Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest SPOILER SPACE

[Disney Duster]

It's perfect. The Chinese throwing stars and the Chinese symbol make it more mysterious than the real one. Is that Chinese character above "2007" the exact character that would stand for the date? And unless the Chinese characters in the real poster say more than just the date for the movie, your poster lets on just as much information as the real poster in a better way:



So I think you're poster's better in my opinion. How did you get the Chinese throwing stars in the skull...or whatever they are? That's the most awesome idea! Why didn't the real poster-makers come up with that?

[lord-of-sith]

I saw it last night.... oh MY GOD! That is one incredible film!

The ending with Barbossa was truly my favorite part. I knew Geoffrey Rush was in the cast list. I kept thinking "Where is Barbossa?" and I almost had a friggin heart attack (a joyus one) when he was revealed at the end (and he got the last shot ta boot)! I have a feeling that although Barbossa appears to be up to helping our heroes, he may not be showing all of his cards.

The CGI work on Davy Jones (as well as everything else here) was absoluetly breath-taking. If this film does not win the oscar for best visual effects, my faith in the academy is forever gone and not returning (it already is somewhat shaken for them leaving out RotS last year).

It's hard to say that it is better than the first film (another amazing film) but I can't say it's worse. I would say it is about equal in quality to the first. And that is certainly saying something!

Can't wait to see it again and buy the DVD.

[Pasta67]

My parents and I went and saw this yesterday as well, and we loved it. I really can't tell which one I like better, the sequel or the original. My dad says he liked the original at least twice as much, but I can't choose between them. The cliffhanger ending got me so excited for the third one, and once Barbossa came on screen at the end, I swear, the audience was desperately trying to control their excitement. I almost thought they were all going to stand up and cheer.

My favorite parts were Jack and the gang's hilarious escape from the cannibal tribe, and the part where Jack, Will, and Norrington were fighting over the key to the chest. Those scenes had just the right amout of humor and action, and they blended perfectly.

Jack Sparrow is quickly climbing to the top of my "favorite-characters-in-all-of-cinema" list. He's one of the most complex characters I've ever seen in a movie, but you just don't realize that when you're watching him. Kudos to Depp and his writers for making him just as good as the last film.

One minor spoiler: If anyone was worried about the dog once the cannibal tribe started chasing him (I know I was), then stay in the theater until the credits end. You won't be disappointed.

All in all, this is my favorite movie of the year so far. Very highly recommended!

[rexcrk]

Here's one thing I couldn't understand (maybe someone could shed some light on me? ): Who were those other pirates that were part of the Black Pearl's crew? I was familiar with the characters from the first movie like Mr. Gibbs and Mr. Cotton (he was the mute right?) but then there were the other guys in that other cage when they were climbing up the cliff (the guys that fell). Were they just characters that got picked up between the first one and this one?

[brownie]

The CGI work on Davy Jones (as well as everything else here) was absoluetly breath-taking. If this film does not win the oscar for best visual effects, my faith in the academy is forever gone and not returning (it already is somewhat shaken for them leaving out RotS last year).

I was thinking the exact same thing as I was leaving the theater. If they don't win an Oscar, there's no hope left...I thought the CGI was absolutely flawless and looked realistic. The only way you could tell it was CGI was because it would be nearly impossible to produce by hand!

Anyway, I don't really want to write a big review, so I'm going to make a simple list of pros and cons.

The good:
Length
Acting
Special Effects
Make-up
Kraken (crackin'?)
The entire scene with the cannibals

The bad:
Some of the story was confusing (I still don't know what those letters are...)
Script

I thought there was too much talking in the movie. The first one had more moments with just the actors' facial expressions carrying on the movie. Now, I don't think that any scenes from the sequel should have been deleted, but they could have simply shut the characters up. I was distracted by their conversations at times. They definitely needed more silent moments. The same goes for Cars...

[ChrisLyne]

Some of the story was confusing (I still don't know what those letters are...)

Letters of Marque are (I think) basically permission to go pirating. As an "employee" of the King of England, Jack (or Norrington) would have permission to be a pirate and attack any ship, but NOT those under an English flag.

rexcrk. From Jack's crew Gibbs, Cotton (the mute with the parrot) and Marty (the little guy) were all from COTBP, the rest were all new crew memebers probably picked up in the year between films. What I want to know is where did Anamaria get to?

[~Kronk~]

One minor spoiler: If anyone was worried about the dog once the cannibal tribe started chasing him (I know I was), then stay in the theater until the credits end. You won't be disappointed.

I saw that.

[rexcrk]

Some of the story was confusing (I still don't know what those letters are...)

What I want to know is where did Anamaria get to?

Me too now that you mention it!

(Although I'm happier having her mysteriously gone than being played by a different actress )

[Timon/Pumbaa fan]

I came back from seeing it(late, I know) TREMENDOUS movie! It wasperfect! It will go in film history with The Godfather Part: II, The Empire Strikes Back and Toy Story 2 as one of the few sequels that's just as good(if not better) than the original.

