Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

If I were to describe Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End in one word, that word would be "long". Although it delivers all the plot twists and swashbuckling action present in the previous films, the sheer length (two hours and forty-five minutes) seriously detracts from the impact. It may be this that also keeps Pirates 3 from feeling as light and witty as its predecessors. It takes a serious, darker twist, with more focus on the fight-scenes and subverted plot lines than on flamboyant Cap'n Jack and general pirate-y banter, which makes the film feel drawn-out and heavy-going.

Although it may have lost some of it's sparkle, it is still very enjoyable, saved in no small part by Depp, who is as sharp (and yummy) as ever

Both Bloom's and Knightly's roles have grown and developed in the third part of the trilogy. Although Bloom continues to deliver his eye-crinkling, intense one-liners, Will Turner is no longer the predictable love-struck hero, and shows the audience he too is capable of some Sparrow-esque cunningness. Although Knightly and Depp have lost some of their chemistry, and the blossoming attraction made evident in the previous film (Dead Man's Chest) is not alluded to again, she convincingly portrays Swan's development into a fully fledged pirate, sword skills included.

The bad guys, however, are not nearly so scary. Barbosa (Rush) has made the transition from intimidating ghoul to a rather fatherly character, although the tension between the two captains (Barbosa and Sparrow) still crackles, resulting in some funny scenes. Davy Jones (Nighy), although still threatening, loses some of his power along with the death of his Kraken, and his charater becomes rather bogged-down with an emotional storyline. The most sinister of the trio comes in the form of Lord Cutler Beckett (Hollander), whose shadowy power and behind-the-scenes deals become darker and increasingly omnipresent.

All in all, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End wraps up all the unresolved tensions previously left open, whilst still setting the scene for yet another sequel. Although it may have lost some of it's sparkle, it is still very enjoyable, saved in no small part by Depp, who is as sharp (and yummy) as ever, and an interesting surprise celebrity cameo.