Back in 2003, the concept of a theme park ride turning into a multi-billion dollar movie franchise sounded ridiculous to every sane
person on the planet.

Yet, “Pirates of the Caribbean” continues to dominate the box office. Most of the credit has rightfully gone to star Johnny Depp, who has played the mischievous Captain Jack Sparrow through four installments, including the latest, “On Stranger Tides.” It’s a dynamic and unique performance, deserving placement alongside some of the greatest characters in screen history.

Most people consider the first film, “The Curse of the Black Pearl,” to be the best of the bunch, which it is, but I’ve also enjoyed the
less popular sequels, “Dead Man’s Chest” and “At World’s End.” Critics ravaged these films, calling them convoluted, overlong and
preposterous.

No argument here. That’s exactly why I love them. (more…)