Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006) is a top 10 film of the 2000s decade to me (see list here). It's also my favorite of the POTC series! Read below why. Spoilers may follow...
First off, it befuddles me that this flick received a 53% from critics and 72% from audiences. Personally, I don't know anyone who doesn't like it that I've talk to, and that's a copious amout. Then, I don't understand how nearly half of all critics just couldn't pass this picture. It has it all.
So much about this film is imposing. Again, Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow is inspired. He brings something no one else can, and his performance remains iconic just like in the 1st movie. We finally learn some about Jack's past. You assume he earned his commision as captain, but then again he is a pirate. He bargained for the Pearl for literally his soul with Davy Jones. Some critics call his performance stale this time around even though he earned a Golden Globe nomination. I don't normally deal in absolutes for movies, but that opinion is 100% wrong.
🎬 The story expands the universe. It is interesting to know a little more about the Black Pearl and how it's special. We learn that more supernatural threats exist than cursed gold. The East India Trading Company once employed nearly a fifth of the world, so including them makes since in this time period. Control the seas and control trade of the new world. Also, seeing how things like Jack's compass came to be is cool.
The introduction of Davy Jones is fantastic. Bill Nighy seems like an odd compared to some of his other films, but he plays the part beautifully. He's menacing. His presence would put fear into me. Having tentacles on your face helps ofcourse, but it's mostly the performance. It's definitely not his real voice, but the laugh is similar. It amuses me to no end imitating this chuckle. Also, when Jones smokes his pipe, the smoke comes out of an open tentacle. I though it was a neat directing decision.
The 1st POTC movie earned it's PG-13 rating and so does this film probably more so. They set the tone early with the prison island. I think a guys eye getting pecked out counts as gory. Another example is when one of Jones' crews gut is slashed and fish comes pouring out. That counts as revolting. Besides gore, other moments earn this rating. After Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) and Will's (Orlando Bloom) wedding is thwarted, she passionately wispers "If it weren't for these bars, I'd have you already." Of course, her fathers breaks something when hearing that. I don't need to explain that.
Many junctures in this film are memorable and hilarious. The bar fight in tortuga is hilarious while Jack is looking for a hat. The cage roll scene on the island of natives is epic. I'll just include that whole sequence of events on the island.
Any time the kraken attacks is crazy. The visual effects from 2006 still look new with the mythological creature. It's frightening too. I wouldn't want to be on that ship.
One of the best sword fights on screen happen towards the end of the movie. It's a three-way fight between Sparrow, Turner and the formally know as Commadore Norington (get it?) played by Jack Davenport. It's awesome. The old water wheel makes it that much more epic.
Knightley and Bloom continue to grow as characters. Elizabeth, in particular, has a huge transformation into someone who can fight and is a competent adventurer.
I probably left something out about this great film, so sorry in advance! This may be one I have to come back to and update. If it has been a while, go and watch it today! My film rating is A+.
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