Release Date: October 18, 2011
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 136 minutes

From Disney and producer Jerry Bruckheimer comes all the fun, epic adventure and humor that ignited the original. Johnny Depp returns as Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. A tale of truth, betrayal, youth, demise — and mermaids! When Jack crosses paths with a woman from his past (Penélope Cruz), he’s not sure if it’s love or if she’s a ruthless con artist using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. Forced aboard the ship of the most feared pirate ever, Jack doesn’t know who to fear more —Blackbeard (Ian McShane) or the woman from his past. Directed by Rob Marshall, it’s filled with eye-popping battle scenes, mystery and all-out wit.

The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is one that will never be forgotten. It is a staple not just in movie history but in American Popular Culture. I personally enjoyed the first film the most, enjoyed the second film, and did not see a need for a third or fourth… especially with the fourth not including Orlando Bloom or Keira Knightley. But Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides was more engaging than I anticipated it to be… at least for the first hour and a half. Then my interest started to die down. And just like that, the magic was gone. No more caring about the journey to finding the Fountain of Youth. The addition of Penelope Cruz among others was smart and the paths of these characters are thrilling enough and natural enough in this setting to connect and care about what happens to them next. Although that can be debated when it comes to the mermaids.

Though while Cruz and others bring life back into a franchise that was tiring itself out, it has already gotten to the point of being pointless. The exhilaration that we all felt in the first film, the charm and the magic that was there, it’s just doesn’t last here. There is no shortage of action or the comedy that we all love from this franchise. But the time for Pirates has come and gone. Even the elaborate sets and mesmerizing landscapes cannot keep me enthralled. Maybe if there was more light to keep the viewers awake for the entire film. Renting this film via Redbox is fine but buying this if you’re not a hardcore Pirates fan… well, just think about it. There aren’t many bonus features on the Blu-Ray or DVD so there’s also that to consider.

DVD Bonus Features:
Bloopers of the Caribbean (3:29 minutes) – The cast members have quite the laughs on the set of Pirates, be it because of prop issues or hats falling off in the middle of a scene… there’s a lot to love about the bloopers… if only there were more.

LEGO Animated Shorts: Captain Jack’s Brick Tales (Approximately 5 minutes) – LEGO presents five animated shorts that fans especially of animated shorts and fans wanting as much Pirates as they can get will appreciate.

Blu-Ray Bonus Features:
DVD Bonus Features plus…
* Audio Commentary by director Rob Marshall
* Disney Second Screen

Own Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides on Blu-Ray and DVD today.