Review: Pirates of the Caribbean 4

Who would have thought Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides aka Pirates 4 would be so much fun even though our favorite love birds, Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) did not return for the fourth installment? I must say, I didn't miss their absence at all as Johnny Depp and others brought the audience much pleasant adventure than I have expected.

The addition to the cast, Angelica played by Penelope Cruz is Jack's ex-lover. She disguised as Jack to recruit a crew in search of Fountain of Youth to rescue her dying father, Blackbeard. In case you haven't noticed, Penelope looks rounder and puffier in the movie due to her pregnancy. Her younger sister, Monica had to stand in for her in some scenes. To be frank, I didn't notice the differences between the two sisters until I read the trivia.

Angelica's father, Blackbeard (Ian McShane) is a cruel pirate who owns Queen Anne's Revenge. He treats his crew badly and turned some of them into zombies. He also has a special sword that carries power.

After he received a prophecy that he is to be killed by a one-legged man (it is said to be Captain Barbossa, yes, he survived in Pirates 3, but he lost a leg), he becomes obsessed with finding the Fountain of Youth. Blackbeard knows a little black magic which he uses it against Jack to force Jack to bring him to the Fountain of Youth.

Besides the addition of Angelica, the Spanish who are determined to destroy the Fountain of Youth, the reappearance of Jack the evil monkey, zombies, there are, of course, the mermaids! This is the best thing in Pirates 4. The mermaids scene is exciting and I wish there were more scenes of them. :(

They need two chalices and a mermaid's tear for the ritual. Anyone who drinks the chalice with the tear will have eternal youth, whereas the other will die instantly. Syrena, played by Astrid Berges Frisbey, is the unfortunate mermaid that was captured by Blackbeard and his crew.

Besides the rocking romance between Jack and Angelica, there's another romance going on between the missionary, Phillip (Sam Clafin) and the young mermaid, Syrena. Phillip fell in love with her and tries to rescue her. He is the one who named the mermaid.

Pretty,

yet deadly.

Beware of killer's kiss!

I think Pirates 4 is easy to watch and fun. No disappointment in Jack's adventure and the mermaid hunt.And ooh, Penelope Cruz and Geoffrey Rush did their roles well too. Totally giving it two thumbs-up for Pirates 4. Can't wait for Pirates 5&6 already!

Overall rating: 8/10

Catch the trailer here: