AWE: A Horse of a Different Color

[dwgm]

... and then again, not. Pictures from the El Capitan, and my thoughts on AWE.



Went to see AWE twice so far. The first time was at the midnight show at the El Capitan with niece gingersnapps, daughter ladymora, son-in-law dr_mrow, friends elissali, drk_prncss, nelsonium, and the squeeful hippediva and smutcutter. Parked at the conveniently located Kodak Theater Plaza and ate five or six stories up at Koji's (mmmm... shabu shabu!!), then walked across the street to the soda fountain and gift shop next to the El Capitan where all manner of piratey gewgaws were available for purchase. As I was wearing my "Royalty" Disney shirt, I purchased a necklace made of pink and silver bling to go with my tiny pink and silver crown earrings. ladymora was wearing her SCA cavalier hat, rather similar to Will's at the end of CotBP, and elissali had a very piratey outfit of breeches, shirt, and tricorn . We noted many other pirate costumes as we went into the theater, took our seats, and watched the place fill up. Our seats were great -- first row balcony -- though knee room is a little scarce in that aisle. But I barely noticed that with everything going on pre-movie: organist playing Disney tunes, decorations enhancing the already gorgeous theater, prizes being given away (nelsonium got a great hat), and stars Reggie Lee (Tai Huang) and Martin Klebba (Marty) to introduce the show. And then the film began rolling and that was it, I was completely lost in pirateland.

I loved the whole thing.

Here we shall pause a moment and enjoy the pix gingersnapps took at the El Capitan...















































































































Now, AWE is not without flaws (though not so many as were in DMC, it seemed to me), but I had heard such varying reports that I had made up my mind to just go along for the ride and it worked for me, completely, from beginning to end. I don't know if it would work for everyone --well, obviously not, it's had LOTS of criticism from fans whose expectations weren't met, and from professional critics who probably barely remember the plots of the first two movies, and I think that familiarity is essential. The plot is complicated, and like the first two movies, really requires multiple viewings to catch everything. Also like the first two movies, there were rather essential scenes and lines left on the cutting room floor. I know this about AWE because I was sent a copy of the 165 page shooting script back in February, and this is essentially the same movie that's in that script. There have been alterations, sure, what with improvisation, slight rewordings, and the work of the editors, but it's the same script. So I went into the movie not only knowing the first two intimately, but the third as well, in essentials, so I was able to pay attention to detail and nuances of the performances, and not be distracted worrying about who was going to die and who was going to end up where at the end. Just the way I like it. (I read the ends of books, too.)

As I said, to my great surprise I loved it all -- EVEN THE "BAD" ENDING WE WERE ALL DREADING!!! I came out of the theater with this huge sense of elation, grinning from ear to ear, and it seemed that my family, friends, and the rest of the audience were with me on that.

Then I got home and started reading reviews from everyone else on LJ, and some professional critics as well. Slept (from 5 A.M. to 11:30) and then started in again, vastly interested in everyone's opinions. A lot of people loved it, but a lot of people didn't, people I respect, and I started thinking maybe it was the whole El Capitan Pirate!Party experience that made it so wonderful for me, and I wouldn't feel the same way the next time, in another theater filled with a less enthusiastic audience. So I decided to go see it again, at 10:30 this morning, at our city's #2 and usually much less crowded theater. It was MUCH less crowded -- probably less than 25 people in the place -- and we sat toward the front and had no one around us (gingersnapps kindly went with me again).

And you know what? It still worked. To my delight, AWE enthralled me from beginning to end.



So on to my thoughts, which got very long, and in which superlatives are repeated far too often.



The hangings: a pretty intense scene to start a Disney movie with, but it gives you the message that this is about more than just boy longs for and wants to rescue girl who loves pirates. It's about freedom vs. tyranny, the pirates representing freedom and the EITC under the poisonous Cutler Beckett representing tyranny. Never mind about the details, the nuances of history that this premise skewers. Just go along with it. Freedom/Pirates = Good. EITC /Beckett and Co. = Bad. The little kid is the last we see on the block (and no, it's not the same kid as at the end of the movie, look at the cast list on Yahoo), and starts the song -- Hoist the Colours -- which is picked up by the rest of the doomed souls. This, Beckett knows, is the beginning, the song that will draw all the brethren together eventually so that he can crush them with his fleet of EITC and Royal Navy ships, and with the help of Davy Jones. It's a grim tune, but it grows on you, and Zimmer uses it effectively in several instances in the movie.

Then Singapore. Loved it. Elizabeth singing, Barbossa (and I am completely won over by him, he's twice the character he was in CotBP, just fantastic work by Rush) coming to her support, E. holding a knife to Tai Huang's throat and looking coolly murderous, the steamy, horrid decadence of the bathhouse, Elizabeth armed to the teeth and having to strip to that short robe because of it --Pirate!. Gibbs, Pintel, Ragetti, and Marty getting in under the bathhouse like this is some 18th century spy flick, Ragetti peeking up at Elizabeth from underneath, Pintel wanting some too and getting a gnarly Chinese guy instead. I liked Sao Feng except a) he was very hard to understand and b) didn't like the attempted rape of Elizabeth later on, but otherwise, yeah, how can you not like Chow Yun-Fat. The ladies who accompanied him were stunning -- I liked their giggle at Jack's name, and am wondering what's behind that and Sao's remark about Jack offering him great insult, there has to be a great fic there. The swords coming up through the floor; Gibbs firing those pistols (very hawt ); Marty getting blown back by the recoil of that small cannon; the monkey (the little hat!!!!!!) and the parrot working together to blow things up. The set, the music. It was all great.

