Watching Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge is like a fun reunion

How many Pirates of the Caribbean films have been released to date? The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) was the first, followed by Dead Man’s Chest (2006), At World’s End (2007) and On Stranger Tides (2011).

It has been six years since, but the fifth instalment in the popular fantasy swashbuckler film series is finally here – Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge (also known as Dead Men Tell No Tales) will be opening in Singapore cinemas from 25 May, just in time for the June holiday.

The film is directed by Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg from a script by Jeff Nathanson, with Jerry Bruckheimer serving again as producer. Johnny Depp, Kevin McNally and Geoffrey Rush reprise their roles as Jack Sparrow, Joshamee Gibbs and Hector Barbossa, respectively. The film also stars Javier Bardem as Armando Salazar, Brenton Thwaites as Henry Turner and Kaya Scodelario as Carina Smyth. The film also features the returns of Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley as Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann respectively, following their absence from the fourth instalment, On Stranger Tides.

It’s one big happy reunion!

We get to see Jack Sparrow and his regular pirate crew cross path again with some favourite characters from previous films like the volatile and colourful Barbossa, as well as the original protagonist couple in the series, Turner and Swann, alongside the new screen couple, Henry Turner, the son of Turner and Swann, and new character, Carina Smyth.

Watching Salazar’s Revenge feels oddly nostalgic. The first film was released 14 years ago. The filmmakers cited the first instalment, The Curse of the Black Pearl, as inspiration for the script and tone of the film.

Like all other Pirates of the Caribbean films, the pacing is fast, with non-stop actions, twists and turns in the storyline from beginning right till the end. You hardly get to stop and breathe. If you are looking to be entertained and get the best value for your ticket price, this is the film to watch.

Johnny Depp is Captain Jack Sparrow. He still holds that charm and I don’t see how anyone else can replace him in this role. The producers did find a young dude call Anthony De La Torre to play the younger Jack Sparrow in this latest film. He does look eerily like young Johnny Depp. Maybe this dude will be able to spark off a new film series on the adventure of young Jack Sparrow, minus Johnny Depp.

The villains in this latest film, Captain Salazar and his ghost crew have some of the most awesome special effects on screen, adding to the suspense.

Watch out for a cameo from Beatles singer, Paul McCartney. He looks… kind of odd as a pirate, but interesting.

Overall, the film delivers in terms of pure entertainment and what most viewers would expect when walking into a cinema to catch Pirates of the Caribbeans film. The usual successful elements are there, plus a big reunion of past popular characters. Why mess with a tried and tested formula?

Be sure to stay till the end of the credits to catch a little surprise trailer for the next Pirates of the Caribbean film. Hint: another popular character from a previous film might be coming back.