Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge (2017) | Film Review

*article originally written in 2017*

Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge
Directed by: Joachim Ronning, Espen Sandberg
Starring: Johnny Depp, Brenton Thwaites, Javier Bardem, Kaya Scodelario, Geoffrey Rush

The fifth instalment of Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean series, Dead Men Tell No Tales (or Salazar’s Revenge in some regions), sails into familiar waters, delivering the expected swashbuckling antics and larger-than-life spectacle. This time, Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) faces off against a new nemesis, Salazar (Javier Bardem), a vengeful ghost determined to hunt him down and escape the curse that binds him to the underworld.

By now, Pirates of the Caribbean has firmly established itself as a series prioritising fun and adventure over groundbreaking storytelling, and that’s perfectly acceptable. In a world filled with heavy, thought-provoking films, this entry offers an escapist, light-hearted experience. With its tried-and-tested formula and familiar faces, the film becomes a nostalgia-filled romp for fans who’ve grown up with the franchise.

The story sticks closely to the franchise’s well-worn structure: Jack has wronged someone, setting off a chain of events where foes chase him down for retribution. While the storyline lacks originality, the introduction of Henry Turner (Brenton Thwaites), the son of Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), adds a notable moment of connection to the earlier films. The flashback featuring a young Jack Sparrow (played by Anthony de la Torre) gives a glimpse into his early days and reminds us of the greatness Jack once embodied—a bittersweet nod to how much he’s changed.

Brenton Thwaites gives a commendable performance as Henry, seamlessly stepping into the pirate world and showing promise as a potential franchise lead in the future. Kaya Scodelario’s debut as Carina Smyth, however, feels underwhelming. Despite Scodelario’s talent, her character’s plotline, particularly her connection to Thwaites, lacks depth and is overshadowed by the primary action, leaving her role feeling unnecessary.

As always, the visuals are where Pirates of the Caribbean truly shines. The cinematography and special effects are spectacular, capturing the scale and fantasy of the high seas with finesse. The CGI-heavy sequences, including Salazar’s undead crew and the ocean’s volatile landscapes, create moments of awe and immersion. While the film may falter in storytelling, its ability to deliver a visually engaging spectacle remains top-notch.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales is far from a masterpiece but excels at delivering exactly what fans of the series expect: high-seas adventure, larger-than-life characters, and dazzling visuals. It’s a formulaic but enjoyable two-hour escape that doesn’t ask much from its audience beyond simply having fun. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it keeps the franchise’s spirit alive, offering enough nostalgia and excitement to keep fans coming back for more.