I think I approached Pirates of the Caribbean with the right attitude, which was that I didn’t expect too much. The main draw for me was limited to some neat CG, and Orlando Bloom. And Bloom’s wasn’t even such a big draw, for as you know I’m more of a hobbit woman myself.

On the other hand, I don’t see how anyone could really expect this movie to be a “grand film”. It’s a Bruckheimer blockbuster, and it delivers just that, and even a little more. The CG is so good that it manages to remain interesting, despite the fact that you keep seeing the same effect over and over. Throw in an honest story without too many predictable turns, entertaining if relatively uninspired swordplay, and some eye candy for both genders. Although the movie touches on every pirate cliché under the sun, this somehow manages to work.

I thought that with the locations and themes, there definitely could have been more opportunities for beauty shots though the film does deliver some, of naval battles, British soldiers in their red uniforms, and of course, Bloom and his utterly forgettable lady. There is a high-angle shot of a ship attacking a town at night, that makes you wish they’d make Warcraft into a movie. Then of course, you slap yourself silly.

But the one truly inspired element in this movie is Johnny Depp’s performance. He’s incredibly charismatic as a thoroughly foolish pirate with temporary flashes of intelligence, and steals the screen whenever he’s on it. Sadly, I thought Geoffrey Rush was completely eclipsed by the other two main actors. Bloom manages to make himself very respectable, even without pointy ears.

All told, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. And I even bumped into a Scottish hobbit in the lobby.