Smooth sailing for "Pirates of the Caribbean: on Stranger Tides"

There is strong chemistry between Depp and Cruz

by Ken San Nicolas

Director: Rob Marshall

Time: 2 hours 17 minutes  

Genre: Action, Adventure

Starring: Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Geoffrey Rush

Much like its predecessors, the fourth installment of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise dominated the box office on its opening weekend. In fact, it is the third largest worldwide opening weekend ever. But a movie that makes a lot of money doesn't necessarily mean it is good (see "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen"). Does "Pirates: 4" live up to the hype?

In my eyes, it sure does. Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) no longer has his beloved ship, the Black Pearl, and he decides to journey to London to find someone impersonating him. While there, he learns that Angelica (Penelope Cruz), the daughter of Blackbeard and Sparrow's former lover, has been impersonating Sparrow. The two, along with Blackbeard race to find the fountain of youth before the Spanish or British.

While the story does not seem like much, it is thoroughly enjoyable. Let's be honest -- "Pirates 2" should have been the last in the series but Jerry Bruckheimer and friends will milk this beast dry. I wouldn't be surprised if this starts a new trilogy! However, this is mindless fun that the whole family can enjoy. From mermaids, to the fountain of youth, to tongue-in-cheek humor, the film has something to satisfy any cinematic palette.

Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz and Geoffrey Rush have strong chemistry. There really are good on-screen relationships between the three. You can easily tell that they are having fun with their roles and that in turn, makes the experience for the viewers fun as well.

"Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" is light-hearted fun. While easily the worst of all the films in the series, this fourth edition is a worthy addition to an already strong franchise.

3 out of 5 stars.