IronWatcher’s review published on Letterboxd:
Watched on Blu-Ray
Starting with an idea to make a movie out of a Disneyland attraction, "Pirates of the Caribbean" turned out to be a worldwide hit at the box office. The pirate movie genre made a glorious return, and Johnny Depp was even nominated for an Oscar. So a sequel was only a matter of time. And to save time and money, "Dead Man's Chest" was filmed together with the third part "At World's End", which was released a year after part 2.
The characters of Jack Sparrow, William Turner and Elizabeth Swann all make a nice character leap and can also come up with depth and personality in the sequel. And when, after about 60 minutes of almost continuous comedy, the film gains in tension, you almost can't take your eyes off the screen. Because then it bangs, sabers and *arrrrghs* in large format. There is a lot to laugh about, to marvel at as well. The action may not be missing of course and for the pinch of magic provides the very well staged story of the treasure chest with the beating heart.
Of course, when you think of these films, you first think of Johnny Depp, whose embodiment of the swashbuckling pirate captain is irrevocably linked to this film series. Fortunately, the makers didn't try to put on a one-man show and deliver an overdose of Sparrow. While the character is the highlight of the film, he shares the screen with the other characters and thus contributes a lot to making "Dead Man's Chest" not just a rehash of the first part, but an excellent story and a heck of a lot of fun.
While Keira Knightley comes into her own a bit better this time and brings out her "tough" side, Orlando Bloom remains a bit in the background. Absolutely brilliant is Bill Nighy as the cursed Davy Jones, who is not recognizable under the octopus mask, but remains in memory with his distinctive voice.
As you know from the movies produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, the sound is repeatedly bombastic and makes the smallest scenes an experience for the ears. Those who like movies like "Con Air" or "The Rock" for their sound will also get their money's worth here. In addition, wonderful special effects are presented, the sea pirates take some getting used to at first, but then come across well. And when the Kraken accelerates, the SFX heart jumps.
"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" is an excellent sequel and fortunately not a quick fix. Enormously successful at the box office and a huge hit in home cinema, the story can convince with practically all the attributes that a pirate adventure needs. In addition, it's hilarious, beautifully illustrated and has a finish that leaves the suspense for part 3 grandiosely open.
