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SALT LAKE CITY -- One of the most lucrative movie franchises of all time is about to launch its fourth installment and a majority of critics say the series isn't sinking, but sunk.
The first three "Pirates of the Caribbean" films have grossed over one billion dollars nationwide and nearly three billion worldwide. With the last film pulling in almost a billion by itself worldwide it was inevitable Disney would set sail again with Captain Jack Sparrow. But according to critics the famed production company should have kept the pirate ship docked.
Rotten Tomatoes.com has the film listed at 38-percent out of a possible 100. In other words, not good. That rating comes from the number of good critic reviews as opposed to bad. When it comes to critics feelings about "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" it's no real surprise they're saying it's awful. The two previous films received ratings of 45-percent and 54-percent. The first film received a favorable rating of 78-percent, far and away the best rating of the series.
Some of the words critics have used to describe the newest film include: "disaster", "stinker", "joyless", "mediocre", "slow" and "just terrible."
There are some positive reviews, like this one from Ricky Brigante of Inside the Magic.net, "As the fourth installment in the series, "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" brings adventure back to the big screen. With a smaller budget and cast, its tight-knit story, more subtle humor, and focus on its biggest stars delivers a movie that will entertain and amuse those who have stuck with the "Pirates" series despite a few bumps along the way."
But those positive reviews from critics are few and far between, but enough with the critics, what do movie goers like you and me think?
I think critics have great insights sometimes, but something we should keep in mind is that reviewing and criticizing movies is their job, not their hobby, like it is for most of us. So, what do people who want to see the movie just to be entertained for a couple of hours think?
The comment boards on IMDB.com for the film have been lit up with users who saw the film and the great majority loved it. As opposed to the critics, movie goers are using words like "swashbuckling adventure", "brilliant", and "best of the series" to describe the picture.
On Moviefone.com the viewer score is at a 99-percent based on 456 votes. Not too shabby.
It's time to turn it to all of you. Let's get the discussion going. Why should people see this movie? Why should they stay away? Why will you avoid it at all costs? Why are you going to see it at midnight dressed up like Captain Jack himself? I want to hear it all.
Weigh in on our comment boards and continue the conversation on Facebook and tell us what you think Pirates has to offer. If you've already seen the film, great, let us know what you thought.
The biggest movie of the summer is about to hit theaters and we want to know if we should be there or just stay at home and keep $8.50 in our pockets.
E-mail: jclyde@ksl.com
