Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

'It's the best damn setup money can buy!'

'Dead Man's Chest' is one of the years best and most exhilarating film experiences. A masterpiece pure and simple. The plot is in the most simplistic terms not the point. Like a Dashiell Hammett novel it's all about the aura and dialogue. Not to mention characters, trust me the film has MANY of those.

But, I'll attempt a brief plot summary. Jack Sparrow owes a debt to the ultra- heavy of the sea, Davy Jones... the payment... his soul, well that or 100 other souls. To defeat Davy Jones Jack gets assistance from Will Turner. Little does Jack know Will and his fiance Elizabeth are being hunted for helping Sparrow, a known pirate escape a grizzly fate. The only way of achieving freedom is retrieving Jack's compass for the evil Lord Beckett. Will gets involved for more than he bargained for and has to battle against Jones at Sparrow's side.

Acting wise 'Chest' has nearly no rough patches. Depp brings undeniable comedic energy to Sparrow and though un-recognizable physically, Nighy's Jones is a wonderful villain. Plus, Bloom has seemingly improved since the first outing.

The effects are dazzling but that goes without saying. As to the detractors who complain the entire film is setup for number three, I tell you this: It's the best damn setup money can buy!

Overall: A

Rousing fun and more than a bottle a' rum Matey!

MovieDude

P.S. Odds are Depp will not receive an Oscar for his work (sequels are rarely honored) but he sure as hell deserves one! It's the best male performance all year!