Buried Treasure

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007) Directed by Gore Verbinski

Starring Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom & Keira Knightley

A few weeks ago when my boyfriend stated he had not seen the entire Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy, he was lent the movies by a friend of ours. I also had not seen them since they were released in theatres so I was excited to watch them again. My favorite of the trio is "At World's End". By the time you get to the last movie there is a thick story line that you are completely enveloped in, a love story between Elizabeth and Will, a conflict between the East India Trading Co. and the pirates, and the question of whether or not Jack Sparrow is even in the movie. A pirate war ensues when Elizabeth Swan is named Pirate King, the Flying Dutchman gets a new captain, and they show you how to successfully flip a pirate ship. Several scenes stand out in my mind, the first one is when they are in the middle of a huge battle and Barbosa marrys Will and Elizabeth. Sure, some people might think it's corny but I think it's super cute they're swordfighting and yelling their vows, but it's one of those priceless Disney scenes where you can't help but smile and hope your friends aren't watching you. The other scene that I love occurs when the Flying Dutchman and the Black Pearl are on either side of the East India Trading Co. ship, the Endeavor, blowing it to bits and you see Beckett walking down the stairs while chunks of the ship are flying everywhere and he knows he has been defeated. The cinematography and beautiful scenes stand out in all the movies, the costumes are intricate, the ships are breath taking and the special effects of the crew and ship of the Flying Dutchman make you think these supernatural sea creatures/human pirates actually existed when pirates ruled the seas.

This series of blockbusters drags you in and doesn't let go, Johnny Depp was perfectly cast for the leading man. Captain Jack Sparrow is an eccentric pirate who steals the scenes he is in, it's hard to believe someone else could have played this role. Michael Keaton and Christopher Walken were both considered for this funny pirate pimp with flawless dredlocks. As much as I love Christopher Walken I'm glad they went the route they did.

The popularity of these movies was worldwide and thanks to Disney they are family films appealing to everyone and this was proved at the box office. Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) earned $305,413,918, Dead Man's Chest (2006) $423,315,812 and At World's End (2007) $309,420,425. The next installment "On Stranger Tides" comes out next month in 3D, this will star Johnny Depp of course and Penelope Cruz, and follow the story of Capt. Sparrow on his quest for the Fountain of Youth. Farewell for now & happy viewing!