Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

I came to a realization while brushing my teeth this morning. "Pirates of the Caribbean" is the original "Star Wars" trilogy on water. Check it out.

The first "Star Wars: Episode IV" was a self-contained movie with a beginning and an end. If we didn't see another "Star Wars" there would be no harm done, even though we really liked the characters. The first "Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl" was also a single, stand-alone movie with an ending that left everyone satisfied. Would we like to see more of them? Sure, but I'd live if we didn't.

But then they made money, lots of money, so we needed a sequel. Everyone gets excited to see our three main heroes (2 male, 1 female) with their bevy of humorous sidekicks. "Empire Strikes Back" turns out to be darker and more complex. Luke goes off to learn how to be a Jedi, leaving his friends behind to fight the Empire. There's a lot more dialog this time, and relationships are explored. In the end, we find one hero's status left in limbo, leaving the other two to partner with someone who they have reason not to trust. Same thing with "Dead Man's Chest" as the plot is much more complicated, involving greedy British commanders, a villain with a living heart sealed in a chest, and mistrust between our heroes. Each main character is on their own for parts of the movie, teaming up to fight the villain, but then turning on another when you least expect it. The triangular relationship is tested, and teased. In the end, one hero's fate is thought to be sealed. But could it be possible to change the ending with the help of someone from the past whom you may not trust? For that, you must stay tuned for "Pirates 3".

Nearly every character from the first "Pirates" is back for the second, from Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), and Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), to the bumbling pirate who keeps losing his eye and the monkey that likes to steal it. New this time is the villain Davy Jones (Bill Nighy), the tentacled captain of the Flying Dutchman to whom Jack owes a debt. Repayment of the debt is one piece to the story, but it's really the search for Davy Jones' locker and what's inside it that is the true pursuit.

To truly understand all of the nuances of the characters and their background, it is essential to have seen the first movie before seeing "Dead Man's Chest." Even if you have seen it, watch it again before going. You won't appreciate the movie half as much if you don't. The plot is actually quite involved and tedious at times. When the action scenes occur, they're big and exciting. Unfortunately, I found the other parts to be incredibly slow paced, which doesn't help a 2 1/2 hour movie. Johnny Depp is excellent once again, carrying the movie. Bloom and Knightley's relationship seemed stronger in the first than here, but Knightley's character is much more confident and in control this time around. The ending does leave you hanging, but fear not as the sequel is already in progress. Tentatively titled "At World's End", the third in the presumed-trilogy is now scheduled for a Memorial Day 2007 release.

So, with all of that said, you do have time to refresh your memory of "Black Pearl" before seeing "Chest", and you will want to see Part 2 if you're a fan of the first. You will notice though, as I did, there is less action, more attention to Jack Sparrow, and many more players to keep track of. I wanted more action, less talking, and less focus on British greed and a father-son conflict. Ironically, that's what I originally felt about "Empire Strikes Back", but now I'll admit it may be my favorite. I'll wait for the DVD release to see it again, but don't be afraid to check out "Dead Man's Chest". I give it a B.

"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" is rated PG-13 with a running time of 145 minutes.