Aarrgg me mateys. I'll be havin' a moment of yer time to discuss the latest Disney swashbuckler, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL. Batten the hatches an prepare yerself for pirate-talk galore, because it's ride worth a bounty.

Okay, I'll try and restrain meself, but be warned, I've had an unusually positive reaction to this Disney film. Anticipation is one thing, and I'd been excited since the news hit Variety that Gore Verbanski, Jerry Bruckheimer, Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush and Orlando Bloom were doing a script by Ted Elliot & Terry Russo. Each one of these individuals would usually be enough to pull me out to a matinee atleast, but combined I knew the results were going to be spectacular. My expectations were completely blown out of the water.
Pirate movies are hard to do, they're so immersive and detail is of so much importance that one flaw can ruin it all. I think CURSE has become the definitive major box office Swushbuckler of modern times. Battle sequences on par with A&E's amazing Horatio Hornblower, the best swordplay since Zorro (and oddly enough from the same writers), and a new rogue to file away with Han Solo and Indiana Jones.
It's a seamless combination of adventure, well-done effects and sharp dialogue. I can't recall the last time I was completely unconscious of the fact that I was in a movie. At 15 minutes in I had to go to the bathroom but was glued until 132 minutes later. I fell into the plot and just stayed there. On top of that there's phenominal acting by Depp and Rush who's characters are so layered and intriging that I want a whole movie featuring each. The CG's physics of movement and transitioning with live action were notable well done, and in one climatic, insanely choreographed scene I was nearly out of my seat.
It's hard to be critical when I like a film this much, because I usually become blind to any flaws that might exist. It's nostalgic, it's fun, it's sharp and so enjoyable that I wasn't worried about anything else. Pirate battles, swashbuckling duels, lovable rogues and tragic villians make this my movie of the year.
To date I've seen it twice and I'll probably be seeing it again next week. If ye've had the chance to stowaway on the original Disney ride, keep a sharp eye out for nods to that as well a few hidden grins to Disney in general. Again it's my favorite of the year and comes with my highest recommendation. If you dare brave the waters, make sure you stay until the end for a little treat.