Three days ago, I was talking to my good friend. We were discussing movies and which ones we loved. We named quite a few series, but the last one we touched on was Pirates of the Caribbean. We used words like "epic" and "amazing" because to us that is what this series is. And then I was informed of a fourth movie in the making of the series. This news excited me.
Here's why I was so let down three minutes later: I believe Orlando Bloom (William Turner), Keira Knightley (Elizabeth Swann), and Johnny Depp (Jack Sparrow),- make the movie. In my opinion, this is a given due to that fact that they are the three main characters in the plot of the story. I will admit Bloom is an attractive man and amazing actor who fits the role of William Turner perfectly. His charisma captures the attention of the audience. Knightley fits the time period flawlessly with her amazing ability to mimic the mannerisms of the 17th century. Johnny Depp embodies the comic relief of pirate foolery with his drunken gestures and failed attempts to live up to the nature of a true pirate. Depp captures a different light on the traits of a buccaneer, resembling more a fool than a ruthless thief. Throughout the series each character has been so fully developed. I was excited to see what the characters would live through as this fourth classic came to life. Here's where that excitement faltered: I was informed that Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley would not be making an appearance in the fourth movie.
I know in retrospect, no big deal, right? But I can't help passing judgment on this movie before it's even been filmed and before I even see it. I understand that directors and screenwriters and actors each have their own job to complete in their own way, their own opinions and goals to stay true to, and their own idea of what should and should not be, but taking two main characters with a huge sub-plot sounds like a really bad idea. The love story of Elizabeth and Will acts as a parallel to Jack Sparrow's misfortunate adventures, matched just as evenly with epic battles, and devastatingly erroneous piracy. Taking this into consideration, I feel that there will be a gaping hole that will not only be hard to fill, but perhaps impossible.
Fortunately, it isn't all devastating news, though maybe some false hope. The cast is taking on Penélope Cruz and Ian McShane. These two are just a few new faces that will be gracing the big screen. Penélope Cruz was cast as Angelica, the daughter of the pirate Blackbeard, and an apparent ex of Sparrow's, that is known for her trickery and deceit. McShayne was cast as the infamous Blackbeard. The plot line circles around the famous story of the supposed Fountain of Youth. Sparrow runs into his ex, Angelica, who in turn forces him to board Blackbeard's ship, the Queen Anne's Revenge, to embark on a quest for the elusive Fountain.
I found the plot, at least the version that Disney revealed under wraps, to be rather simple and uncomplicated, something that cannot be said for the previous three movies. In the past, not only was Jack Sparrow carrying his own complicated array of messes, but enter the plotline of Davy Jones' Locker, the crumbling and then rebuilding of Will and Elizabeth's relationship, the mass amount of characters; and that's not even half of the plots, subplots, and underlying stories that run throughout the almost three- hour long movies. See what I mean by 'epic?'
Here's the thing that scares me slightly more than the lack of two out of three of main characters and the simple plot: a new director. If anyone's ever watched Harry Potter one through seven, then you probably noticed how some were plain horrible while others were strikingly amazing. It is because the directorship was passed around like a disease. Rob Marshall will be taking the helm from Director Gore Verbinski for this fourth (and final?) movie. I look forward to seeing Rob Marshall produce an admirable sequel with three strikes against him. That said, I have to admit to having faith.
Don't get me wrong, I find myself looking forward to this fourth sequel, and I know I am not the only one. "Pirates of the Caribbean" has achieved commendable standings in ways of strong acting, enchanting special effects, and amazing costume detailing. What started out as a theme park ride blossomed into a multi-million dollar movie that, with this fourth installment in the making, still continues to entertain and regale the public. Disney hasn't thrown out a real date, but they are aiming for summer 2011. I just keep wondering: Will it still be Pirates of the Caribbean without Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann?
