Pirates 4 goes back to basics. My review of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

Back in 2007, just before the release of 'At World's End', there was a great deal of hype surrounding the final of the Pirates trilogy. The second installment, 'Dead Man's Chest', whilst disappointing delivered us with thrills and some good ol' pirate action that left us gagging for more. Since they were filmed back-to-back throughout 2006/07, this was a sure sign the production team knew exactly what they were doing. How VERY wrong we were? 'At World's End' proved to be a shambles; an abysmal mess of a movie. Why? It was too damn complicated. It wasn't fun anymore. The characters were shells of their former selves. Dare I say it was too farfetch'd even for Pirates standard? I mean, this was the franchise that brought us mythical creatures in the form of the Kraken, seamen aboard the Flying Dutchman run by a demented squid in the form of Davy Jones and skeletal pirates on the Black Pearl with Captain Barbossa. Before AWE, we all had fun. It wasn't too silly but just the right amount to keep us entertained. So forgive me when I say I expected yet another mess of a film. I'm happy to report, however; this is definately not the case. Here goes nothing.....

The film sees our wonderful hero, Captain Jack Sparrow (once again Johnny Depp doing a great performance) in search of the Fountain of Youth whilst obstacles fall in his path. These come in the form of former love interest Angelica, played by Penelope Cruz, who just happens to be the daughter of the much feared pirate Blackbeard, played magnificently by Ian McShane, who is also in search of the Fountain. Also in search is series regular Barbossa, now working for her Majesty's Government. You hear that AWE producers?!?! A simple storyline would have done OK?! Anyhoo, that is the story pretty much. A nice simple narrative that EVERYONE can follow. We are officially back to basics. Rant Over.

With the characters in place, we sail off to sea, encountering gorgeous yet demonic mermaids (scared the shit out of me!), zombified pirates and a rather funny depiction of the Spanish Army. Nonetheless, that's the point. We are having fun once again. The series has been brought back to its roots; way back in 2003, the original film was released and we all can remember how that summer we wanted to be Captain Jack. Whilst the original will always remain the superior film, there are moments in OST that remind us just how good these films can actually be. For example, upon discussing the idea of a mutiny aboard Blackbeard's ship, Stephen Graham's Scrum runs individually to dispatch the crew to which Sparrow replies to the rest of the gang; "Well, go on then!" It's a subtle moment of humour and you have to watch it to laugh, but it harks back to familiar territory. 

The inclusion of the new characters like Blackbeard and Angelica work and hinder in equal measure. Whilst she is a focus point, Angelica never seems to be a necessary character. Cruz rarely makes use of her time, instead coming across as flat and just playing a sassy Spanish hottie (she was pretty hot I'll give her that). However, McShane's Blackbeard is the best character in the movie when he's on-screen. He's the villain the series has needed all this time in all honesty. He's evil, brutal, malicious, scary and most importantly, believable. And he gets decent screentime too, unlike the previous efforts where there were far too many characters to keep up with and the plot was lost. We have two major additions that don't upset the balance/pace of the movie and actually enhance the plot. 

Now, I understand people are complaining about the lack of Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley. As far as I'm concerned, they should have been left out of the last two. They were good for the purpose of the first film but didn't work at all with the next two. A fresh start was needed and thank God the producers listened.

Therefore, overall, this is definately worth seeing. The back to basics look, the fresh batch of actors, the familiar setting and some fantastic set pieces make it worth your while. 3 out of 5 stars for me!

With great power comes great responsibility..... Woops, wrong movie! My review of Thor.

That motto rings very true. Then again, its Spiderman's motto. But Spiderman this is not. No my friends, this is Thor; a whole new beast altogether.

This film adaptation of 'Thor', by Kenneth Brannagh, itself seems to very inspired by its predecessors as Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth quite brilliantly, is portrayed as naive, arrogant and very full of himself unfortunately inheriting a banishment to Earth from his home of Asagard by his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) and the loss of his treasured hammer, Mjolnir which happens to be the source of his power. Its all very cause-and-effect sure, but it works a charm. Brannagh chooses wisely to place most of the beginning action away from Earth, to give the audience a real feel for where Thor hails from and the context behind the ensuing battle with the Frost Giants and his evil brother, Loki (Tom Hiddleston). The setting is one of beauty and if there was ever a useful inclusion of 3D, its for this. The city of Asgard looks crisp and well-detailed bringing it truly to life. Brannagh's experience in theatre and plays comes through too, with many of the characteres displaying moments of Shakespearean tragedy that allow to fully engage with their personalities, especially Thor himself.

If you weren't already aware and have been living elsewhere, Thor is the Norse God of Thunder; an already well-established character in Greek mythology therefore you may wonder how he fits into the world of Marvel and a modern context. Frankly, he doesn't but that's ironically why 'Thor' works so well. Thor is the fish out of water, not accustomed to the rules of Earth and Brannagh chooses to use this as the source of the film's humour. Hemsworth at first seems incredibly flat and wooden (Hayden Christensen, take note) only to shine in the latter parts of the film when he's on Earth. Believe me, I laughed a great deal as Thor approaches a pet shop asking for a horse and smashing a coffee mug whilst exclaiming how much he enjoys it. The humour is very natural and doesn't feel out of place at all, leaving the film space to breath from all the hectic chaos that does eventually ensue. Another moment when Thor's friends arrive on Earth dressed head to toe in Viking attire generated much laughter from the audience for the fact it was so over the top. It didn't make sense but it does all the same. Its silly and ridiculous; as is Thor's position as a superhero. The film never really feels on par with Spiderman, the Incredible Hulk or Iron Man because they are definately designed as superhero movies. Thor was always going to be tricky since he is the outcast. He doesn't fit with the superhero genre and making Brannagh the director was a great addition to the production because he understands the character. His interpretation of Thor makes him both the outcast and the hero we all want to see. He MAKES Thor fit into the world of the superhero; if anything, he should BE the typical superhero. Striking armour, mythical powers and a cracking British accent to suit. Seriously, what's not to like?!?!

Now you may question his role in the Avengers all you like; the ending of Thor suggests they need a reason to bring him back. But surely I'm not the only one who looks forward to his role in the Avengers adaptation? To see him playing off of Tony Stark and Steve Rogers will be brilliant (that's Iron Man and Captain America to anyone of you who is clueless) Chris Hemsworth is a star in the making. The role is his and I couldn't imagine anyone in his shoes. Expect a sequel post-Avengers. Don't forget to watch out for Jeremy Renner's cameo as Hawkeye. Most importantly, as per usual, watch the post-credits scene. Always nice to see Sam Jackson.

I for one have a new favourite hero and his name is THE MIGHTY THOR!! RAWR!

4 out of 5 stars! Excellent film! :D