archravenstorm

As a huge POTC fan geek I'm going to be biased, so I'll just say that the other five people I had with me on the first viewing all like it "I enjoyed it" - "it was good" were the comments I got over dinner after, and this was from people who may or may not have seen any of the other POTC movies. Had to do a fast synopsis for a few.

The good: For me, Depp holds his own in deliciously fine form through the film, and it's a relief to have lots of Jack, strong and sardonic in some places, fey in others, and as amusing as ever - with an equally excellent performance by Rush as Barbossa (good energy from both). Penelope Cruz turns in a believable performance as Angelica, and Depp and Cruz are a good fit. There's been some complaints about McShane being a less charismatic Blackbeard - but in the original book he is also portrayed that way - very bad, ruthless, but very intelligent. In the book he isn't some fire-breather of a person. Some pains are taken along the way to make sure the audience is carefully filled in, which I thought was funny as the producers were obviously taking care of all those bemoaning how confused they were during POTC3 - even though POTC 4 is pretty straightforward.

Lots of action and some high-energy fencing and escapes, balanced out with some down time. A lot gets crammed into the allotted time, but it's paced evenly. As rich-looking location and set-wise as any of the other POTCs. Thought the mermaid scene was impressive, spooky, even a nice haunting song that threads through the scene.

The bad: A couple of things could have been built up to than to more than they were, and the zombies while impressive didn't really do that much in particular, for me they made less of an impact that the sea critter men of POTC 2 and 3. But that's also true of the book the movie is based on (where it may be hard to tell you are dealing with a zombie). The subplot romance with the mermaid was a nice nod to mermaid folklore but it was just OK. And there is a bit of jerkiness or jumps in the narrative here and there that I thought were "reaching".

Was better in the second viewing as the new setting(s) and characters were expected and could relax into the film more - probably will see it again before it leaves theaters. The audiences I have been with were laughing and seemed to be enjoying themselves. In any case, think a lot of "professional" critics are ignoring all the good things about this film, like the fact that it's a good to very good film.

Opening day (a Friday) enough of the critical reviews I read were negative enough, that I was asking 2 friends if they wanted to switch films - money is tight, yah know? But we agreed there was nothing wrong with checking The Tourist out, at worst there would be some eye candy.

Once again, I'm glad I blew the critics off - it's not that the negative reviews are wrong, exactly. There ARE too many scenes of entire rooms of people turning around to look at Jolie, like a perfume commercial (or someone with toilet paper stuck to their behind). Characters and relationships aren't fleshed out enough, and it's a predictable film - North by Northwest is far superior.

But. As one critic said, it's a frothy diversion, pleasant and fun. Thought the rumpled Depp was low-key and charming, and Jolie was gorgeous and a sympathetic character. There are some amusing twists, and our fairly full theater laughed a lot and was entertained by the film; at no point did any of us lose interest. There are far worse ways to spend a Friday night, and I'd recommend to anyone looking for some diversion and gorgeous views of Venice. Good for anyone looking to unwind after a long hard week.

Just got back from seeing this with a mixed group - hats off to Stallone for this escapist vehicle. It's just pure rockin' fun, well-paced, with a cast of old pros that know how to poke fun at themselves, but damn, these guys look GOOD - a testament to serious gym time. Plus, the story moves along, a nice balance of some drama with spectacular explosive action. I was really impressed with a scene between Mickey Rourke and Stallone, during a serious moment - it was just PERFECT, beautifully done. Not to mention the way the action violence is handled - it's over the top but in the right way, and all six of us laughed our asses off - haven't laughed that much through a movie in a long time.

Flaws? A few, a bit less shaky cam, and the story has some holes and illogical moments, and the bad guy is a real weasel. I wonder if my favorite author Lee Child (the creator of the ultimate intellectual bad ass Jack Reacher) has checked this film out?

Anyway, had a few highbrow friends who turned up their noses, saying this "wasn't their kind of thing.." Well, they can snuggle down with their copy whatever philosophical tome they like, but on a perfect summer evening grab some friends and check these boys out - I was sorry when it ended and have my fingers crossed for a sequel. Great job by Stallone & co., I'd hazard a guess this could be for 12 and up, maybe, take your daughters so they can see some real men who don't sparkle.