Under the lens takes a deep look at films by focusing in on one or two particular areas of the picture that helped to define it for better or for worse.
Pirates Of The Caribbean: At Worlds End is a 2007 is a supernatural action-adventure picture directed by Gore Verbinski and released by Disney. Based on the ride Pirates Of The Caribbean at Disneyland, the motion picture stars Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, and Geoffrey Rush. The plot follows newly resurrected Captain Barbossa, with Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann who must sail off the edge of the map, navigate treachery and betrayal, in order to rescue Jack Sparrow, and make their final alliances for one last decisive battle.
UNDER THE LENS: ACTION and CALYPSO
Action: Pirates Of The Caribbean: At Worlds End not only tells an interesting story but also has some absolutely stunning action sequences, with CGI that was absolutely amazing for 2007. One of the action sequences that still stands out all these years later, is the picture’s climactic battle between The Black Perl and The Flying Dutchman as they circle around a giant maelstrom in the middle of the ocean. Using a mixture of CGI, live action, and miniatures, the picture was able to craft one of the most thrilling third acts in filmmaking. Not only do we get to see a sword duel between Jack Sparrow and Davy Jones on a yard arm, but we also get to see dozens of pirates swinging across the whirlpool ship to ship, with both ships delivering full broadsides. What could have been an exhausting sequence of CGI was instead a magnificent climax to the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy.
Calypso: Pirates Of The Caribbean: At Worlds End introduced the character of Calypso a sea goddess imprisoned by the Brethren Court ages before. Sadly this was the picture’s weakest element while freeing her is the goal of rescuing Jack Sparrow from Davy Jones Locker. With Barbossa stating that she will hopefully fight on the side of the Pirates and defeat the East India Trading Company, however in the second act we hear that Calypso is planning on killing all the Brethren Court in vengeance for imprisoning her.
However this storyline is seemingly dropped once she is free, she forms the giant maelstrom, however, we are left to assume that her vengeance is sated once Davy Jones dies and Will Turner takes her place. It was an intriguing story that was sadly not carried fully through, and while I appreciate the writers not using a deus ex machine to end the story, I would have liked a bit more closure for the Calypso tale.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Pirates Of The Caribbean: At Worlds End use of humor is much better than in the previous picture.
- Pirates Of The Caribbean: At Worlds End is very much Elizebeth Swan’s story, as she finishes her arc from damsel in distress to Pirate King.
- The love scene between Elizabeth and Will is wonderfully sexy and beautiful while showcasing their love for each other in a way that is not exploitative.
QUOTABLE QUOTE
Captain Barbossa: There’s not been a gathering like this in our lifetime.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
Has there ever been a time in your life when you had to stand up for something when it was not popular? How did you navigate seemingly impossible odds to do what was right?
CONCLUSION
Pirates Of The Caribbean: At Worlds End is a thrilling end to the original Pirates Of The Caribbean trilogy. We get satisfying arcs for all of our heroes, Will Turner saves his family, Elizabeth finds her purpose and place in the world, and Jack Sparrow becomes the hero we all knew him to be. At almost 3 hours long, it’s the most epic of the Pirates series, yet the runtime never feels bloated, every scene plays a part in the overall story. The humor and action are on point, as is the acting from all our leads, it functions as a very satisfying end to our hero’s stories, and while I would have liked more from the Calypso storyline, its truncation does not hurt the overall story being told.
Pirates Of The Caribbean: At Worlds End is worth checking out if you enjoy action adventures with both fantasy and supernatural twists to them, it’s a thrilling tale of love, vengeance, and friendship that will give you much to talk about with your family or friends.
