Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Mans Chest

By Larry Anklewicz

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

The original Pirates of the Caribbean was a big hit, therefore plans moved forward to produce a sequel--Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Mans Chest. Everyone thought that the sequel would be successful, but this new film has already exceeded all expectations. It enjoyed the biggest opening weekend in film history and it passed the $200 million mark within 8 days of its release.

Is it that good a film?

No, it isnt! The first film was markedly better, but that doesnt really matter. So many people liked the original and millions more jumped onto the bandwagon after the first film hit the video stores that everyone was anxious for more of the same when the sequel arrived at the theatres.

And that is exactly what they got, although the first film was more original and more exciting. While the second film seems sillier and more forced than the first, it has amazing special effects, lots of laughs and great action scenes. As a result, people seem to love it.

Johnny Depp reprises his role as Captain Jack, although he seems more effeminate in this film and his mannerisms are a bit more difficult to take.

In this episode, (there will be a further chapter in the series) Captain Jack must outwit Davy Jones and has to reunite the two lovers--Will Turner and Elizabeth Swan. To do this, Jack must survive being roasted on a spit and must out duel and outfight Davy Jones and Lord Cutler Beckett.

Its a glorious ride with pirates and sea battles galore. Its always fun and 2 1/2 hours of great adventure as it has already powered its way through North American theatres to become the most popular film of the year.

Starring: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightly, Jack Davenport, Jonathan Pryce, Stellan Skargard.

You, Me and Dupree

Im sure a lot of readers have seen the trailer for You, Me and Dupree that played in theatres for months before the film opened up.

Thankfully, the trailers were not really representative of the film. The movie is much better and more enjoyable than the trailer indicated.

I went to see the film with some trepidation. I was afraid that the film would be a silly little comedy. It is silly, but it contained some interesting moments. And it was very funny. So what more can you ask from a summer comedy?

The story centres around Dupree, whose best friend, Carl, has just gotten married. Dupree is a bit of a free spirit. He loses his job and his living quarters and moves into Carls house, temporarily.

As with many temporary moves, this one lasts longer than anyone anticipated. At first, Duprees lifestyle clashes with that of Carl and Carls new bride. Dupree becomes a major irritant to the newlyweds, but eventually, his sweet spirit and good intentions emerge and he wins the newly married couple over.

Owen Wilson is the best thing in this film. His charm and sense of humour are always a delight. And Michael Douglas is great as the business tycoon father-in-law who doesnt want to lose his daughter and tries to undermine Carl.

So if youre looking for a light hearted easy going movie, this one is worth a look.

Starring: Owen Wilson, Kate Hudson, Matt Dillon, Michael Douglas.

Recent DVDs

Dr. Lucille: The Lucille Teasdale Story

Drama made for Canadian television and based on the life of Dr. Lucille Teasdale, who died of AIDS ten years ago.

This story covers some three decades of Dr. Teasdales life--from the time she became one of Canadas first female surgeons, to Uganda where she spent 30 years transforming a missionary clinic into a modern 500-bed hospital.

The film won 5 Gemini Awards in 2000 and $2.00 from the sale of every DVD goes to the Lucille Teasdale and Pietro Corti Foundation.

Starring: Marina Orsini, Massimo Ghini, Louis Gossett Jr.

Protocols of Zion

After 9/11, film director Marc Levin was surprised to find many people blaming the Jews for the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. As a result, Levin began tracking the rumours and stories and eventually wound up in the stronghold of Aryan skinheads and Holocaust deniers, who still peddle the lies found in the discredited book, The Protocols of the Elders of Zion.

This is a chilling documentary of the blood libel that seems to have survived despite the fact that it has been proven utterly false.

Border Street

This Polish black and white film produced in 1948 still stands out as one of the classic films about the Holocaust. Border Street recreates the circumstances facing a certain neighbourhood in Warsaw after the Nazis occupied the city and began the systematic destruction of the Jewish community. It includes dramatic scenes of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising and was one of the first films to depict events of that era.

Aleksander Ford directed a riveting and compelling drama that until now has been difficult to obtain.

Little Jerusalem (La Petite Jerusalem)

One of the hits of the 2006 Toronto Jewish Film Festival, this French drama is set in the Paris suburb of Sarcelles, known as Little Jerusalem. A large number of Jews live in this area of the city and the film focuses on 18-year old Laura, who is torn between her orthodox religious upbringing and her studies in philosophy. Luara falls in love with an Arab man and is confronted with a number of challenging decisions.