'Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge'

In cinemas May 25th!

After the disappointment that was 'Pirates of the Caribbean - Stranger Tides', expectations were low for Disney’s latest instalment in the gold coin raining franchise. But nothing will stop everyone and their dog (or monkey) from seeing the shenanigans infamous Captain Jack Sparrow is up to this time. No matter the ridiculousness of the plot, the non-existence of character development, the predictability of the dialogue or the cameo checklist, audiences will run cinema doors in to see this.

If you’re still interested in hearing my thoughts, let me set the scene: Henry, Will Turner’s son, wants to free his father from the curse of the Flying Dutchman (see previous films) and calls upon Jack Sparrow for help. Together with witch (though just academically inclined) Carina they must find the Trident of Poseidon, which grants its possessor total control over the seas, before it falls into the hands of Captain Salazar, yet another one of Sparrow’s nemeses.

The usual suspects return with new additions Javier Bardem as Salazar, Brenton Thwaites as Henry Turner and Kaya Scodelario as Carina.

Highlight of the film, as always, is Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow. He gets a grand entrance (albeit nothing can top his very first introduction in Curse of the Black Pearl) and the crazy spiel unfolds before our eyes. A ridiculous action chase sequence is an entertaining opener to Salazar’s Revenge. If you are immediately reminded of the first instalment I don’t blame you. Salazar’s Revenge does what The Force Awakens did so well, use the script of the beloved first one and change a few things around but keep the structure intact. Unfortunately for Salazar’s Revenge, its new characters are not remotely as interesting or captivating, so the film feels like a lukewarm infusion of the impeccably entertaining ride that was Curse of the Black Pearl. The lack of character evolution, especially in regards to Jack Sparrow, keeps Salazar’s Revenge from reaching any new heights. You feel you’ve seen all of this before, because you have. Only then it was fresh and entertaining. Now it’s like munching on stale biscuits.

Javier Bardem doesn’t break any new ground. He is channelling his Bond villain persona in a period costume on the high seas. Like every other Sparrow nemesis before him, he is a victim of the supernatural and wants to make Sparrow pay. Only difference, Salazar isn’t a pirate but a pirate hunter. Everything else, the same.

The film looks great, the CGI is state of the art, but deep down it is missing a soul. Superficial beauty with no charm or personality. And the few scenes that were a hoot to watch lost their impact because I had seen them dozens of times in the trailers or the promo footage playing before 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2'.

None of this would matter as much if the characters were more interesting. I did not care about any of them. How is that even possible? Even Jack Sparrow. He is the same Jack we have seen in Curse of the Black Pearl and all subsequent films. He hasn’t evolved. While that might be entertaining to some, I can’t help but be bored. With some funny bits splashed here and there, Salazar’s Revenge still manages to entertain. Good action sequences, a few character highlights and a tongue in cheek approach help elevate the film.

Overall I wasn’t disappointed, my expectations were THAT low. Despite all of the above Salazar’s Revenge is a decent blockbuster. Better than its direct predecessor but it still fails to capture the brilliance of the original. Entertaining in places, this latest iteration of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise tries to regain former glory but manages to be merely a lukewarm copy.
If you can, stay for a post credits scene.

Review by Melanie Radloff.

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