Johnny Depp brings Pirates to life

Johnny Depp is the perfect pirate.

As Capt. Jack Sparrow in “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl,” his comic timing and commitment to his outlandish character make the movie interesting.

Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) teams up with Sparrow to rescue Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) from a gang of pirates led by Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush), the captain of the Black Pearl.

Bloom’s comic ability rarely matches Depp’s, and so Depp steals nearly every scene they shared.

Much of Depp’s appeal is in his delivery and his mannerisms. His sharp wit makes the simplest lines entertaining.

However, Bloom and Depp’s duel at the beginning of the movie is one of the best scenes. The two actors match wits in this scene, which features complicated sword-fighting sequences.

Bloom and Knightley play off each other well. There is great tension and chemistry between them.

Knightley holds her own against the mostly-male cast.

Barbossa’s pirates are over-the-top in a good way. They are funny and menacing at the same time.

Because of a curse, the pirates turn into skeletons in moonlight. The special effects are not amazing, but they serve their purpose.

Rush gives an amazing performance. He makes Capt. Barbossa interesting and his actions believable, unlike some minor characters.

The films’ costumes are extraordinary. Each of the pirates look as if they have stepped out of a storybook. The attention to detail with Depp’s hair and makeup and Knightley’s dresses is remarkable.

Rating: 4 Stars