Although it may seem like heresy to say it, I have to admit that I like the Pirates of the Caribbean film trilogy more than The Lord of the Rings trilogy.  Don’t get me wrong, I love both.  I also wouldn’t argue for a second that POTC is better than LOTR, it’s just that I like and enjoy one more than the other.  Sure, some of this comes down to personal preference.  It’s no secret that pirates (in a classical sense) and the open sea appeal to me, and that I’m a huge Disney fan, but there’s more to it than that.  I’ve read the Lord of the Rings books many times, including all of the appendices.  I’m a big fan.  But given the choice of what to watch, nine times out of ten I’ll pick Pirates.  My hope is that, in addition to proving that I’m crazy, this essay will encourage you to give Pirates of the Caribbean another chance, with an open mind, and will help you appreciate some things you might have missed before. Continue reading →

(click here to read part 1 of this analysis)

“A lost bird that never learned to fly.”

When discussing the characters of Pirates of the Caribbean, one must begin with Captain Jack Sparrow.  He is undoubtedly the main character of the story, even if it is not, in fact, his story being told.  I’ve always viewed Jack as the one doing the story telling.  He may be the one who is on screen the most, and he certainly is the catalyst for much of the story’s progression, but the movies aren’t really about him.  Jack Sparrow is certainly not your standard movie hero.  He’s not brave or courageous, he’s often selfishly motivated and while he’s not afraid of a fight, he’d much rather find another solution.  Perhaps the best word to describe him is witty.  Jack gives you the sense that he’s always the smartest person in the room, but is happiest when no one knows it. Continue reading →