Then Norrington, getting his sword back and looking like he's having very mixed emotions. Our dear friend firesignwriter, one of the first and arguably the best of the Sparrington writers, pointed out that The character that Norrington was established to be (by canon and especially by fanon) wasn't one who could get away with selfishness. It was always the tragic, unfair thing about him: that he, having such firm conceptions about Right and Duty and Service, almost couldn't be allowed to act solely for his own interests. He did it once [when he gave Beckett the heart of Davy Jones], and everything that was built upon that act -- reinstatement, promotion, his "old life" resumed with the illusion of once-real honor -- had to fall, because its foundation was made of something abhorrent to him. Poor James. Certainly, it can go other ways for him in fanfiction (I so adore penknife's take on him in Proper Pirates) but in the movie it worked the way it was meant to. I rather cringed when Elizabeth was so abrupt and accusing with him, but she saw that he meant to make it up, and I think James' death added to her score against Beckett. She was very much distressed by James' death -- there's another good fic waiting to be written.

A side note: as one reviewer on LJ said, what's with E.'s Kiss of Death, anyway? Jack, Sao Feng, Norrington, and Will: kiss Elizabeth and kiss your ass goodbye. That would be a good question for TnT: was that the plan? Although Norrington's kiss wasn't in the script, so maybe not? Maybe that's why she's the perfect mate for Will? That's a horrid thought, but it just really hit me when I saw the movie.

Davy Jones, playing his organ, heartbroken AND under Beckett's thumb. Davy is a bad guy, but I really felt for him in AWE, particularly in that first scene, and especially when he visits Tia Dalma in the Pearl's brig later -- one of the most effecting scenes in the movie. Bill Nighy and Naomie Harris were both outstanding, and Nighy's CGI makeup was even more amazing in AWE than in DMC -- it's great when he gets agitated and his tentacles writhe accordingly. And here's what virgo_79 said about Davy vs. Mercer later in the flick: High on the list of Jaw-Droppers That Had Me Squeeing In Delight is the fabulously brutal and horrifying end of our dear Mr. Mercer. Let me clean my glasses and take a second look, children, because that guy just got skull fucked to death in a Disney movie. I wanted that character to die horribly, and Santa brought Virgo that present. Holy hell on a Harley, I still can't believe I saw that. That was the best facial-related violence since Beatrix plucked out Elle's eye in Kill Bill. Enough said. ;)

The journey to World's End was (as has been noted in various professional reviews) Gilliamesque. Poor monkey, shivering, and Tia Dalma emphasizing that Jack is in a place not of death but of punishment -- a prelude to what's coming. The breaking off of the toe was designed to appeal to all the ten year old boys (of all ages) in the audience. The arctic sets were amazingly impressive, and then the starry one, the sea like glass and then the waterfall and all the callbacks from the ride, from Barbossa and otherwise. Loved all that. Great stuff.

Then The Nose: so shapely, and so close you can count every pore, LOL! And so appropriate an intro to Captain Jack in Hell. Here's where the multiple Jacks start appearing, the good Captain's personality split into a hundred shards. Depp must have had huge fun doing this, and that scene alone is worth seeing the movie more than once. There are many reviewers who didn't like the way this device was repeated throughout the movie, but I personally loved it. I thought it did what it needed to do, emphasizing the increased madness brought on by his stint in the Locker, and the strength of his internal debate. And for this opener, one can hardly argue with the attraction of a shirtless and exotically tattooed Jack. ;) Soon most of the Jacks fade away and we see what his Hell is really like: him and the Pearl on the Great Salt Lake. No wind, no water, no one else. Feasting on half a peanut (if apples are featured in the other films, it's peanuts in this one, at least three times (and Barbossa talking baby talk to the monkey was hilarious!)). Trying to haul the Pearl along and failing miserably. But then it's Tia Dalma's crabs to the rescue (really liked them scurrying under her skirt). That's a worthy entrance for Jack, riding atop the Pearl's yards as she "sails" over the sand and into the water. Jack thinks he's hallucinating, until Elizabeth finally convinces him otherwise, and then he's none too pleased to see them, or so he says. Elizabeth's betrayal is revealed to the others in this scene and it's obvious Jack's not going to forgive her easily. He's a changed man, in some ways; submissive Jack was run through back there, and good Jack has been shoved firmly aside.

But when they're on their way back and come across Governor Swann in a little boat headed toward the afterlife, Jack's sympathy is evident when he tells Elizabeth (in so many words) that her father is dead. When she fails to rescue her father and tries to leave the ship to go after him, Will and some other's go to stop her, but Jack stands there, quite still, which is as it should be. He's been deeply hurt by her betrayal, has been through Hell, quite literally, and back. She's Will's girl, not Jack's, and that fact, combined with his feelings about being left for Kraken-bait, make it quite understandable that there would be little interaction between them for a lot of the movie. Yet the signs are there.

