirate Blackbeard whose daughter happens to be second in command. All are headed to find the fountain of youth where adventure, mermaids and the fountain itself awaits them.

   With a new storyline comes new character that need to be developed. We already know Jack, Barbossa and a few others from the past films, but we have new characters in this story that are developed right at the beginning along with the new storyline. It is not that these new developments are boring but they do slow down the adventure. It is not until they all set sail that the action gets going. Johnny Depp is as always wonderful as Captain Jack Sparrow and Geoffrey Rush as Barbossa. The new cast which includes Penelope Cruz and Ian McShane as Blackbeard both of which were great in their respected roles.

   The Blu-ray/DVD combo pack includes special features such as the Dinsey Second Screen feature which allows you to explore exclusive content on your ipad or home computer as you watch the film. There is also audio commentary with director Rob Marshall and Executive Producer John Deluca. The Blu-ray and DVD also have features such as Bloopers of the Caribbean and a Lego animated short: Captain Jack’s Brick Tale.

   When a series tends to go on forever, sequels tend to not be as good as the original. I still think that the first “Pirates” film is the best one of the series, but this one probably comes in at a close second. I look at this one as a bridge film to the fifth film, which I’m sure, will introduce a better story and maybe reunite some of the original characters.  There is still the same amount of PG-13 related violence that there was in the first three films, but as always Disney has there way of making it seem less violent than it can be, without the film losing it’s realistic feel. The mermaids in the story and their contribution to the films subplot make the film that much better on a mystical level like all the sea creatures in the previous films. Once again Disney delivers on so many levels in making a film that is pure adventure and a lot of fun to watch. This is one “Pirates” Blu-ray that you don’t want to pass up.

BUY THIS MOVIE.