Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (7.5/10)
Lightness on character development never really explores the deepest possibilities of the character's back stories. Seems like there's a fair bit that happened between Pirates 3 and Pirates 4, and it's never explored in any great depth. Feels a bit like there should've been a Pirates 3.5*. Blackbeard is disappointingly underused as a villain. The final battle at the Fountain of Youth is slightly anti-climactic.
Johnny Depp is fantastic as ever as Jack Sparrow. Hector Barbossa has the most interesting sub plot in the film. There is also a very sweet romance subplot between a missionary and a mermaid. Despite the somewhat anti-climactic final battle, the ending itself is marvelously strong and sets the stage for a potentially glorious Pirates 5, which seems to be the whole point of this film.
I must say, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End was a
MASSIVE disappointment for me. I've held lukewarm feelings for the future of the franchise ever since. That said, even with the small problems I have with On Stranger Tides, I was cheering in my seat for a Pirates 5 at the end. So long as the upward trend continues, the Pirates franchise is far from dead.
Be sure to stay after the credits.