Disney and the Pirates writers created a great formula for a box office hit action film based around the life of pirates. This has been repeated for a fourth time excellently. On Stranger Tides has action, the usual sword fights, a little romance, and some extraordinary Captain Jack escapes. The context and goal of the escapades change along with the swapping of a few cast members, but the rest is the same. While this seems boring and weak, the film uses the recipe perfectly and creates another new and entertaining movie. On Stranger Tides brings the viewer into the the Pirates' world and takes them on an imaginative journey.
The biggest change for this film is the loss of Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Swan and Orlando Bloom as Will Turner. They were two of the main players in the first three films, but On Stranger Tides brings in Peleope Cruz as Angelica, Captain Blackbeard's daughter. She replaces Knightley as the pretty lady and love interest who's also tough and a little rough around the edges. I was a little skeptical about this casting change, but Cruz fits in well and very accurately portrays this tough yet beautiful woman. It brings a nice twist that fits with the elements of the previous films but creates just enough change so that this film isn't another boring sequel. Another nice addition is the 3D element. This is well done to enhance the film rather than make it cheesy. It also keeps the film up to date with the other big films of the summer.
The most impressive aspect of On Stranger Tides is the plot. It again follows the same theme as the previous three films, but this one creates a completely new story that is interesting and unique. It tells the story of how three different groups work to find the fountain of youth. The difficulty comes when the unique ritual of the fountain comes into play. This creates a fantasy world the can only be believable in the Pirates' world.
Overall, there are just enough changes to keep an audience interested in a sequel. I absolutely hate most sequels, but these writers have found a way to create multiple films that work without being boring or trying too hard. On Stranger Tides does the job again! And I hear there are already rumors of Pirates 5. These writers created an amazing character in Jack Sparrow. As long as Johnny Depp stays on board, I think we will see the Pirates series continue.
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