LOST COASTER: "DEAD MEN" ENLIVENS

Saturday, May 27, 2017

"DEAD MEN" ENLIVENS

          The fifth entry in the franchise is one of the best.
          Upshot: To escape the dead Capt. Salazar (Bardem) and his ghostly crew, Capt. Jack Sparrow (Depp) must find the Trident of Poseidon.
          Meanwhile, a young woman named Corina Smyth (Scodelario), called a witch for her knowledge of astronomy, crosses paths with one Henry Turner (Thwaites), spawn of Elizabeth Swann and Will Turner, two of the main characters in the first three entries of the franchise.
          The first one remains unsurpassed. The trick has always been to try to match its magic, and it's never worked. But, even so, even without reaching the quality of the first one because of having too many magical seafaring things all over the place and being too self-aware, all of the four sequels are still more entertaining than the average release.
          Somehow the construct of a POTC movie requires, among other things, huge, strange machinery moving dangerously about with characters fighting each other in and around the apparatus. One of the films has a waterwheel rolling down the world's longest hill with guys trying to fight while having to run like hamsters. This one has that sort of thing, roughly. And it does feel self-aware, but then certain things always have to happen in a James Bond movie, and those always work.
          Bardem, who's been a Bond villain, makes a great villain here. The special effects--no point giving anything away, just needs to be seen--are in keeping with the brand and bring a nice touch for being visually appealing and original. In life, Salazar chased down pirates. But a young Jack Sparrow tricked him and created a monster...
          No, the story isn't as strong as one might hope. But Dead Men Tell No Tales does have laughs and lots of action with great characters and splashy production quality. Plus it ties up a lot of loose ends.
          Great way to kick off the summer.

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN:
DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES
Starring Johnny Depp,
Javier Bardem,
Geoffrey Rush,
Brenton Thwaites,
Kaya Scodelario,
Kevin McNally,
David Wenham
Directed by Joachim Ronning, Espen Sandberg
Written by Jeff Nathanson, Terry Rossio, Ted Elliott,
Stuart Beattie, Jay Wolpert
Runtime 129 minutes
Rated PG-13

Stewart Kirby writes for

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Terry LaBarba's Review of DRIFTING ROOM

STORYTELLING THAT'S WILDLY POETIC

The story takes place in the small town of Madrani in the redwood forest. There were strange things going on that kept me engaged, the reason partly being due to the interesting narration and the main character’s voice. It reminded me of the descriptive ramblings of Arlo Guthrie doing "Alice’s Restaurant," only with higher octane.
It’s a casual read and then again it isn’t. The eventful but not overly complex story uses descriptive word groupings that, in itself, entertains. You will want to take your time and let the verbal constructs take hold. There were “caves of problematical intricacy,” and a trek through the forest mentioned trees with “boughs outstretched like gem-laden supplicants bearing offerings before the ancient giants.” Truly poetic.
When I read this mastery of words, I had to wonder if it easily flows to the author or does he take the time to labor over the most creative way to put together a concept or description? Stewart Kirby’s literary work comes across as play, seeming natural, yet brilliant. As far as being creative, the funny but creepy little twitching doll in this book is a good example. The names of the local businesses in this town were a hoot. There was also some twisted humor when one character builds the perfect, dirty sandwich (with not so nice intentions). It had me laughing out loud as the deed progressed.
The plot moved forward without a dull moment. I’m looking forward to the next book of “uncanny tales of the redwoods in the hugely Hippie haven of Humbaba County,” as Kirby calls them. I suspect it is just as campy, witty and fun as this one.