Reviews

All the actors put in fine displays. Yet I thought the script was a bit cheesy, even for this film, and some of the sequences were far too over the top. And Orlando Bloom put in another wooden performance, though I believe his acting was better than other times I have seen him on the big screen.

Jon Depp was great as usual as was Keira Knightly who just gets better and better. The confusing thing for me is who does Elizabeth Swann like? Jack or Will? Because all through the film I couldn't decide.

The action sequences were on the whole very well done, and the humour all the way through the film made it easily watchable.

As pace and action go the film was well directed and when it finishes you'll already be counting down the clock for the third film! And if you wait long enough... right through the closing credits, there's a very short scene at the end just like there was in the first film.

Well done Mr Verbinski because after I had seen 'The Weather Man' I was slightly worried. But you don't need to be. Fans will love it. Just don't go into the film expecting realism. It is fun fantasy adventure! Enjoy!

What a brilliant film. Full of fun, wit and fantastic action with some brains.

I've seen nothing like it.

The script was good. The acting pretty decent, (Hugo Weaving was fantastic) and the choice of music sublime. (You'll be singing a long to the 1812 Overture when it's finished with a smile on your face).

The balance between action, storyline and dialogue was perfect...something the Wachowski brothers failed to do in the last two Matrix films.

First time director James McTeigue did a great job at setting the pace and keeping it going.

Original and stylish it will get my vote every time.

The 'Shadow Dancer' is a very defined and entertaining film. It delivered everything and met my very high expectations, after watching a box of delights flourish in an amazing backdrop of rural Italy. This film is such a light hearted treat it would be a crime if it did not get a worldwide release. The lead characters are awesome and the chemistry between them is a testament not only to their acting but Brad Mirman's script and direction of the movie.

A brilliant Harvey Keitel takes Joshua Jackson under his wing and the two deliver an entertaining insight into the world of writing with sublime performances. Then of course there is the beautiful Claire Forlani who adds sweetness and dexterity to a fabulous cast and story. I would like to see more films written and directed by Brad Mirman for here he has delivered a truly wonderful film that makes you feel alive and wanting to believe again. For this particular genre of film it is up there with the best. If you are a romantic and a dreamer then watch this film.

Once again Mel Gibson has made a real hash of history which doesn't sit well with people who know anything about the subject.

As an action movie the film is okay and I think Heath Ledger is superb. The grand camera shots are fantastic which makes it all the more harder to bear. This is history done wrong. A film that is up there with the worst of them (Braveheart being top of the list) yet something pulled me towards it.

I even bought it when it came out. Perhaps I liked the plot or perhaps I just forgot about history and simply watched an action film.

Even so it is hard for an historian to like it completely. Even more so when one is English.

Anyway the upshot is that as a historical film it flops flat on its face but as an action film it has its moments. Though I doubt I'll ever watch it again. Not after studying the subject further.

The film is saved by some solid performances by Aaron Eckhart and Delroy Lindo. Apart from a predictable plot with SGI that looks more at home in a second rate computer game there are some funny moments between the likable doctors, Dr. Keyes (Eckhart), Dr. Brazzleton (Lindo), Dr. Zimsky (Stanley Tucci) and Dr. Leveque (Tchéky Karyo).

The musical score by Christopher Young is far too over the top and the end is rushed.

Some of the action sequences were so badly done that I had to keep on reminding myself that it was only a disaster movie. It wasn't real. Thank goodness. The scenes just didn't grab you enough and take you along with the ride.

A film I'd recommend if you don't take it too seriously. You'd probably like it if you like the 'end of the world' scenarios made by Hollywood over the years.

I on the other hand prefer something a little more believable.

And anyway why is that the Americans always seem to save the world?