REVIEW: Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

Personally, I had little interest in seeing the fourth installment to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. The trailers were uninspiring, and did not promise more than just another pirate movie. However, when my two teenagers pleaded with me to attend the midnight premiere, what could I say?

As POTC begins we learn from Josh McGibs that Sparrow is in town: "I hear a rumor, Jack Sparrow was in London, lookin' for a crew, hell bent to find the Fountain of Youth." To quote Depp in one of his trailers, "There be varied and substantial dangers along the way, including, but not limited to, zombies, cut throats, mermaids..." Add to this, Barbosa, haschanged sides and is now working for the Crown. OK, sounds intriguing - I'm in.

Rush as Barbossa, "Are we not the King's men!"

The movie wasn't more than a few minutes along when it hit me that there was something distinct about the direction On Stranger Tides was taking. It felt fresh and light. Not only were we introduced to a slew of memorable characters, the two most prominent co-stars, Jack Sparrow and Captain Barbossa, were as colorful and invigorating as ever, if not more so. 

The thought kept occurring to me that Johnny Depp and Geoffrey Rush must have come to a mutual accord to infuse new life into their respective roles so they might later tout convincingly they did not phone-it-in. I have come to expect this from Rush, but Depp? For a role he could effortless assume in his sleep, Depp brought new, unabandoned daredeviltry to his swashbuckling bearing.

A voyage is quickly embarked upon, which, as you might have imagined, is anything but "Steady as she goes." However, besides the calculable set up, this is about the only element of POTC that is predictable. 

Ian McShane as Blackbird. I cannot imagine
a better fact or demeanor for the role.

Along with the new storyline, POTC also offers us a whole new cast of characters. Chief of which is the most villainous of all pirates, Blackbeard. And who better to play the role than the nastiest in Brit thrillers, none other than Ian McShane. As many times as Blackbeard's face filled the screen, I never once got tired of the closeups.

Though I am not particularly fond of Penelope Cruz, she gave a wonderful performance as the quick witted and seductive pirate, Angelica. We soon discover a past existed between her and Jack. There's also a surprise as to whose daughter she is. No spoilers here.

Besides a host of new minor characters, POTC also offers the most beautiful mermaids imaginable and zombies that are out of this world. Though the zombies are brought aboard for the spook factor, the mermaids are an integral part of the story. 

There's also a love story brewing between Philip (Sam Claflin), the handsome missionary/Christian, and a lovely mermaid (Astrid Berges-Frisbey). Though a captive on Blackbeard's ship, Philip nonetheless maintains his faith and frequently risks being torn asunder for his outspoken but merciful admonitions. His character is the first I can recall where the Christian plays the role of sanity, reason and compassion, as well as being the decidedly romantic figure. However, I was confused with what transpires between him and the mermaid and wonder if their final scene could have been better told. 



Sparrow and his crew spend most of the movie tramping through lush jungles (Hawaii) looking for the Fountain of Youth.  Along the way they encounter a host of challenges and fireballs... They also discover a missing explorer and ultimately their prize. However, what becomes of their find is surprising and wholly satisfying.

Though the film is replete with tension breaks and one-liners, one of the audience's favorites (and mine) is delivered by Keith Richards when his son, Sparrow, asks him if he's ever been to the Fountain of Youth: "Does this face look like it's been to the Fountain of Youth?" 


Is the latest Pirates of the Caribbean a must see? No. However, if you're looking for an exhilarating romp through verdant jungles, beastly zombies, blood curdling mermaids and loads of laughs, I think Pirates of the Caribbean just might be in order. I could not have asked for anything more entertaining. And after all, is this not why we go to the movies? I give it a 5 Lens Review!

5 Lens Review

Mark

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REVIEW The King's Speech

The King's Speech with Colin Firth & Geoffrey Rush 

5 Lens Review

The King's Speech transports us to a time in our past where the world is on the threshold of a horrific war, and where the English people hunger for assurance from their King. As they wait in their homes for impending calamity, the newly crowned King struggles to overcome a lifelong speech impediment. 

The story unfolds as the king's compassionate wife discovers an unusual man and a practitioner of restoring speech. He's principled, straightforward, and possibly the first genuine friend the King is about to make. 


This extraordinary film embodies the very reason movies exist. It moves us to both laughter and tears and in the the end, it's stark authenticity leaves us gratified and inspired. There is hope - courage is more than a dream, we've just witnessed it reenacted on the silver screen. 


Truly, one of the finest films I've seen. I wouldn't be surprise if it wins this year's Best Picture of the Year!

Mark

©Photosical - the photographic, philosophical observations of Orange County Photographer, Mark Jordan

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Mark Jordan Photography specializes in crafting stunning contemporary, traditional, classic, and storytelling family portraits (high school seniors, children portraits, babies, maternity, pregnancy), headshots and pets. Mark Jordan, a Photography Hall of Fame photographer in Rancho Santa Margarita and provides portrait photography throughout Orange County. The portrait studio also serves San Diego County and Inland Empire. Studio Photography Services are also provided in Riverside County and Los Angeles County. Local Cites where photography studio services are offered are in Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Brea, Costa Mesa, Coto de Caza, Cypress, Dana Point, Dove Canyon, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Northwood, Orange, Orange Park Acres, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster, Yorba Linda, Corona del Mar, Murrieta, Murrieta Hot Springs, Quail Valley, Riverside, Temecula, Winchester, Woodcrest, Chino Hills, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Loma Linda, Montclair, Rancho Bernardo, Carlsbad, Coronado, Del Mar, Escondido, La Mesa, Oceanside, San Diego, San Marcos, Solana Beach, Vista, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Rancho San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, and San Diego Country Estates, Turtle Rock, Shady Canyon. Portrait Photographers everywhere (photographers in O.C. as well) are welcome to contact our portrait studio for mentoring/guidance.