Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 Content: -1

With swashbuckling pirates brandishing swords, swinging from the masts of huge clipper ships and battling to recover hidden treasures, Pirates of the Caribbean will spark the imagination of youngsters. The idea for the film originated from Disneylands popular theme-park ride of the same name. Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), former captain of the legendary pirate ship Black Pearl, is overthrown by the villainous Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush). Jack reappears to rescue the beautiful Elizabeth Swan (Keira Knightley), kidnapped by the pirates. She has the gold medallion that can break the curse of the ghostly Black Pearl crewed by the damned, who are said to be so evil hell spit them out. They are doomed to sail for eternity with tattered sails and skeleton bodies. Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), a talented blacksmith who longs for both Elizabeth and answers to his mysterious past, teams up with Jack to fight Barbossa and save Elizabeth. Nonstop action, adventure and romance, along with Depps comical, outlandish portrayal of Jack Sparrow, will captivate summer audiences.

Young children will be frightened by some graphic sword fights, fiery cannon explosions, hand-to-hand fights, and a bloody mutiny. Skeletons of captured pirates hanging and the Black Pearls crew, who are transformed into hideous skeletons in the moonlight, are particularly scary visions. Elizabeth is slapped and forced to walk the plank by the evil Barbossa. The pirates are a rowdy bunch, frequently drinking rum, womanizing and torturing anyone who displeases them. There are no sex scenes, but such activity is implied by bawdy behavior. Pirates of the Caribbean is pure fantasy, not to be taken seriously, but is much too intense for children under 10. And how anyone can be too evil for hell is a confusing prospect for youngsters and poor theology in general. But good does conquer evil. Although there is no offensive language and very little mild sexual content, the continuous violence and the characterization of evil prevents a recommendation from Preview.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: Walt Disney