There are quite a few J/E lines that got cut from the script, and maybe we'll see some of that in deleted scenes on the DVD. But I think the movie did a good job showing Jack's mixed feelings toward Elizabeth, too serious now for banter and flirtation. He's angry, and yet he reluctantly respects her and cares for her, too. By the end, when he rescues her from the Dutchman and the sight of her beloved's heart being cut out, he's easier with it. But she's Will's, and though he's sad at their parting at the end, that's how it must be, for that time at least. Elizabeth is still Captain of the Empress, she's still the Pirate King, and she's the consort of the new Captain of the Dutchman. She'll be all right, and it's time for him to bow out. And besides, there's still immortality to pursue.

That's a lot of his motivation in AWE. He never wants to end up in the locker again, so CotFD sounds pretty good. That's fine with Will, who wants to save his father AND have Elizabeth to wife, so their plans coincide. By the time the parlay comes, Elizabeth has set aside her doubts, realizes Jack wants to be sent over to the Dutchman, into the hands of his enemies, and that all these betrayals and double-crosses are leading to the same desireable end. It's a fascinating story, and TnT are to be commended for tying up most of the loose ends, even if a few got left on the cutting room floor. I want the DVD and LOTS of deleted scenes, NOW!! (But I guess we'll have to wait until December 4th. My calendar is marked).

Other great stuff: The Brethren Court, and Keith Richards. ADORED ALL OF IT!! The multinational court, Richards' weighty presence (the cheers at the El Capitan! Everybody loved Keef, and remember how scared we were that it would come out badly. We were sooo wrong!) -- and Jack's startled reaction to same, and obvious respect for his father. The pirate clerks carrying The Code; Ragetti's eye being one of the nine pieces of eight. The dog with the keys -- "Sea turtles, mate." Keef's guitar playing. It's all too too perfect. And Jack supporting Elizabeth. They exchange a Look there. There's that scene from the trailer that they left out of the movie: "Will you never forgive me?" and Jack replied, "No!" -- a double negative, as I've pointed out before. He will, though maybe not completely, or right away, but he respects her.

The final battle is spectacular as advertised, and so well-edited, I thought. Very very well done. The hoisting of the colors was stirring both times I saw it -- great scene! LOVE Jack's battle with Jones. LOVE the wedding in the midst of the battle, and then Will, seeing Jack in trouble, going straight over to help. LOVE Murtogg and Mullroy -- so funny! Loved the chest landing on that crab-headed guy (Palifico?). Barbossa was magnificent throughout. Love all the swinging from ship to ship on the ropes. It was crazy and fast moving and fascinating to watch.

And then there was Will, and his touch of destiny. It was still a shock seeing Jones skewer him with the beautiful sword he'd wrought so long ago for Norrington, even though I knew it was coming. So sad and tragic. Will grew so much over the course of these movies, and I really love the character. But once more Jack must reluctantly but unquestionably be the good man, because that's who Jack is when it comes down to brass tacks.

Will and Elizabeth on the beach (so that was a love scene they were filming on Molokai!) was sweet and hot. And their goodbye could not have been more affecting. Beautifully done.

TnT have said on Wordplayer that it was supposed to be made clear that the curse would be broken if Elizabeth was waiting after ten years, but that's not in the movie at all -- in fact it's emphasized in the movie that the CotFD is forever, with a day on land every ten years if someone true is waiting. So it depends on what you think is canon. But it's not in the script I have either. But one can do most anything in fanfiction, of course.

I've probably left out a lot of stuff, but I can always post more thoughts later. But one more thing: Jack's end. I have NO doubt he'll get the Pearl back, and that the crew will be happy to see him, but meanwhile I think Barbossa will take good care of it while Jack continues his quest for immortality.

Comments

[ninjanao.livejournal.com]

very nice pics from a fellow nut who was up in the balcony for the same show. I hated that red lighting they had on Sao Feng and Lizzie armor costumes.

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

Seeing it at the El Capitan among a whole theater full of PotC fans was sooooo much fun! Well worth the money for the reserved seats, too.

Forgot to mention that we saw corrielle and her friends as we were leaving after the show -- they'd been there all day, for the marathon, and then stayed for the midnight show too! And Jack Davenport was there earlier, during the marathon. So so cool.

[pseudoblu.livejournal.com]

Wow, they decorated that place nicely. I'm glad it wasn't just the awesome decor that made you like the movie though. ;)

One thing: didn't Elizabeth pass on the role of captain to Tai Huang? I want to say it was when Norrington freed them from the brig. I realized that when she used the Pearl as the flagship because had she not passed it on she really should have been with her crew on the Empress.

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

The El Capitan is a gorgeous theater, and they do a great job decorating.

didn't Elizabeth pass on the role of captain to Tai Huang? I want to say it was when Norrington freed them from the brig. I realized that when she used the Pearl as the flagship because had she not passed it on she really should have been with her crew on the Empress.

There's nothing about her passing on the captaincy to Tai Huang, and she was introduced as Captain Swann at the Brethren Court, which was after they escaped with Norrington's help. As the Pirate King I assume she'd sail on the flagship of the pirate fleet, which was the Black Pearl, but I believe the Empress was still her ship at the end.

[tephroliah.livejournal.com]

Fantastic review. I'll need to see the movie a few more times before I can come up with anything half this comprehensive. I loved it, too. Start to finish, through and through, maybe even as much as I loved the first one. I was startled to hear that there was such an outcry from the fandom... I felt sure everyone would love it as much as I did. Poor TnT. Can't please everyone, I guess. :{

TnT have said on Wordplayer that it was supposed to be made clear that the curse would be broken if Elizabeth was waiting after ten years..

