Captain Jack is back in a fun-filled frolicking adventure! This latest installment in the “Pirates” series is non-stop action, and filled with intrigue and cracks from Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp). The “captain” had me in stitches a couple of times. Depp is excellent at physical humor and when he has a hard time navigating some very tall grass while on a journey in search of something very important, he grows impatient and whacks the grass with a vengeance with his sword which has to be seen to be appreciated. He also thumps an associate in the head with his finger when he is agitated with him and again, his timing and physical comedy is one of the film’s highlights.
In my opinion this one is closer to the spirit of the first film and not as convoluted in plot points as the second and third installments were. This is a “fun” adventure with the emphasis on “fun”. Although there are several sword fights and a few stabbings, these are quick cutaway scenes for the most part with little blood shown. Captain Jack and his shipmates search for the Fountain of Youth and attempt to thwart the evil Blackbeard’s plans as the hardened pirate will spare nothing or no one in his attempt to drink from the fountain and live forever.
It is nice to see themes which focus on sacrifice and loyalty. Unfortunately, the language hits a 3 in our content listing, which means this one just misses receiving our “Dove “Family-Approved” Seal. In one scene near the end of the movie, Captain Jack has another hair-raising moment and then says, “I will not be doing that again!” We can only hope that it won’t be true as far as another film with Captain Jack at the helm and that the next one will earn our Dove Seal.
