Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of adventure violence, including frightening images.
Directed by Gore Verbinski (The Ring, The Weather Man, The Mexican…)
Starring Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightly
People’s reaction to this film demonstrates the power of expectations. Let’s face it, the first Pirates film really delivered. It was a box office smash, and then everybody rushed to the store to buy a copy on DVD. When previews began for Pirates II, the anticipation began… and so began the build up for disappointment.
Sequels usually aren’t better than the original. There are definite exceptions (T2, MI3, Spiderman II), but rule of thumb… sequels fall short.
Pirates II was rule of thumb.
Word on the street was actually, “Pirates II stank!”
I wouldn’t go as far as to say “it stank.” I admit, I almost rated it my “only if it’s free” rating. But then I checked my own biases. Sure enough… I had high expectations. I really enjoyed the first and hoped for more of the same.
Not even close.
If this film was the only one in the series… I probably would have rated it even lower than I did. It was only on the coat tails of the first film that this film even rode into the score that I gave it.
The film did deliver a few funny scenes, some good special effects and strong performances from the cast. But the script fell short. It was slow, confusing at times, and just plain boring. I found myself looking at my watch several times throughout the theatre.
So if you haven’t seen it… you really haven’t missed much. But when it comes on DVD, if there’s nothing else to rent, sure… give it a whirl.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Not younger kids. The film is filled with violence, even more than the first. This time I think the director wanted to live up to his first name.
You can check out specific content on KidsInMind.com
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
