Review: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)
Directed by: Joachim Rønning, Espen Sandberg
Starring: Johnny Depp, Javier Bardem, Geoffrey Rush, Brenton Thwaites, Kaya Scodelario, Kevin McNally
Plot Summary
In the fifth installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) finds himself facing a new threat: the vengeful ghost Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem), who, along with his ghostly crew, has escaped from the Devil’s Triangle. Salazar is determined to kill every pirate at sea, especially Sparrow, whom he blames for his cursed fate. The only hope for survival lies in the legendary Trident of Poseidon, which has the power to break all curses of the sea. Alongside Henry Turner (Brenton Thwaites), the son of Will Turner, and astronomer Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario), Jack embarks on another adventure full of danger, betrayal, and supernatural forces.
Strengths
✔ Visually Stunning – The film’s special effects, CGI, and cinematography are top-notch, especially the ghostly sequences involving Salazar and his crew.
✔ Javier Bardem as Captain Salazar – Bardem delivers a menacing and compelling villain, adding intensity to the story.
✔ Classic Pirate Adventure – The film brings back epic naval battles, hidden treasures, and mythical artifacts, staying true to the franchise’s roots.
✔ Humor & Fun Moments – Jack Sparrow’s quirky humor and drunken antics return, providing some entertaining moments.
✔ Will Turner’s Return – Orlando Bloom’s cameo as Will Turner is a nostalgic highlight, especially for long-time fans.
Weaknesses
❌ Weak Storyline – The plot feels repetitive and lacks the magic and originality of the earlier films.
❌ Jack Sparrow Feels Overdone – Johnny Depp’s performance as Jack Sparrow, while still entertaining, feels more like a caricature than the clever rogue from earlier films.
❌ Forgettable Supporting Characters – While Henry Turner and Carina Smyth are intended as the next generation of heroes, they lack the charisma of Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann.
❌ Rushed & Predictable Ending – The climax feels too convenient, resolving conflicts without much depth.
Verdict
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales is a visually impressive but formulaic sequel that brings back some of the franchise’s charm but struggles with a weak script and underdeveloped characters. While it delivers entertaining action and stunning visuals, it doesn’t quite recapture the magic of the original trilogy. Fans of the series may enjoy it, but it doesn’t leave a lasting impact.
⭐ Rating: 6.5/10 ⚓🏴☠️💀
