Swashbuckling shenannigans Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is the fourth instalment in the Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise. It is also the first movie in the series that features fictional versions of historical characters such as Blackbeard,George II of Great Britain,Henry Pelham,John Carteret and Ferdinand VI of Spain. It is the first Pirates film to be released in 3D. When Captain Jack Sparrow crosses paths with the enigmatic Angelica,he's not sure if it's love - or if she's a ruthless con artiste who's using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. Angelica and Jack set sail for the new world aboard a ship commanded by Blackbeard,who is said to be her father. Blackbeard is in a race to find the fountain before Captain Barbossa,who is being financed by King George,who needs to drink from the fountain none too soon. Also in the race is a boat-load of Spanish sailors,sent by their king. All three boats pitch up on the same beach and fight each other to the fountain. Adding to the melee are the mermaids one of whom, Syrena, forms a part of Jack Sparrows expedition,as she is needed for her tears and is held captive and transported through the jungle in a large water tank. The site of the fountain is a battleground for a sip of the fabled water through two chalices. With Jack Sparrow around,theres no guessing what happens. The opening sequence is hilarious,as Captain Jack Sparrow impersonates a British judge,is chased through London,and discovers his old flame,Angelica, attempting to impersonate him while raising the crew for a ship. The movie is fun until they set sail,when the film gets predictable. Scriptwriters Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio have tried their best to develop characters with chemistry. They have also ensured that there are a lot of Sparrow-isms that keep the audience hooked on. So what if the film loses on its predictable action,it gains on performances and verbal duels. Johnny Depp once again reprises the legendary Captain Jack Sparrow,the quirky,effeminate pirate who has re-ignited cinema screens with swashbuckling adventure. If not for Depp's wicked verve,the franchise would have been at best a mediocre clutch of films. Depps best foil is Penelope Cruz femme fatale,love interest and a match for Sparrows shenannigans. The supporting cast is led by Geoffrey Rush as Captain Barbosa,ever dependableand excellent. Ian McShane as Blackbeard gives another competent performance. Director Rob Marshall replaces Gore Verbonski who helmed the first three films. His work is serviceable. The same could be said for the rest of the film. The use of 3D is more an enticement than an enhancement in some sequences it adds excitement. Mention must be made of the exceptional camerawork. RATING:*** One star each for performances,stunts and visuals.
