A Great Movie:

Without Blue People, DiCaprio or a Comic to go with it

! At last, after years of heart wrenching anticipation, Pirates of the Caribbean: On

Stranger Tides arrived in theaters on May 20, 2011. Luckily, the predictions made by Californian priest, Harold Camping, were untrue, for I was able to see the 4th Pirates lm on Saturday night. Thank God. ! Most of the original cast - including the rambunctious Johnny Depp - was seen in

this two hour and seventeen minute epic. Penelope Cruz lled the feministic void left by the lovely Keira Knightly, and unfortunately for women of all sorts, Orlando Blooms character shared no more relevance to the gritty series. The absence of these players did not languish the lm, rather it provided a refreshing change. ! On Stranger Tides centers around the pursuit for the Fountain of Youth by the

English, the Spanish, and (of course) the Pirates. The theme of a race between nations may allude to historical events such as the race to space or nuclear arms race. Each of these groups seek the fountain for very different reasons: Blackbeard (erce pirate), to avoid his fate foretold in a prophecy; the English, to acquire it before the Spanish; and the Spanish intent, I cannot reveal without guilt for spoiling a fantastic movie. The hilariously quirky Captain Jack Sparrow and his right-hand man Joshamee Gibbs get split up and mixed up in between the English and Blackbeard as they hold the whereabouts of the sacred fountain. ! The movie begins with Sparrows miraculous escape from lunch (at which he is

cuffed to his chair) with the pompous King George (Richard Grifths). His getaway involves swinging on a chandelier and then skateboard-riding carriages through the

crowded streets, avoiding the red streams of English guards. This ultimately leads to his encounter/pleasantly sensual sword ght with Angelica (Penelope Cruz), a former lover of Sparrows. She drugs him and he comes to on the demonic Queen Anne's Revenge led by the mystical and villainous Blackbeard (Ian McShane), who resembles the notorious English pirate, Edward Teach (1680-1718). While Sparrow is trapped on that punishing ship, Gibbs is trapped on the English expedition led by former pirate and captain of the Black Pearl, now peg-legged, Barbosa (Geoffrey Rush). Before they reach the fountain however, they must acquire the tools needed for the ritual: two chalices and a living mermaids tear. Much effort and adventure is required to obtain these items, especially as the Spanish have a head start. Subtle chest-bursting funny scenes and lines, as well as Jack Sparrows laughable air, spiced the adventure perfectly. There were impeccable locations and sets, and gorgeous cinematography in every scene. Each extreme long shot and aerial shot could easily be my next computer desktop picture. There are also fantastic scenes with vicious mermaids and of Sparrow evading dangerous situations, one of which involves coconut trees! All scenes on Blackbeards dark ship are special. Zombied pirates whip the workers like slave herders. The mast, the ropes, the entire ship itself are controlled by Blackbeards enchanted sword. Jack improvises the rst mutiny on the ship but with a simple wave of the short bearded mans hand, the ropes, like snakes, snatch all the rebels and hold them up to dry. ! There is a recurring theme of fate throughout the lm, which is exemplied

through the prominent character of the missionary (Sam Clain). Blackbeard has requested a missionary to be with him during his expedition, to enlighten him in things

regarding the afterlife, fate, and faith. The idea of trying to outrun or alter fate is present in Blackbeards mind and the notion of trying to amend fate is present in the Spaniards minds. Their intent (which I am reluctant to reveal) is to destroy the fountain, believing that God should be the dictator of life. Again the themes of fate and faith are demonstrated. ! Clains character is an English missionary, not in the slightest interested in the

pursuits for the fountain, so it is interesting how much he is focused on (probably more than the Spanish). ! Furthermore, a contrast between the mean and nasty Pirates and the

compassionate missionary is created. The contrast stretches to include the Fountain of Youth-hungry English and Spanish, as they are so caught up in the race to get what they want that they are willing to stab anyone to get it. The compassion demonstrated by the missionary is observed by a cruelly treated mermaid as he opens her container for air and later helps her to escape. She continually says, you are different [from other humans]. ! This is the rst lm in the franchise not to be directed by Gore Verbinski and

instead was helmed by Rob Marshall, who is best known for Chicago, Memoirs of a Geisha, and Nine. This is Marshalls rst hand at an action-adventure lm and he did a great job delivering an exciting fourth sequel, the plot of which is loosely based on a book of the same name, written by Tim Powers in 1987. In all, this Pirates of the Caribbean had great characters that captivatingly cross each other in the plot, wonderful settings which really bring the Pirate world to life,

splendid comedy, and solid themes. One is not required to see the previous three movies to enjoy the fourth so all who are able to should see this film. While the third movie made it necessary for a fourth, leaving the audience on a precipice, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides leaves the door for a sequel ajar.