Consider this was probably the most anticipated movie I wanted to see this year. I liked it. I liked it a lot. Because it follows the same formula as the first two, it’s easy to say that it wants to stay true to its fans by bringing the fun, the intensity, the humor and the adventure back.
But, here’s where things get… iffy. It’s a good movie, but it seems to pack so much in so little time, that everything just constantly comes at you. It’s so tightly packed and concentrated with story, it’s near impossible to take your eyes off the screen for more than 5 minutes without missing something.
As you might recall, the second movie was fairly sparse on story and more oriented to action. Consider Dead Mans Chest half a movie, and At Worlds End practically three movies.
But, the story is weaved in such a way that everything, despite being concentrated, is consistent with the movie. Things fit neatly with the pace so you’re never bored or waiting for something else to happen.
But… things turn iffy again, as the format hasn’t changed, but the actors and all things around them do. The story seems to jump back and forth so many times, backstabbing and betrayal left and right. It’s mostly fun, but once or twice, you just want someone to give us a straight answer.
It feels as though this atmosphere reflected the writers room, as they kept throwing more and more ideas into the barrel as they went along. (and, as most would point out, they would not doubt this) At Worlds End deals with so many side stories and many more aspects of the piracy culture, all while implementing everything into a workable pace.
Although this is possibly the funniest of the three, it certainly is the darkest as well. A black comedy? Not when it’s so epic that you really want to reconsider applying a comedy label to it.
At Worlds End felt like it wanted to be an action oriented movie, while staying true to what those loved about the first, which was character development and a storyline that was ridiculously simplistic but so full of life and fun you didn’t care that nothing significant was given to you. (with the exception of FUN!) The real difference here is that the story seemed to be trying too hard this time around to keep with the pace of the entire film.
Despite my gripe, this movie is extremely enjoyable. All actors, including headliner Johnny Depp and the always dependable Geoffrey Rush, have given their best. The saga closes with a blast, a few surprises and a chance to start anew with the inevitable hints for another sequel.
Spout!
Originally posted on:
The PHA