In terms of modern day, no one loves pirates. They steal boats from innocent mariners, hold hostages, and have even been known to kill. Why then is it that we love the Disney version of pirates so much?
Disney Company Theatrical Poster
When I began visiting Walt Disney World in 1973, there was only the Magic Kingdom and the Contemporary Hotel. A visit was a journey, leaving behind the normal every day to enter a magical world of fantasy. We would board the monorail and travel over green lands dotted with Disney character shaped topiaries. There was nothing but trees for miles and miles. Eventually, we would enter the precious gates into this spectacular land of imagination. Even then, when Johnny Depp was only 10 and Jack Sparrow was unknown, I loved the pirate ride (as we called it).
Can evil pirates become our friends? The Disney Company helps us believe this is possible.
Our family went to see Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales for Father’s Day. It was a HUGE hit with our entire family ranging in age from teens to early 50’s. Here is why we think you should see Pirates of the Caribbean V
1. Action – This film, as all the rest in this franchise, is packed with lots of action. It opens right out of the gate with our favorite pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow, right in the middle of controversy. And carries the action throughout the film.
2. Love – Yes, a Pirates movie would not be complete without a love story, as that is how this series began, right? Without revealing too much of the plot, I can tell you that the young boy we saw welcoming Will home for his annual visit from the sea in At World’s End, is all grown up and on a pirate journey of his own.
3. Humor – The laughs live on in this film. Captain Jack Sparrow is still just as funny as ever and his crew are good for additional laughs as well. The entire viewing audience shared in the laughter and there is something for all ages. There are a few jokes which fly over the heads of young viewers but get such a hearty laugh from older viewers that your young ones may inquire as to why.
4. Humanization – I believe that one of the reasons we’ve grown to love this movie franchise is because it is able to humanize even the worst of society. Inside, we all know we’ve done things that we are not proud of and it feels so good to forgive and see the human side of each of us—even pirates. This film successfully does this yet again, with an unexpected twist and humanization of an unlikely foe.
5. Happy Ending – Most of the Pirates films have endings which leave the viewer satisfied that our favorite characters live happily ever after (except for Dead Man’s Chest, where we seemingly lost our beloved Captain Jack). Dead Men Tell No Tales delivers, perhaps, the happiest ending of all of them. While promotional materials lead audiences to believe that this is the final installment of the Pirates movies. The after credits ending leaves the door to movie 6 wide open (be sure and stay for it). And, I’ve read that the director of Dead Men has stated that this film is only the beginning of the final chapter. I can’t wait!
Though many professional critics gave this film poor ratings, our family deem it a MUST SEE – Especially if there will be more Pirates movies to come.
What is your favorite Pirates movie?
BONUS: Disney created a Pirate Activity Pack that you can download for free.