Wow! Disney has outdone themselves with Pirates of the Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides. Not only is it far better than the previous two sequels, in my opinion it surpasses the first which was my favorite up to this point. This film is a thrill ride from the get go starting with an exciting chase scene through the streets of 18th century London to the high seas to the Fountain of Youth. Our nine-year-old son was literally on the edge of his seat the entire movie. The audience even clapped at the end.
©Disney
©Disney
Mermaids and Zombies and Blackbeard, Oh My!
What stayed the same — Captain Jack Sparrow and Barbosa return as does Sparrow’s first mate Gibbs. Keith Richards even returns for a brief appearance. What spices things up a bit is that first of all Will and Elizabeth are gone. I liked them in the first movie, but their love story became a tad annoying as the films came and went. Enter a past lover of Jack’s — Angelica, perfectly played by Penelope Cruz. And guess who her father is — none other than the infamous Blackbeard. Toss in mermaids and zombie pirates and you have a blockbuster on your hands.
Jack ends up captured in London only to find out that King George and Barbosa, who now works for the king, want Jack to lead them to the Fountain of Youth. After Jack escapes by the skin of his teeth from King George’s men, he is hit on the head and wakes up on the deck of Queen Anne’s Revenge. The ship of the notorious Blackbeard. Angelica is aboard claiming she is the daughter of Blackbeard and they want Jack to lead them to the Fountain of Youth.
Now three ships are heading west in search of eternal youth — the English with Barbosa, the Spanish and Queen Anne’s Revenge. Just before reaching land, they encounter mermaids, which they want for their tears. These mermaids at first are beautiful but then they turn scary, sort of like vampire fish. Blackbeard’s men capture one and tie her up waiting to catch a tear. She finally sheds one when she thinks they kill one of the men she fancies.
Then it’s off to find two chalices that are needed for a ritual that is to be performed at the fountain. Captain Jack is forced to head out on his own in search of these chalices. He and Barbosa find the chalices at the same time aboard the abandoned ship of Ponce de Leon. They return to fountain to meet up with Blackbeard, et al. They prepare for the ritual — one person will drink water from the fountain with the mermaid tear, the other just water from the fountain. The one who drinks the tear will gain the years of life left in the other. This was a new one to me. I thought the legend was drink from the fountain and be forever young…kind of like botox kicked up a notch.
The Spanish arrive just about this time and a battle ensues. Water is drunk from the goblets. But who drinks the tear, you ask. Well head to the movies to find out. This is a long, but very entertaining movie. Kids will love it.
Now for what parents want to know…
Is Pirates of the Caribbean 4 On Stranger Tides Appropriate for Children?
POTC 4 On Stranger Tides is rated PG 13 for intense sequences of action/adventure violence, some frightening images, sensuality and innuendo. The violence is mainly sword fighting. The opening scene is a little disconcerting as fisherman pull in their net to find a nasty body inside. Citizens of London are enthusiastically hoping to view a hanging. Men are attacked by mermaids.
Sexual Content
Not too much too worry about here. There’s a tad of innuendo peppered throughout. For example, Angelica says, “I am with child and it’s yours.” to which Jack answers, “I don’t remember that.” That bit went right over my kiddo’s head. There are a few kisses between Angelica and Jack, nothing too hot and heavy, however. Finally the mermaids are nude from the waist up, however their hair strategically covers their girlie bits. There is no nudity.
Profanity
No worries here mate.
Alchohol/Drug Use
OK this is a pirate movie after all. Of course there is some drinking. Barbosa in fact, stores some type of brew in his peg leg.
How Old Should Kids be to See POTC 4?
This really depends on your child. No matter what age, if action scenes upset them or they easily scare, I’d say to skip or at least wait for the DVD as films are not as intense on the TV screen. Our son is 9, almost 10, and it was perfect for him.
USAKidZone! Grade
Mom A+
Dad A+
Son A+
