Johnny Depp's idea to play the rapscallion pirate Captain Jack Sparrow as an effeminate, inebriated Keith Richards might in theory seem a ludicrous one, but thank god for it. For without his uproariously hammy performance Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl would be as appealing as walking the plank. As it is, Pirates is an enjoyable if lengthy romp. More than two hours of swashing and buckling is enough for anyone, and Pirates would have benefited greatly had its editor cut with the same abandon as all those brandishing swords.
In a reversal of the practice of transforming films into theme rides, Pirates is based on the popular Disneyland attraction. Unlike some of the more heart racing rides, though, both the original Pirates and the film it inspired provide a more whimsical, leisurely journey.
Leading the way is Depp as the lovable rogue Sparrow. With his smeared mascara, two pronged goatee and flamboyant outfit, Sparrow resembles a reveler the morning after an all night fancy dress party. Clearly relishing the chance to redefine the expression 'over the top', Depp steals every scene with an impressive display of mugging rarely seen since the silent movie era. Only Geoffrey Rush as Captain Barbossa , leader of the mutinous revolt ousting Sparrow from the helm of the pirate ship the Black Pearl, provides Depp with any overacting competition. In less capable hands such tactics might have rendered Pirates ridiculous, but with their conviction and talent the pair keep things entertaining.
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