What?? I hadn't heard that at all, and it would have made the ending much less bitter and more sweet had that been mentioned in the movie. I stumbled across a copy of the script, too, but I never read it (I'd rather die than read the end of a book first XD), so maybe I'll have to dig that up and get a better sense of what was left out of the movie.

Interesting point about the "Kiss of Death".... I hadn't thought of that, but it makes me laugh. Which.. maybe makes me a bad person? On that same line, the level of gore and violence in this movie was... shocking. I mean.... Disney? But it was effective, and I think I secretly loved it a little bit.

People need to give Norry more credit.'Nuff said.

I have no idea what I'm going on about. I just stumbled across your post, and now I'm leaving novel-length comments.... I should probably go to bed. Thanks for this, though! There aren't enough good in-depth reviews of this movie out there, yet.

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you enjoyed my review -- it was a little long, but there's just so much to that movie! Just like with the other two, it takes several viewings to catch everything.

People need to give Norry more credit.'Nuff said.

Norrington's death bothered me ever since I found out about it, months ago. There needs to be canon based fic in which Will fetches him back, because he's too too good to let go.

[captaintish]

So good to see your thoughts up here. I'm so glad you liked it! What you said about after seeing the movie and liking it and then reading people's posts and doubting your own first reaction -- that's what happened to me with DMC. And man, the El Capitan sounds like it was so much fun -- I saw a bit about it on the news. I went to the 10 a.m. showing at a local theater and it was packed, and I think the audience enjoyed the movie, but they weren't as enthusiastic as I would have liked.

I like your observations about how upset Jack was with Elizabeth's betrayal, but that he acted nicely toward her as the movie progressed. You should write a fic about that.

I HOPE there are deleted scenes on the DVD! There weren't any for DMC, were there? I want those too!

I loved the ending of the movie -- yes, Jack absolutely will get his Pearl back, no doubt about it. :)

I posted most of my thoughts about the movie at my LJ. come on over, and comment!

Oh, and I'm glad you posted pics, (although I'll be seeing it for myself in a month) did you go to Disneyland for the Red Carpet thing, and do you have pics of that?

See ya!

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

I'll have to go read your review.

the El Capitan sounds like it was so much fun -- I saw a bit about it on the news. I went to the 10 a.m. showing at a local theater and it was packed, and I think the audience enjoyed the movie, but they weren't as enthusiastic as I would have liked.

It was GREAT being among all those pirate fans, in the heart of Disney, Hollywood. Well worth the money we paid for the reserved seats.

I did go to the red carpet premier, and I have LOTS of pix to post. Have to wait until tomorrow now, though -- too tired!

[torn-eledhwen.livejournal.com]

Glad to see your thoughts, GM, and glad you liked it. I always feel kind of sad when my fellow fans dislike something I love. :(

Pictures are great too - love the organ!

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

The organ player at the El Cap is really REALLY good. So much fun to listen to him before the movie.

I saw that you liked it a lot, and found that very encouraging because there were other people whose opinions I respect very much who really didn't like it at all! I guess we all had our expectations. There were some points that could and should have been left in (Jack's history with Beckett) or added (Elizabeth and Jack having a conversation about that compass, for instance), but all in all I think things were tied up pretty nicely.

[veronica-rich.livejournal.com]

What DMC didn't do for me - this one DID. I am actually close to happy with my fannish stuff again. Thank heavens. *G*

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

Yes. That makes two of us. :)) I liked DMC, but it was a loooong wait for the second half of the movie.

[viva-gloria.livejournal.com]

So pleased to read your (excellent) review, and so very glad you enjoyed it much more than you'd feared! (And thank you for photos -- I've been desperate to get this icon right, it says so much about Jack!)

I really do need to see it again and am sooooo jealous of your El Capitan outing -- maybe if they do make another I'll have to join you. <g>

Still not sure if I liked it as much as the others but there are some sterling lines in there, and I do think that Jack's finally maturing and moving on -- his time in the Locker has changed him all right. Remember those discussions we had of the trailer and script, and how the end seemed to show that nothing'd changed? I think it shows that he has changed: he's no longer prepared to smarm his way into people's affections with lies. (No wonder Scarlett and Giselle are outraged! This is not the Jack they know and profit from ..)

I am really looking forward to the DVD. And, with luck, the directors' cut of all three movies.

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

ICON!! I didn't realize that was a Sparrow in the corner until I posted that picture last night. I thought it was a flame. Though that would be appropriate too, eh? But thats perfect, and I salute you for being the first to make an icon using Jack's colors.

He has changed, the scenes at the end of the battle and his goodbye to Elizabeth made that obvious to me. I think there's a lot of room for sequelish fic there, and I'd really like to read about him getting the Pearl back again, and coming to an accord with Hector. Mmmm... plot bunnies!

It would've been fantastic if you could have come to the El Capitan. We had the best time. Was actually thinking of you, and wishing you could have been there with us -- you would have loved it!

Look for a copy of that Film Fantasy magazine to be coming your way -- I found them at Borders!

[eken95.livejournal.com]

I hate that Will and Elizabeth could only get together every 10 years. And is she suppossed to never have anyone else in her life I wonder? Or was the initial 10 years of love and waiting enough to stop Will from ever becoming fish related?

