On deck you swabs! We are less than 5 days away from Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Men Tell No Tales! This film will remind you of why you love the Pirates franchise and I've got my spoiler free review ready for you!
It is an epic adventure that every Pirate fan, old and new, will enjoy. I thought it was a return to the fun and originality of the first one, with subtle nods to the ride itself. Something that I have always kept an eye open for in each film.
The movie was visually stunning (if they don't win multiple awards for the VFX alone I would be surprised), funny, and action-packed. Weaved throughout the brilliant stories is heart. The writing and direction are spot on. You feel their struggles, longings, and anticipation.
The Story
In Dead Men Tell No Tales, Captain Jack is on the hunt for the legendary Trident of Poseidon while being hunted by the deadly ghost, Captain Salazar. Jack teams up with Henry Turner and Carina Smyth. Henry is looking for the Trident due to its power to break any curse. Carina is on a journey to follow the stars and discover what they can tell her about her family. These three unlikely allies must work together to find the Trident before Salazar and Barbossa.
Speaking of Barbossa, the Captain has been living the good life since we last saw him. He snagged Blackbeard's magical sword at the end of On Stranger Tides and has been using it to rule the seas. But with the return of the vengeful and terrifying Captain Salazar, he too decides to hunt for the trident and the sparrow.
This movie also gives us the backstory we have always wanted. We finally learn how Jack got his name, some of his iconic accessories, and why Salazar is filled with so much rage.
Fun Fact: The effects here are called Youthification. It is not the same that was used for Princess Leia in Rogue One.
Carina Smyth out of the gate is the strongest female lead in the franchise. Don't get me wrong, I liked Elizabeth and she definitely held her own, but Carina just brings it even more. She is intelligent, cunning, and driven. Carina won't let societal norms dictate who she is or what she is allowed to become.
Captain Salazar might be the most frightening foe Captain Jack has ever faced. In life, Salazar despised pirates and wanted to see them all dead. Then a fateful meeting with a Sparrow changed his life forever and filled him with deadly rage.
Even his ship is next level deadly. And you thought the Flying Dutchman was the scariest thing in the sea.
The finale is strong and leaves you thinking -wow! About the last 30 mins or so you are sitting on the edge of your seat, full of anticipation. Will they gain control of the sea? Can the Trident indeed break the curses that seem to plague them all?
Is it the last one?
After chatting with the directors and cast, I do not know anything definite about the future of the franchise. But the interest seems to be there. I know I would want another one and I'm sure other fans do too. There is never enough Captain Jack Sparrow for me.
Post credit scene
As with all the previous films in the franchise there is an end credit scene. This could be the set up for the next one. And I so hope there is another one. All the things crossed because ahhh just wait until you see it. Remember I promised no spoilers, but it's killing me to keep it in! So please go watch it, then tweet me so we can chat!
One more thing: Dead Men Tell No Tales should be viewed on the biggest screen possible! You don't want to miss an inch or a minute of the action.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales is in theaters May 26th!
I was invited by Disney for a special press trip to share my experience of Pirates with my readers. All opinions are my own.
