Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales

     While critics have lambasted Captain Jack Sparrow and his new assortment of frenemies in this fifth installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, I have to call 'em out since I disagree with them. Granted it's not as good as the first POC was (what sequel is?) That doesn't mean it's unwatchable.
     The film is obviously going for a younger vibe with the introduction of Aussie actor, Brenton Thwaites -- you'll remember him as Prince Phillip from Maleficent and British actress Kaya Scodelario  -- you'll recall that she played Teresa Agnes in the Maze Runner films. She's returning to that role in 2018.
    There are a few cameos of well-established characters from the other films that round out the sizable cast which make it more memorable for fans of the franchise and I willingly admit to being one.
    The action is a little choppy in the beginning of the film as the background for Henry Turner (Thwaites) and the driving need to save his father is established.  It picks up shortly after that scene in the credits from At World's End.  That's all settled long before act two arrives and the true hunt for Poseidon's Trident gets underway in earnest.
     Carina (Scodelario) brings a stubborn, intelligent woman to the cast. Every good story needs one of those. She's not a pirate. When she and Henry discover that they share a similar childhood hardship, instant chemistry abounds.
     The script offers glimpses of Jack's backstory and a little more of Captain Barbossa's past. It's nice to see that he's not quite as horrid as he was in some of the other films.
     I won't go into Captain Salazar's role too much as I don't wish to spoil the show. The ending was predictable but very satisfying. People were actually clapping in the theater when I saw it.  So whether critics poo-poo it or not the rest of us were pleased. Not only by this film but the prospect of two more to come. In the words of Captain Jack Sparrow: "Drink up, me hearties, yo ho!"