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

It's a bittersweet ending for sure. But have you read honorat's Playing Truant? There are ways around it!

[poetic-self.livejournal.com]

Ah, thanks a lot for pointing out the beginning.boy/end.boy confusion. That had my brain in knots.

(And for the lyrics thanks, too *grin* _sings_)

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

You're welcome! Yeah, the boy thing was bugging me, too, so I consulted Yahoo and Google and found their names and pix. Actually I paid close attention to that when I saw it yesterday. They look something alike, but I thought they were two different kids and apparently I was right. But I couldn't see their names in the credits! The cast list scrolls by awfully fast-- I'll have to look again.

[labellereine.livejournal.com]

is it wrong that i wanna just....attack the jack sparrow costume?

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

I know! I just wanted to stare and stare, but they were hurrying us along as there were so many people there after the movie. gingersnapps got these pix before the movie, when there was hardly anyone there. She's a smart cookie, that way.

[wapiti-baris.livejournal.com]

Apparently this movie's art deparment worked really hard. Costumes, sets, everything was great to look at. Thank you for the photos. I want have them, hug them, sleep with them to keep them warm at night ^^

And I'm glad to read a positive review for this movie. Especially when it's from you. Even though I'm one of those who left the theatre with a strong bitterness (despite the smile on my face). Mixed emotions, I guess. It was too late for me to not care about so many wrong things in this movie. But when I take the movie as it is, as a fun summer action flick, I think it's an OK movie. I had fun. Too bad I tend to enjoy and forget those movies immediately :( I can not forget about this one, however.

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

I was very surprised I liked it so much, and really have to eat my words about the ending. But fanfic is in order -- Jack needs his Pearl back, and perhaps the curse can be altered or broken? I just really enjoyed all the characters in this. It seemed to me they have grown so much from the first movie. Jack, Elizabeth, Will, Barbossa -- I want to have more stories about all of them. Thank goodness for fanfiction!!

[robes-of-earth.livejournal.com]

NICE PICS! I really do get jealous of all you fans living in America, having access to the REAL costumes (I think I would have wet my pants, since the costumes are as much a character to me than some of the people *coughBootstrapcough* are!) But then I've had my perks living here in Melbourne, so I think it balances out (seeing the Barbossa costume would only be half as nice as meeting the man who goes inside it was).

"Gibbs firing those pistols (very hawt)"

YAR. So had a hot flush that moment, but then I've flushed over Gibbs from the start... *giggle*

Thank you SOOO much for this in-depth review, I've been feeling really let down with the whole thing, though I can't quite peg why beyond not feeling i had enough backstory filled in. Hopefully with the benefit of this post and seeing it again on Tuesday I can come to love it as I do DMC.

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you're planning to see it again. I think, like the others, one needs more than one viewing to absorb everything.

We are all envious of your proximity to the man himself. One of the high points of the red carpet event at Disneyland was seeing Rush walking toward us with the monkey on his shoulder -- talk about mass squeeing! And compassrose7577 got to sit near him and his family that night, during the movie! We were soooo envious.

Lots of room for Barbossa!fic now -- even I may write some. I just loved him in AWE, and I didn't really before, you know.

I really need a Barbossa icon...

[violetflux.livejournal.com]

I saw the premiere at the El Capitan as well... Did you spot TnT in the audience? I was one of the last people in the theater (due to an unfortunate incident with a friend running late with the tickets) and they were hanging out in the lobby. They seemed a bit supprized to be recognized. All the other fans just passed them by without a thought.


Im still so terribly mixed, and that ending still gives me the jitters. But as an experience, and as a closer on a part of my life that I spent in major fandom I have to say - it could have been much worse.

Now - if I could just shake this feeling of disapointment :)

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

Did you spot TnT in the audience? I was one of the last people in the theater (due to an unfortunate incident with a friend running late with the tickets) and they were hanging out in the lobby. They seemed a bit supprized to be recognized.

S**T!!! You're kidding!!! I went into the theater about half an hour before the film started, so no, I didn't see them. BAH! I would have loved to talk to them, too. We saw Terry at the premier, and he was so nice -- and he and Ted have been great answering questions at Wordplay. It's a unique thing, having that kind of interaction with the writers of a movie, as far as I know, anyway.

Now - if I could just shake this feeling of disapointment :)

I truly sympathize, and I know lots of fans feel that way, whether it's the lack of obvious J/E resolution or Norrington's death, or whatever. But I don't think it was possible to please everyone. I felt they did a great job winding things up in a way that was true to the character arcs. But like fabu said in her review, it would have been better spread over three movies. There's a LOT there, and we only get the bare bones of it, really, even at 3 hours. But that's what fanfiction is for. :)

[hereswith.livejournal.com]

Sounds like you had wonderful time! And the pictures are great, thanks for sharing!

I'm glad you loved the movie as much the second time :-) You already know how I feel, but I have read all your thoughts on it and perhaps one day I might see some of these things differently. And yes, as regards Barbossa. He's always been one of my favourite characters and I liked him even more now that we got to see more of him! *hugs*

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

Barbossa is my niece's favorite character, so I knew she'd be ecstatic seeing so much of him in this. And he was magnificent, I have to admit. I liked him as a villain before, but there is so much more to him now, and I did adore his interactions with Jack.

