Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007)

Directed by: Gore Verbinski | 168 minutes | action, comedy, adventure, fantasy | Actors: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Geoffrey Rush, Jonathan Pryce, Bill Nighy, Chow-Yun Fat, Tom Hollander, Stellan Skarsgård, Jack Davenport, Kevin McNally, Mackenzie Crook, Lee Arenberg, Martin Klebba, Greg Ellis, Naomie Harris, David Bailie, David Schofield, Lauren Maher, Dermot Keaney, Clive Ashborn, Winston Ellis, Christopher Adamson, Andy Beckwith, Jonathan Linsley, Keith Richards, Ghassan Massoud, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Dominic Scott Kay, Vanessa Branch, Reggie Lee, Marshall Manesh, Angus Barnett, Giles New, Takayo Fischer

Yo ho, yo ho…Finally, the last part in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ trilogy is here, and how! While the second part, ‘Dead Man’s Chest’ was already an unexpectedly entertaining sequel, this last part even goes one step further (don’t forget that) and will surprise many. That it becomes so spectacularly exciting after the exciting cliffhanger with which ‘Dead Man’s Chest’ ends, you would not have thought possible in your wildest dreams.

The makers have really pulled out all the stops to ensure that ‘At World’s End’ is even more blood-curdling, even funnier and even more spectacular than its predecessors. No expense has been spared; the costumes, the ships, the music, the special effects, it all shows craftsmanship. But the most important thing, especially for sequels, is of course the story. Often parts two and three are weak extracts, but in this case absolutely not. Where part two ends, part three continues: At World’s End. Barbossa (an amazing Geoffrey Rush) helps Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) sail to the ends of the world to save Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) from a fate worse than death. Once their goal is reached it really gets to be; everyone is cheating everyone, no one can be trusted and to top it off, Lord Beckett is still chasing them and threatening to wipe out every pirate. The deception and the complications sometimes lead to some chaos, but Verbinski still manages to make it so that you don’t lose your mind completely. It even makes for hilarious scenes at times!

Between all that cunning and deceit, there still appears to be room for love and fidelity. As Beckett’s breath gets hotter, the helm is turned and it’s one for all, and all for one. This leads to one of the most sensational ship fights ever, not least because Keira Knightley as Elizabeth gives a goosebumps-inducing speech very reminiscent of ‘Braveheart’. You can’t get enough of Johnny Depp as the colorful character Jack Sparrow; this time he’s even weirder – but at the same time even smarter and smarter. Depp is a true artist and this time again makes the film a great success. Knightley is still okay and it looks like Bloom has had some acting lessons in the meantime. In any case, he is much more convincing than last time. Newcomers Keith Richards (a Rolling Stone in a very unexpected role) and Chow-Yun Fat (‘Anna and the King’) as Captain Sao Feng bring a breath of fresh air and are a true addition to the already acclaimed cast be extraordinarily good. The power is within, but ‘At World’s End’ is certainly aided by the creative team who provide breathtaking shots, beautiful music and a brilliant cast.

In addition to all the action that splashes off the screen, it is nice to see that after two films there are still references to the ride in Disneyland for those who are not already overwhelmed – and who are familiar with the attraction. Inspired by the Disney attraction Pirates of the Caribbean, this is a true thriller ride that knows how to get the adrenaline flowing. A more than decent film; one big spectacle, a high-quality closing for the trilogy, a masterpiece and a monster hit, in short, a real must for the true Pirates fan. Go and see me hearties, arr!