Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

The film industry has loaded up the theater cue with sequels for the summer. Some of which were forecast, some unexpected (read: unnecessary). Pirates sits somewhere vaguely in the middle of this.

With Rob Marshall (best known for Chicago) taking the helm of directorial duties in place of Gore Verbinski (director of the previous three), we get a sense that this franchise is running low on creativity. I should’ve known once I learned it was showing in 3D.

With his sights set on the fountain of youth and forced to hop aboard Blackbeard’s ship, Jack (Johnny Depp) has to tightrope his way through the adventure with Blackbeard (Ian McShane) and daughter Angelica (Penelope Cruz) wielding swords at him. But with more difficulty since Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush), as well as an army of Spaniards, seek the same treasure. Also, on the crew's wish list: two chalices and mermaid tears – talk about random. The script eventually makes sense of it, or at least tries.

Sitting pedestrian in Whitecap Bay, a few crew members sent out by Blackbeard serenade and draw in a school of mermaids. The beauty of the mermaids is enticing, as they are master seductresses. Surrounding the boat like sharks, soon enough the innocent looking creatures turn blood-thirsty and almost demon-like.

After the encounter, and a successful capture, love sparks between mermaid, Syrena (Astrid Berges-Frisbey) and young cleric Phillip (Sam Claflin). One reserved for a novel or spinoff movie where she becomes a real girl.

Familiar faces from the previous Pirates are back, but gone are Orlando Bloom as Will Turner and Kiera Knightley’s Elizabeth Swann, making more room for Cruz.

Depp has his usual quips but he’s not the same showman as before. He was a one man pop up throughout scenes, with no real direction. And Penelope stars as a most beautiful but unneeded accessory.

The action sequences aren't any better. No creativity, no suspense, mostly a forgettable bore.  

Hollywood has proved as long as there is a successful film franchise, there’s always room for a sequel. Whether the sequel(s) need be better or need not be a regurgitation of previous films, doesn’t seem to be too high on the list. I’m willing to guess money is however. But I digress.

For fans of the Pirates saga and Depp this may be intriguing enough. The shark-like mermaids barely keep this film afloat, earning it 2 out of 4 stars.