Into the Fire

Well, for all of you who have yet to see Pirates of the Caribbean “At World’s End”, shame on ya. Just kiddin’. I’ve seen it twice so far. Don’t believe the negative reviews if you’ve seen or heard them. This one concludes—with an open door—the trilogy, and it sails past the middle installment with a whopping rendition of mass confusion and pirate antics.

There were some who shared disappointment at the second leg of the trilogy, but I submit it was an acceptable middle to this amazing series. Nothing can ever replace or surpass the original “Curse of the Black Pearl” because being introduced to Captain Jack Sparrow for the first time in that film full of one-liners and a beyond clever script can never be new again. My only real complaint with “Dead Man’s Chest” was the writers seemed to make Captain Jack too harsh. He had always demonstrated a hint of the “good man” which Will Turner insisted he was when he rescued him from hanging, but that “good man” was less visible in Jack’s character in the second edition. “At World’s End” displays a more true-to-the-original character of Captain Jack Sparrow even when he often manages to make us wonder if he’s not a “good man” after all.

It has some real surprises all along the way and a couple of genuine gross-out moments for the faint of heart—yes, I turned away at one of them. They’re brief, though, and those of you who like that sort of thing, somebody was thinkin’ of ya.

There were some laugh out loud funny scenes, some absolutely rollicking scenes, lots of explosions and action, and definitely a twist or two. I know it was a pirate movie, okay? But I cried in one scene—yes, I did, so get over it!

Anyway, Johnny Depp demonstrates his love for this character, and, as usual, he’s a pleasure to watch. Everyone else steps up to the plate nicely, too. The Elizabeth Swann character is older and just as feisty, and Will Turner is wiser but never a match for Jack. Barbossa is his wily and slippery self, but neither can he ever quite get the best of Jack although never for not trying. Keith Richards’ cameo is perfect, just right.

If you’ve enjoyed either one of these pirate movies, you can’t miss this “conclusion”. As I said, the door is left ajar for a continuation, and if it should ever get done and be as good as this one?? Well, bring it on!

Drink up me hearties, yo ho!

Father, you know my heart for the lost. You know who you put on my heart for prayer. You know. Thank you, Lord, for entertainment. Thank you for burdens, for tears, for devotion to praying through for those who have yet to find you, Jesus. Please, Lord, let these prayers accomplish your purpose, in the Name of Jesus, Amen.