IronWatcher’s review published on Letterboxd:
Watched on Blu-Ray
None of the producers would have expected this. A film based on an attraction at Disneyland became one of the most successful in film history. The story about a crazy pirate captain was launched in 2003. Parts 2 and 3 were shot at the same time to save costs and to conclude the story of Jack Sparrow. And after "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" was a lot of fun, "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" turned out to be a serious and dark conclusion to the series. Nonetheless, the gold coins here were also poured in en masse and now lie in the basement somewhere in Hollywood.
At the end of "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest", as we all know, our pirate captain went downhill. Swallowed by a sea monster, his followers had to conjure up a dead man so they could pick up the missing man at the end of the world. "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" begins with this task. And already here it becomes clear that this part is darker and more special than its predecessors. The scenes in "Davy Jones' Locker" really only work so well because Johnny Depp once again gives a terrific and wacky performance. Probably any other actor would have been terrified and wondered what on earth the whole thing was about.
The story then takes its course, the familiar figures have to join forces with the heads of the pirates this time to counter the threat of Cuttler Becket and the East India Trading Company. And this despite the fact that Jack Sparrow still owes money to all the pirate chiefs.... Fish-face Davy Jones is also back in the game. However, his character has lost a great deal of his evilness and is pigeonholed as a tragic sailor. Instead, the human villains are classy and threatening at all times, so that the film itself doesn't have much room to fool around and make jokes.
Nevertheless, it succeeds from time to time. Mentioned here are the wonderful dialogues between Johnny Depp and Geoffrey Rush, who bicker like old washerwomen and have brilliant scenes. Of course, the appearance of "Rolling Stones" guitarist Keith Richards is also surprising, although it was carried by the media beforehand. He does a cool job and didn't even have to dress up for his role.
Speaking of cool. Orlando Bloom unfortunately remains weak throughout the film, but then makes his appearance in the final phase, with which he will conquer the hearts of women by the dozen, if he hasn't already done so. Memories of original pirates like Errol Flynn come to mind when Orli stands at the wheel and grins into the camera with his little beard. Colleague Keira Knightley has developed into a strong character in the trilogy and looks very cute to boot. A successful performance from her as well.
Of course, all the young stars, special effects and battle scenes fall short compared to Johnny Depp's once again insane performance. Only Geoffrey Rush comes up to his level and seriously competes with our boozy and a bit dorky pirate. Unfortunately, guest star Chow Yun Fat is miles away from that. His character doesn't live up to expectations and turns out to be a (minor) disappointment.
"Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" has become a successful, megalomaniac conclusion of the trilogy and will pleasure those who almost wet their pants with joy at the first two parts. The third part is darker and more serious, but somehow a bit overloaded and complicated. Nevertheless, it's fun to follow the action and you have plenty of time to do so. Because the film lasts almost three hours.
