Cinema Consults: PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL

This film, which can be rentedfrom your local video store, israted on a scale of 1 to 4 caducei:

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN:THE CURSE OF THEBLACK PEARL

(2003): Don'texpect much froma movie based on aride at DisneyWorld. But all ofthe stores are pushingthis new release,so you mightas well know whatto expect when acopy of this movie ends up in yourstocking. The plot surrounds a blacksmithnamed Will Turner (OrlandoBloom) who pines for the governor'sdaughter (Keira Knightly), who is ofcourse off-limits to this dashing, butpoor, young man. When she is capturedby evil pirates (lead by a veryscary Geoffrey Rush), however, hehas the opportunity to become thehero and win her heart. YoungTurner is aided in his rescue by aswashbuckling pirate named CaptainJack Sparrow (Johnny Depp). As hasbeen said by other critics, Depp's performancemakes this film a success—despite the gaping holes in the script.Depp said he modeled Sparrow afterKeith Richards of the Rolling Stonesand his choice couldn't have beenbetter. The rest of the cast are strongperformers, but are given very littleto do; this is Captain Sparrow'sshow. Special effects enhance theconfusing "curse," but young childrenmay be frightened by the graphiceffects involving corpses and skeletons,so review this one before sharingit with the whole family.

Rating: 2

Lisa A. Tomaszewski, managing editorof Physician's Money Digest, is currentlyworking on her PhD in literature atDrew University in New Jersey. She isan avid fan of film and has taught asummer film course at FairleighDickinson University. She welcomesquestions, comments, or suggestions forfuture film reviews at 732-656-1140ext 195 or ltomaszewski@mwc.com.