This just proves how wrong the critics are. When 20 years from now when this is remembered while films like "Good Night and Good Luck" "Crash" and "Brokeback Mountain" etc. will get completely forgotten, I'm think they'll feel foolish inside. And people should go to see this movie in theaters for themselves, as anyone who doesn't will sure miss out.

The special effects were FLAWLESS. I couldn't tell what was CG and what wasn't which is what special effects are supposed to do, and this does a heck of a job. I agree with lord-of-sith, if this film doesn't win an Oscar, than I can not have hope for the Academy anymore(not like I ever did have much though, as some of the greatest movies ever made never won "Best Picture").

Johnny Depp wonderfully portrays Jack Sparrow again and brings him as much life in the original(when he shot that bird, I knew this movie was going to be great ). I also thought Davy Jones was BRILLIANT! The scariest "movie monster" since Darth Vader. While I wasn't surprised about Captain Barbossa(thanks to Jim Hill ), I'm sure excited about the third and am curious about how he came back.

And the story was just as wonderfully made as the first. As for flaws: the only problem I had though is if Tia Dalma gave Jack the compus, then how did Lord Cutler Beckett find out about the compass? But still, I thought it was a great middle chapter with hilarious dialouge, great action scenes and a fresh and original story

And finally, the references to the Disneyland ride were sweet. The fireflies are a nice touch. Also glad to see a lot of the dog and the mayor getting dunked in the well.

The best movie of 2006 and am having trouble figuring out which is better, COTBP or DMC. CAN'T WAIT for a third! 10/10.

[disneyboy20022]

Ok I just got back from seeing POTC 2 for the third time. Anyway Someone mentioned/wondered how the locket that looks like a heart the plays music was in Tia Dalma (Sorry if I misspelled it) hut in the swamp and then the same locket was in Davy Jones possession. Anyway my theory is that there are 2 lockets and perhaps Tia Dalma was the one Davy Jones once loved therefore they each have a locket to remember each other by.

[MickeyMousePal]

Timon/Pumbaa fan Wrote:

I came back from seeing it(late, I know) TREMENDOUS movie! It wasperfect! It will go in film history with The Godfather Part: II, The Empire Strikes Back and Toy Story 2 as one of the few sequels that's just as good(if not better) than the original.

This just proves how wrong the critics are. When 20 years from now when this is remembered while films like "Good Night and Good Luck" "Crash" and "Brokeback Mountain" etc. will get completely forgotten, I'm think they'll feel foolish inside. And people should go to see this movie in theaters for themselves, as anyone who doesn't will sure miss out.

The special effects were FLAWLESS. I couldn't tell what was CG and what wasn't which is what special effects are supposed to do, and this does a heck of a job. I agree with lord-of-sith, if this film doesn't win an Oscar, than I can not have hope for the Academy anymore(not like I ever did have much though, as some of the greatest movies ever made never won "Best Picture").

Johnny Depp wonderfully portrays Jack Sparrow again and brings him as much life in the original(when he shot that bird, I knew this movie was going to be great ). I also thought Davy Jones was BRILLIANT! The scariest "movie monster" since Darth Vader. While I wasn't surprised about Captain Barbossa(thanks to Jim Hill ), I'm sure excited about the third and am curious about how he came back.

And the story was just as wonderfully made as the first. As for flaws: the only problem I had though is if Tia Dalma gave Jack the compus, then how did Lord Cutler Beckett find out about the compus? But still, I thought it was a great middle chapter with hilarious dialouge, great action scenes and a fresh and original story

And finally, the references to the Disneyland ride were sweet. The fireflies are a nice touch. Also glad to see a lot of the dog and the mayor getting dunked in the well.

The best movie of 2006 and am having trouble figuring out which is better, COTBP or DMC. CAN'T WAIT for a third! 10/10.

Yeah we know it's a good movie but you never said why you saw it.
I know your parents paid for it but you gave you the ticket. LOL

[Timon/Pumbaa fan]

Yeah we know it's a good movie but you never said why you saw it.

Because I thought it sounded like a cool movie and I didn't want to feel left out on all the fun?

[MickeyMousePal]

I know that Justin but who was the person who gave you something to see the movie for less money.

[Escapay]

I know that Justin but who was the person who gave you something to see the movie for less money.

Does it really matter WHY Justin saw the movie, Pals?

Anyway, I caught an 11 pm showing last night and of course, had to wait 40 minutes for my bus from Downtown Disney to Chatham.

I don't know if I could possibly type out all my thoughts about this movie, but I will say it is definitely in the ranks of Empire Strikes Back, Godfather II, Toy Story 2, and Wrath of Khan as movies that not only equal their predecessor, but in some ways, surpasses it.

What I liked:

- Yay, another swashbuckling adventure with Jack, Will, Elizabeth, and Steve Taylor - er, James Norrington!

- There was a more lighthearted tone to this film, evenly balanced with the action and drama. I especially liked the escape from the natives and the three-man sword fight.

- Elizabeth had more to do than scream in fright.

What I didn't like:

- There was too much going on. It was like there were several mini-episodes going on that was encompassed into one large umbrella story. I mean, you've got Jack looking for the key, but Jack's also fleeing Davy Jones, then you've got Jack fleeing natives, Jack fighting Will and Norrington for the key and chest, and then Jack stuck on the Pearl as it is taken by the Kraken. And that's just one character! Too many characters with too many individual and intertwined stories. It's like trying to watch Love Actually: The Pirate Version. Sure, you've only got the three central figures (Jack, Will, Elizabeth). But Davy Jones, Bootstrap Bill, Norrington, Tia Dalma, Becket, etc. They all add their own stories to the major ones that it makes me wonder which story will actually be resolved by the time the credits roll.

- The forced and throwaway humor. Yes, it was great to see the dog again, and to have all those sly remarks about the rum (why is the rum always gone, hide the rum, etc.). But sometimes it seems they inserted throwaway lines as a nod to the first film, when it was ultimately unnecessary. Did we honestly need to have constant references to rum? "But why is the rum gone?" is perhaps the best line ever from COTBP, but DMC ran that joke into the ground. Though I did enjoy "I've got a jar of dirt!".

- Barbossa's return. I enjoyed it, and I've got a theory as to how he is back, but his entire return, plus the undead monkey, entirely negates the whole purpose of the first film. DMC relies so much on COTBP that as a standalone movie, you'd be asking so many questions, that a first-time viewer would have to go and see COTBP only to think, "Oh, so that's how such and such happened." Sequels generally either repeat the same type of story as the first, or tell a wholly new one with the same characters. DMC thankfully was able to tell a somewhat different story, but had to rely on things you know from COTBP in order for it to make sense. So as a sequel it is one of the best, but as a standalone, it could likely be confusing as hell.

All in all, I'd give this film a generous 8.5 out of 10. It's worth going to see in theatres and definitely worth repeat viewings.

Escapay

[TheSequelOfDisney]

When I saw DMC, did Elizabeth (Knightly) did she look different to you in some spots in the movie, or is that just me? Sometimes it looked like she had a rounder face and her eyes were smaller, and more squint-like.

[MickeyMousePal]

I saw it a second time at it was great like the first time I saw it.
Still think POTC: DMC is bette then POTC: CotBP.

[Pluto Region1]

Some of the story was confusing (I still don't know what those letters are...)

Letters of Marque are (I think) basically permission to go pirating. As an "employee" of the King of England, Jack (or Norrington) would have permission to be a pirate and attack any ship, but NOT those under an English flag.

That is correct. Letters of marque basically were a license issued to pirates by various countries (France, Spain and England) to pirates (such as Captain Kidd and Henry Morgan) to go attack the merchant ships of enemy countries. When you had a Letter of Marque you were no longer a "Pirate" but a "Privateer." This would make their activities "lawful" as far as the issuing country was concerned, but of course mean nothing to the country whose ships were being plundered.

Captain Kidd was hung as a "Pirate" because he lost his letter of Marque while out plundering various ships. He was sent back to England for trial accused of piracy, and the powers that be let him be a sacrificial lamb (would not come forward and prove he'd been hired as a privateer). 200 years later, his letter of marque was discovered in London's Public Record Office.

[2099net]

... 200 years later, his letter of marque was discovered in London's Public Record Office.

Really, 200 years? That sounds a little too fast for the British Civil Service. There's a reason Douglas Adams created the Vogons in Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy you know.

[thomashton]

I may walk the plank for this, but did anyone else find the whole section in the movie about the cannibal natives completely useless to the story?

I mean, it was enjoyable and all and I liked it, but after 45 minutes and it was over, I thought to myself, "What in the world does that have to do with the storyline?"

I didn't see how it advanced the story at all. Those complaining about length--this is where it could have easily been chopped out and lost nothing of the story.

Don't get me wrong, I liked it, it just seemed pointless.

[PatrickvD]

I may walk the plank for this, but did anyone else find the whole section in the movie about the cannibal natives completely useless to the story?

I mean, it was enjoyable and all and I liked it, but after 45 minutes and it was over, I thought to myself, "What in the world does that have to do with the storyline?"

I didn't see how it advanced the story at all. Those complaining about length--this is where it could have easily been chopped out and lost nothing of the story.

Don't get me wrong, I liked it, it just seemed pointless.

that was basically just "The Johnny Depp Show". I really laughed all the way trhoughout and can't imagine the film without that scene. Great slapstick and a universal sense of humor. Did it advance the story? nah, but that didn't really matter. There's way too much fun going on to let it bother me.