Review: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
Director: Joachim Rønning, Espen Sandberg
Starring: Johnny Depp, Javier Bardem, Brenton Thwaites, Kaya Scodelario, Geoffrey Rush
Genre: Action/Adventure/Fantasy
Release Year: 2017
When Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (released as Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge in some regions) hit theaters in 2017, it promised a return to form for the franchise after the divisive On Stranger Tides. Directed by Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg, this fifth installment attempts to merge the fresh energy of new characters with a sense of nostalgia for the original trilogy. While it delivers some memorable moments and exciting visuals, it ultimately struggles to recapture the magic that made the series a cultural phenomenon in the first place.
Plot Overview
The story centers on Henry Turner (Brenton Thwaites), the son of Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann, as he seeks to break his father’s curse and free him from the Flying Dutchman. To do so, Henry must find the legendary Trident of Poseidon, an artifact said to have the power to break all curses of the sea. Along the way, he crosses paths with Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario), an ambitious astronomer who holds a map that could lead them to the Trident.
Meanwhile, Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) finds himself hunted by Captain Armando Salazar (Javier Bardem), a ghostly Spanish naval commander seeking revenge against Jack for his untimely demise years ago. With Captain Hector Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) also drawn into the fray, the film becomes a sprawling adventure filled with curses, revenge, and the enduring chaos of life on the high seas.
Strengths of the Film
1. Nostalgia and Ties to the Original Trilogy
One of the film’s strongest assets is its connection to the original trilogy. The inclusion of Henry Turner as Will and Elizabeth’s son serves as a link to the series’ roots, while the eventual appearance of both Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley as their iconic characters adds emotional resonance. For long-time fans, these moments provide a sense of closure to lingering storylines.
2. Javier Bardem as Captain Salazar
Javier Bardem delivers a standout performance as the vengeful Captain Salazar. His eerie, ghostly presence—enhanced by impressive visual effects, such as his floating hair and cracked appearance—adds a sense of menace that the series had been missing since Davy Jones. Bardem imbues Salazar with both rage and tragedy, making him a compelling, if somewhat underdeveloped, villain.
3. Strong Visual Effects and Action Sequences
As with previous installments, Dead Men Tell No Tales offers stunning visual effects and ambitious action set pieces. Highlights include the ghost sharks attacking Jack’s crew, Salazar’s cursed ship splitting the sea as it hunts its prey, and the film’s climactic underwater battle for the Trident. These moments are thrilling and demonstrate the franchise’s continued ability to deliver blockbuster spectacle.
4. Geoffrey Rush as Hector Barbossa
Geoffrey Rush’s return as Barbossa provides a welcome depth to the story. The reveal of Barbossa’s surprising connection to Carina adds a layer of emotional complexity and stakes that elevate his character arc. His ultimate sacrifice is one of the most poignant moments in the film, offering a fitting conclusion to his journey.
Weaknesses of the Film
1. Over-Reliance on Johnny Depp’s Humor
While Captain Jack Sparrow remains an iconic character, his portrayal in Dead Men Tell No Tales feels exaggerated and overly reliant on slapstick humor. In earlier films, Jack balanced his eccentricity with cunning and cleverness, but here he often comes across as a bumbling caricature of his former self. This diminishes his role as a protagonist and reduces his impact on the story.
2. Thinly Developed New Characters
Although Henry Turner and Carina Smyth are positioned as central figures, their characters lack the depth and chemistry of their predecessors, Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann. Henry’s quest to save his father feels underexplored, and Carina’s scientific ambition, while refreshing, is overshadowed by her connection to Barbossa. Both characters serve their roles in the plot but fail to leave a lasting impression.
3. Predictable and Formulaic Storytelling
The plot follows a familiar pattern established by earlier films, with multiple factions vying for a legendary artifact and culminating in a supernatural showdown. While this formula has worked in the past, it feels repetitive here, offering few surprises or truly innovative twists. The resolution, while satisfying for fans, lacks the epic scope and stakes of the original trilogy.
4. Underutilized Supporting Characters
Key figures like Orlando Bloom’s Will Turner and Keira Knightley’s Elizabeth Swann, though included for fan service, are given minimal screen time. Similarly, Salazar’s crew of ghostly sailors is visually striking but lacks the memorable personalities that made past antagonists, such as Davy Jones’ crew, so iconic.
Themes and Symbolism
The film explores themes of legacy and redemption, particularly through the arcs of Henry Turner and Hector Barbossa. Henry’s determination to free his father speaks to the enduring power of familial bonds, while Barbossa’s redemption through his sacrifice highlights the potential for growth and selflessness, even in a character who has spent much of the series driven by greed.
The Trident of Poseidon, as the ultimate symbol of power and control over the seas, reflects humanity’s eternal struggle to dominate nature and fate. However, the film’s focus on action and spectacle leaves little room for these themes to be explored in depth.
Critical Reception
Dead Men Tell No Tales received mixed reviews from critics. Many praised the film’s visuals, action sequences, and ties to the original trilogy but criticized its uneven tone, underdeveloped characters, and reliance on franchise tropes. Fans of the series were more forgiving, appreciating its nostalgic elements and the emotional payoff for long-running characters.
Conclusion
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales is a visually stunning but narratively uneven installment in the beloved franchise. While it offers plenty of action, humor, and fan service, it ultimately falls short of recapturing the charm and depth of the original trilogy. For die-hard fans, it serves as a bittersweet farewell to familiar characters and a nostalgic return to the high seas. For others, it may feel like a franchise running out of fresh wind in its sails.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
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