Pirates of the Caribbean-Curse of the Black Pearl (Collector's Edition-Dts) (2003)

New York Times
"...An often frenetic, colorful and enchanting comic adventure....The dazzling, high-flying silliness is quite an achievement..." 07/09/2003 p.E5

USA Today
"...A big-budget popcorn movie that delivers what moviegoers hunger for: humor, action, thrills and charismatic characters..." 07/09/2003 p.4D

Chicago Sun-Times
"...[Depp's] performance is original in every atom..." 07/09/2003 p.55

Variety
"...[With] disarming humor, engaging acting and colorful action bursts..." 07/14/2003 p.22-32

Rolling Stone
"...Depp swans through this swashbuckler with a scene-stealing gusto unseen since Marlon Brando in MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY..." 08/07/2003 p.78

Box Office
"...Depp casts a spell every bit as powerful as any demonic bullion..." 09/01/2003 p.124

Sight and Sound
"..The most satisfying of this summer's blockbusters....Lively, humorous and well-cast..." 09/01/2003 p.59-60

Us Weekly
"...The swashbuckling smash stars a hysterical Johnny Depp..." 12/15/2003 p.84

Total Film
"[Depp's] dippy delivery gives Gore Verbinski's pirate swashbuckler its gleeful sense of salty swish." 07/01/2006 p.128

James Berardinelli's ReelViews 7 of 10
Pirates of the Caribbean is good, but not great. Swashbuckling adventures are few and far between these days, so it's a pleasant surprise to see one that is competently made. To add to the enjoyment, the movie never takes itself too seriously. If there wasn't so much action, it would be tempting to classify the production as a comedy. Alas, Pirates of the Caribbean runs for a good 30 minutes too long (the protracted battles with the undead, who cannot be killed, become repetitive), and the denouement is on the weak side. Taken as a whole, however, the movie represents solid fun. - James Berardinelli
 
Chicago Sun-Times 8 of 10
There's a nice little 90-minute B movie trapped inside the 143 minutes of "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl," a movie that charms the audience and then outstays its welcome. Although the ending leaves open the possibility of a sequel, the movie feels like it already includes the sequel; maybe that explains the double-barreled title. It's a good thing that Geoffrey Rush and Johnny Depp are on hand to jack up the acting department. Their characters, two world-class goofballs, keep us interested even during entirely pointless swordfights...Capt. Sparrow's behavior is so rococo that other members of the cast actually comment on it. And yet because it is consistent and because you can never catch Depp making fun of the character, it rises to a kind of cockamamie sincerity. - Roger Ebert
 
ReelViews 8 of 10
For those taking a global view of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, it's very easy to be cynical. This is, after all, cross-promotion at its most blatant. What could be more marketable that one of Disney's most popular theme park attractions? The name recognition is already in place - all that's necessary to complete the puzzle is a story that will fit the ride. But there are two reasons why jaded ranting isn't the best way to proceed with this review. In the first place, no one really cares. And, more importantly, this is actually an entertaining experience...Pirates of the Caribbean is wall-to-wall battles, chases, and fights. The only pauses are those necessitated by the need to advance the plot through exposition. There's lots of swordplay, including a lengthy and memorable struggle between Sparrow and Will. It's probably the best example of cinematic swordfighting since The Mask of Zorro. - James Berardinelli