I hope you will grow to like the movie more, but in the meantime there's always A/U, and AWE fill-ins -- I think there is plenty of room for J/E UST in the latter.

*many hugs*

[elessil.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! And thank you for the photos!

Did you hear, supposedly Jack Davenport was at the El Capitan introducing DMC for the triple feature Thursday night.

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

Yes!! corrielle was there and saw him. I'm sorry to have missed the marathon, if only because of that, but the time factor was not going to work out.

Glad you liked the pix -- gingersnapps does a great job with that little camera of hers.

[hendercats.livejournal.com]

*unknots self, marginally*
Do you have any idea how glad I am to see this from you? As first Friday, then yesterday went on and I checked f'list repeatedly, then later began going straight to your journal (fearing f'list would somehow miss reporting a post) and no review, no thoughts, no post, nothing, I worried more and more that they had all managed to fall short of our trust and hopes. If there had still been nothing from you this morning, you'd have found an omg is it that bad??? email when you got up. jenthegypsy, who was about as unspoiled as it's possible to be, went Thursday evening (already knowing hereswith was decidedly unhappy with outcome) and confirmed the Dreaded Ending in the broadest manner, not wanting to spoil me completely unless I asked for specifics, but she was really quite positive and happy with it, overall. Even so, no word from you felt ominous....

Now, knowing I've still more than a day to wait (that's the problem with going to movies with someone who doesn't hold the fandom as top [or even second] priority - must wait on daughter's work schedule and therefore cannot go until tomorrow's first showing *gnashes teeth*), see me crumble, caving in completely as I dive into the details of your post (and you are a darling, giving us spoiler-fence sitters multiple opportunities to hit that back button).

I liked their giggle at Jack's name, and am wondering what's behind that and Sao's remark about Jack offering him great insult, there has to be a great fic there.
*feeds plotbunny and encourages it to nag you*

one can hardly argue with the attraction of a shirtless and exotically tattooed Jack
Oh dear! *prepares to have Cherished Notion completely hosed* Damn. Time to make the Fanon > Canon shirt, is it?

we see what his Hell is really like: him and the Pearl on the Great Salt Lake
So very glad -- and relieved -- to hear this lived up to the promise. This is one scene I've really been looking forward to since the first glimmerings (considering it was inspiration for my only fic set post-DMC, yeah, I guess you could say I've been interested).

There are quite a few J/E lines that got cut from the script, and maybe we'll see some of that in deleted scenes on the DVD.
Would you still be willing to send it along? *makes puppydog eyes*

By the time the parlay comes, Elizabeth has set aside her doubts, realizes Jack wants to be sent over to the Dutchman, into the hands of his enemies, and that all these betrayals and double-crosses are leading to the same desirable end.
Very intricate, tricky maneuvering, sounds like. Would think this alone will be reason for multiple viewings. *makes note to pay particular attention at this point*

The photos are incredible (though Jack's clothing looks surprisingly un-Jackly without JD in it), the globe and the book have certainly captured both my eye and imagination. Thank you for those, and for your detailed and coherent thoughts. *hugs*

Norrie's being dead's gonna put a serious cramp in Sparrington, I'd think. :(

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

So sorry I didn't post anything in my journal -- I should've written "two thumbs up!" at least. I was commenting here and there on other people's reviews, but I really wanted to see it that second time to make sure I wasn't on crack or something at the El Cap.

It really helped me, having read that script, it was quite clear to me what was going on at all points, so I'm very glad I was that spoiled. Keep a sharp eye out for an incoming email. *G*

Jack's clothing looks surprisingly un-Jackly without JD in it

It does! Which just goes to show you what an amazing presence he has.

Norrie's being dead's gonna put a serious cramp in Sparrington, I'd think. :(

Somewhat -- but people don't necessarily stay dead in the world of PotC. And look who's CotFD now! *G*

I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. It's an E-ticket ride, for sure!

xox

[honorat.livejournal.com]

Oooooh! Lovely pictures of the costumes. AWE has my favourite clothes. I'm glad to hear you liked the movie since we have similar tastes. I think the Sparrabeth fandom suffered the most from this movie, but Johnny said Jack basically wants his back to the wall when she or Will is around. He doesn't trust her any more than he does any other pirate. Also Pepe LePew never gets the girl! Johnny just doesn't like playing leading men. Although the UST probably shouldn't have just dissolved like dew on a hot summer's morning. As for the ending, you've already seen my opinion of it. Elizabeth is never going to follow the rules, and in my opinion is a grand piratey captain except when she needs to get to land to see Will on a surface that doesn't go up and down. I can't wait to see it myself.

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

Johnny just doesn't like playing leading men. Although the UST probably shouldn't have just dissolved like dew on a hot summer's morning.

I think you've hit the nail on the head there. I love J/E as much as anyone, but I was really surprised he even went along with that kiss in DMC. But we still have fanfiction, and I think there was enough in the movie to fuel more J/E there, given the right circumstances.

I hope you like the movie as much as I did! And I REALLY hope you'll be able to hang out with us piratey folk a little more and finish up Crossing and Worthy -- and write that young!Elizabeth fic you were talking about way back when. Not too much to ask, is it? *G*

xo

[gelsey.livejournal.com]

I really enjoyed the movie as well. One of my very favourite scenes, which I think was really well done, was that final scene with Beckitt, when he goes down the stairs before the ship finally blows up. So very impressive.

