It is no accident that Pirates of the Caribbean became such a massive franchise in the early 2000s and it all stemmed from Curse of the Black Pearl. While the sequels exceeded the original at the box office, there are few action-adventures that click on all cylinders like this one. Fundamentally, this film works because the plot is balanced with twists while remaining concise. Because of that, Curse of the Black Pearl has energy and purpose throughout its runtime. The production design is also key here because the excellent costumes, sets, and locations create deep immersion that is necessary for this type of movie.
However, no Pirates of the Caribbean review would be complete without mentioning the cast. Johnny Depp really does deserve all the credit in the world for delivering such an iconic performance. He steals every scene he is in and nails his sharp dialogue. Meanwhile, Knightley and Bloom may not be as tantalizing but they bring essential heart to build around. Also, Geoffrey Rush is underrated and electric as Barbossa. So, overall, Curse of the Black Pearl contains an abundance of strengths that synergize quite nicely and create a truly captivating experience. No wonder the film is widely loved and considered a modern classic.
Writing: 8/10
Direction: 8/10
Cinematography: 7/10
Acting: 9/10
Editing: 7/10
Sound: 8/10
Score/Soundtrack: 10/10
Production Design: 10/10
Casting: 10/10
Effects: 9/10
Overall Score: 8.6/10
Comments