Sure, the plot isn't deep, and some of the acting is hammy, but that's what this sort of film is all about.
A film caught on the cusp of the end of the old way of making films (no green-screen or digital explosions) which I think adds to its charm and nostalgia. There are call backs to techniques dating back many decades, such as use of miniatures, rear projection (or something like it) and films from the previous decade using massive pyrotechnics and real stunt people in jeopardy of a mistimed detonation, as well as physical action and comedic stunts from the silent era. I think this film is a fine homage to the long history of Hollywood swashbucklers; and a worthy, if not wholly superior, predecessor to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise
It has all the classic pirate adventure tropes; treasure map(s), rivals, betrayal, romance and sword fights (whether in the rigging or not). Geena Davis makes a refreshing change as a savvy pirate leader, and Matthew Modine delivers some great deadpan comedic lines ("Thank you but I've seen one before" etc.). The supporting cast all do a great job too. In addition the real locations (mainly Malta and Thailand) were beautifully shot, as were the action sequences, and some of the stunts would not be out of place in a Bond film of the same period. Great Fun!
It runs a tad too long, but I found it enjoyable nonetheless, and suitable for a broad range of ages.
A film caught on the cusp of the end of the old way of making films (no green-screen or digital explosions) which I think adds to its charm and nostalgia. There are call backs to techniques dating back many decades, such as use of miniatures, rear projection (or something like it) and films from the previous decade using massive pyrotechnics and real stunt people in jeopardy of a mistimed detonation, as well as physical action and comedic stunts from the silent era. I think this film is a fine homage to the long history of Hollywood swashbucklers; and a worthy, if not wholly superior, predecessor to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise
It has all the classic pirate adventure tropes; treasure map(s), rivals, betrayal, romance and sword fights (whether in the rigging or not). Geena Davis makes a refreshing change as a savvy pirate leader, and Matthew Modine delivers some great deadpan comedic lines ("Thank you but I've seen one before" etc.). The supporting cast all do a great job too. In addition the real locations (mainly Malta and Thailand) were beautifully shot, as were the action sequences, and some of the stunts would not be out of place in a Bond film of the same period. Great Fun!
It runs a tad too long, but I found it enjoyable nonetheless, and suitable for a broad range of ages.