I really wish I could have seen the clip after the credits, but my brother and his quasi-girlfriend pulled me out before it came up.

Do you think they'll ever make another movie? This one was definitely awesome.

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

One of my very favourite scenes, which I think was really well done, was that final scene with Beckitt, when he goes down the stairs before the ship finally blows up. So very impressive.

I forgot to mention that! Yes, that was an amazing scene, just really impressive. Beckett is quite loathsome, but he is certainly a consummate villain, one has to give him that.

Do you think they'll ever make another movie? This one was definitely awesome.

If this one does well, and they can get all the right people together, I expect they might. Sequels have become such a movie staple that anything is possible if the stars are aligned. *G*

[elissali.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad you were so happy with it! I know how much this means to you, and I'm really happy that you've enjoyed it on the second viewing as well!

by far, one of my first impressions after all the craziness of watching the film was "there's a lot of movie in there!" I mean, there was so much interaction between all the characters and so many themes and so on and so forth... I'd imagine it will generate a huge quantity of fanfiction. :) there's a lot to work with there.

it was fun being a part of the viewing experience! thanks for making me a part of it. :)

[elissali.livejournal.com]

oh yeah... and your assessment of the world's end stuff being Gilliamesque? Brilliant. That really captures it, and the part with the stars and the water made me think immediately of Baron Munchausen, which is one of my most beloved movies. :)

[ballincollig.livejournal.com]

This is a great review, GM--thank you for it!

I too had to watch the film twice to let it settle, but to my great relief I loved it (though I wasn't expecting to). And of all the characters, Liz surprised me the most. Elizabeth is, in my opinion, at her best here--strong and sure, and yet also utterly human (I just about fell apart hearing the anguish in her voice in her last scene with Gov Swann).

Also, thanks for posting the pics from the El Cap! I loved seeing your pic of Jack's duds (complete with "Mum"), though his pants continue to screw with my mind--have they changed color from brown to blue and then back again? Jack is taunting me with his pants!

It was great to meet you in RL in Anaheim! I had a wonderful time, and now I've got it bad for California! :D I find myself hoping for a Pirates 4 so we can go through all the premiere madness again! ;)

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

of all the characters, Liz surprised me the most. Elizabeth is, in my opinion, at her best here--strong and sure, and yet also utterly human

She grew so much over the course of the movies, just a really great character. I was sad that Keira wasn't at the premier, but when I think that she's only 22 and has been doing this for years, I can't wonder at it. Hopefully she'll come back and give us more great performances after she takes a breather.

have they changed color from brown to blue and then back again? Jack is taunting me with his pants!

Jack taunts everyone with his pants. *G* And the rest of him, too. It's possible they've changed color, but I don't know -- watching the bts clip on the DMC dvd leads me to believe they are really really careful about that stuff. As for my pic, it's possible the lighting wasn't what it should be to get the colors right.

So happy to hear you enjoyed California!! I'm pretty fond of it myself. It was great meeting you and D., and I'm so glad we got to have dinner together the night before as it was so difficult to socialize at the event itself.

*hugs*

[captaintish]

OOh, yes, director's cut editions! I, too, want to know more about Beckett and Jack, and the whole history with the East India Trading Company!

I also think that the movie sort of leaves thing open for Jack and Lizzie, maybe not that they'll end up together, but I like to think they he'll come visit her and the kid, maybe bring her money and stuff, look after her. I think Will would want him to.

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

I, too, want to know more about Beckett and Jack, and the whole history with the East India Trading Company!

It was disappointing that they left those lines out, but maybe we'll get it on the dvd in the deleted scenes.

I think there is plenty of opportunity for fanfiction to expand on the end of the show, and of course there is always A/U. *G* I did love all the characters so much in this, though.

[sparrows-lass.livejournal.com]

oh, me loves Tia's dress!!!!

[anneh-le-pirate.livejournal.com]

There are quite a few J/E lines that got cut from the script

That's a shame, because that was actually one of my few critiques: while I certainly didn't want a J/E ending, I was disappointed that they didn't futher explain or build on what happened in the second movie between the two of them. And since I'm ever so curious, would you mind very much posting those cut J/E lines for me?

Fantastic review, dear! I'm glad I read it before I go back to see the film again--you touched on so many things that I really want to think and focus on during my next viewing. For instance:

Here's where the multiple Jacks start appearing, the good Captain's personality split into a hundred shards....I thought it did what it needed to do, emphasizing the increased madness brought on by his stint in the Locker, and the strength of his internal debate.

I think I was so over-come with the fact of a ship full of Jacks (some of them shirt-less, no less) filling the screen before me that it didn't occur to me that each Jack represented a portion of the whole's personality; thus the vast internal debate and Ruthless Captain!Jack's violent dominance over the others did not, at first, register. But I think here you've articulated it all quite brilliantly--especially that the "Multiple Jacks" throughout the movie emphasizes Jack's psychological struggle quite effectively--and I agree whole-heartedly.

He's a changed man, in some ways; submissive Jack was run through back there, and good Jack has been shoved firmly aside.

Excellent point. And submissive!Jack is indeed gone--Jack is much more aggressive in this film than the others, and unlike the first and second films he won't be bullied-around this time; not by Jones, nor by Beckett.

