Movie Review: Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

Finally got around to watching Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides last night, part of my wait-to-see-blockbusters-until-they’re-on-video-so-I’m-not-disappointed routine. Once again, it worked like a charm. Was the movie fantastic? No. Was it an entertaining way to spend an evening? Yes. I’ve got the Bluray and sound system–why not trot them through their paces now and then?

The movie only got a 33% on Rottentomatoes, a 45 on Metacritic. By all rights, I should have disliked the film. It does nothing original, Jack Sparrow does his shtick, Penelope Cruz plays an unrealistic fighting pirate, and there are mermaids with serious characterization issues. Not to mention the frequent plot holes.

I still had a good time.

Mainly, I enjoyed it just because it was so much fun to watch Jack Sparrow being Jack Sparrow. In many ways, it felt a lot like a James Bond movie. There’s a lot that doesn’t make a ton of sense, but you’re there for the ride and the character.

The effects were extremely well done. Just being able to watch them should account for something on its own. I mean, back in the day when film just came out, people would attend just to be able to see the technology at work. Forget story–the bling is worth it on its own. Same thing here.

Other than that, there’s not much to say. Ian McShane did a good job as Blackbeard. The soundtrack was solid. I had a fun time. It didn’t change my life, but the fourth movie in a series isn’t really trying to, is it?

Three stars for me. What did you think of the movie?