Today’s quick review: Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. After a short adventure in England, Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) finds himself aboard Captain Blackbeard’s (Ian McShane) ship, bound for the mythical Fountain of Youth. The only friendly face in sight is Angelica (Penelope Cruz), an old flame with a grudge. But Blackbeard is not the only one seeking the Fountain, and Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush), now a British privateer, is not far behind.
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is a fantasy action adventure movie and the fourth entry in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Continuing the series’ tradition of colorful characters and piratical legends, On Stranger Tides tells a self-contained story involving mermaids, magic, and the Fountain of Youth once sought by Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon.
On Stranger Tides marks a return to roots for the Pirates of the Caribbean series. With few ties to the previous trilogy, On Stranger Tides tells a self-contained story of its own. The stakes are scaled back to a more manageable level, the series’ humor returns to the fore, and Jack Sparrow becomes a more likable protagonist. These changes help On Stranger Tides stand on its own and make it a suitable jumping-on point for new viewers.
On Stranger Tides has a few weaknesses compared to its predecessors, but its strengths are enough to make it a very solid watch. It lacks the sheer spectacle of the second and third films, but makes up for it with good action of its own and a somewhat more coherent plot. It does not have quite as strong a story as the first film, but the story it tells still feels fresh and worthwhile. In general, On Strange Tides has strong but not iconic execution.
Watch Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides when you are in the mood for a pirate adventure with comedy, action, and a dose of fantasy. Though it has a different flavor than the first three films, On Stranger Tides makes good on the promise of the series and has good entertainment value. Those who were heavily invested in the original trilogy may want to leave it be, as the changes between the fillms can be disorienting.
6.7 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for solid action and comedy.