Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

I approached the theater with mixed feelings, on the one side eager to see more of my adored Johnny Depp, on the other doubtful that the producers could pull off another sequel without losing credibility or momentum. Would I walk away disappointed?

The theater seated a decent size crowd, but not overwhelming for a Saturday night. We suffered through an unusually large number of previews and ads. Folks were getting restless.

But when the movie began, I was instantly and permanently enthralled! From the first moment, we are thrown into the middle of the action at high speed, as our characters vie for allegiances and try to best one another in the game of piracy. Outstanding performances by all the actors burn the characters crisply into our memory. Even the evil Davy Jones shows us glimpses of his dark, watery soul, while Calypso explains and at the same time deepens her mystery.

Jack Sparrow's fatalistic daring alternates with his gallows humor, while Will and Elizabeth each discover their true pirate Selves, as they manipulate, deceive and dominate the action. Barbosa's strong and fierce personality holds the red thread throughout the picture. He is the master puppeteer whose plans are only partially bested by his old adversary, Jack Sparrow.

Pirates of all corners of the oceanic world enter the picture, including one, who might be Blackbeard, a Chinese matriarch (this one also true to history) and a character, whose name escapes me, superbly played by Chow Yun Phat, who adapted well to the scoundrel's part. Still, the original crew dominates and invigorates the movie and we come to care for and respect them all.

The marvelous filming demands our admiration, as the Black Pearl contrasts darkly against the stark and cold beauty of the icy seas or the golden glow of a glorious sunset. The Flying Dutchman emerges magnificently from the depths in the midst of a stormy sea under cloudy skies. When the ship turns broadside and the triple guns stare out of the gun hatches, the viewer can appreciate its frightening power.

Some of the mysteries of 'Dead Man's Chest' come to light in this film; some of our questions are answered. Yet, the movie holds its own secrets and creates new questions, which may still be answered in the future. 'At World's End' stands alone in its splendor. It is one of those rare movies that had me wanting to turn around and go right back in to watch it a second time.

The movie surprises with its many twists and intrigues and ends unexpectedly, leaving an opening for a fourth sequel. I'm not sure that the producers will be able to top 'At World's End.' It is without a doubt the best one yet!