But when they're on their way back and come across Governor Swann in a little boat headed toward the afterlife, Jack's sympathy is evident when he tells Elizabeth (in so many words) that her father is dead.....Yet the signs are there.

YES. yes, yes, Yes. And it also occured to me here that Jack genuinely cares for her by the way that he quietly and quite soberly watches her, though doesn't move to help her not only because, like you said, he's deeply hurt by her betrayal, but also because she can't be helped in this instance. There's nothing for him to do but be a shoulder to cry on, and since there's Will for that, and Jack's not the sort of man to easily tolerate or even stick around in the presence of such raw and unchecked emotions anyway, he stands stationary.

But I think the movie did a good job showing Jack's mixed feelings toward Elizabeth, too serious now for banter and flirtation. He's angry, and yet he reluctantly respects her and cares for her, too.

Again, well said.

It was still a shock seeing Jones skewer him with the beautiful sword he'd wrought so long ago for Norrington, even though I knew it was coming. So sad and tragic.

And ironic! That sword changed so many hands during the movie--I was so happy that will ended up with it. A touch of destiny indeed.

But once more Jack must reluctantly but unquestionably be the good man, because that's who Jack is when it comes down to brass tacks.

"Reluctantly but unquestionably be the good man" is Jack to a tee. I about burst with happiness when he snatched up Elizabeth and saved her from the FD's decks, and I can't deny that the little part of me that roots for J/E did an elated little squee there, but what it comes to back to is that Jack has finally forgiven her, and the strength of the friendship between not just Jack and Elizabeth, but Will as well--the three of them--is evident here. Really, that Will and Lizzy are together at all is Jack's doing. His quick thinking saved Will from death; and when Elizabeth was too distraught to save herself, Will incapable at the moment--as well--of saving her since the sword through his heart rather complicated things, it was Jack who took action and ushered her away from danger her yet again.

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

And since I'm ever so curious, would you mind very much posting those cut J/E lines for me?

Emailing you.

it also occured to me here that Jack genuinely cares for her by the way that he quietly and quite soberly watches her, though doesn't move to help her not only because, like you said, he's deeply hurt by her betrayal, but also because she can't be helped in this instance. There's nothing for him to do but be a shoulder to cry on, and since there's Will for that, and Jack's not the sort of man to easily tolerate or even stick around in the presence of such raw and unchecked emotions anyway, he stands stationary.

Yes, I think that was a better choice than him going after her as well as Will which was what was in that latest script.

Then there's the scene in Beckett's office, where Beckett notices that Miss Swann is among those whom Jack wants to keep on the Pearl with him. Beckett has always known there is something up between them.

I about burst with happiness when he snatched up Elizabeth and saved her from the FD's decks, and I can't deny that the little part of me that roots for J/E did an elated little squee there, but what it comes to back to is that Jack has finally forgiven her, and the strength of the friendship between not just Jack and Elizabeth, but Will as well--the three of them--is evident here.

Me too -- I thought the rescue scene was very well done, and liked it even better the second time I saw it. The action is very fast in those battle scenes, but the emotion of the moment is there on the screen.

That final scene between them, the goodbye scene, isn't even in the script and I thought was a wonderful addition.

Glad you enjoyed the review and pix! Thanks for leaving such thoughtful comments. :))

[monimala.livejournal.com]

I caught a smattering of negative reviews before I went to see the film, so I'm glad to come back find this, where you've pretty much hit all the notes of what I loved about it and what critics were probably confused by. You're right, it's a LOT of story from movie 1 and movie 2, and if you weren't paying attention (which most people don't), it won't make much sense. But I voraciously devoured the first two and so aside from some accent issues, I felt like it was a beautifully understandable continuation.

I loved all the character development. The performances were fantastic, notably Bill Nighy and Geoffrey Rush, and that island scene with Will and Elizabeth WAS hot. Holy repression, Folks. Two movies NOT having sex and it's no wonder he knocked her up. And even as a J/E gal at heart, I'm okay with that. I, too, want to see the cut scenes and happy to take the Jack and Elizabeth cues from subtext, from him dragging her off the Dutchman and from their goodbye.

The monkey was probably the running gag I enjoyed the most. When Jack and the parrot shot off that rocket? I died of LOL. I know she must be a bitch for the handlers and for Geoffrey, but she did a great job in this movie with so much more comedic things to do.

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

I caught a smattering of negative reviews before I went to see the film

Me, too -- in fact my poor darling hereswith saw it on the 23rd and reported back that she didn't like it at all! That there was no discernable J/E in it, and the end was just as awful as we were fearing. I was very much dismayed, but then torn_eledhwen, whom I also respect very much, really liked it. So, with all the differing reports, I decided to just go in and have fun watching what was there. I was so thrilled and relieved when the whole thing worked so well for me.

I very much agree with all your comments. And Re: the monkey -- you could've knocked me over with a feather when I saw Rush coming down the red carpet with the monkey on his shoulder at the Disneyland premier -- apparently they've come to an accord over the years. *G*

[the-dala.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the gorgeous pictures! I'm all squeeful and I wasn't even there. And I really liked your thoughts as well. So glad you liked it!

December 4th - really? ::points:: DMC came out in July and the DVD was released in November. And they'd better deliver with the deleted scenes, too, considering we got shafted on the last one.

Might I also make a request for the script?

[geekmama.livejournal.com]

Emailing you! Glad you liked the pix!!