We sent Rafi Tamargo, a high school senior interning with us at The Sun, out on his maiden voyage as a film critic. He went to see Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End at the The Senator, and he files this review:

This installment brings back all of the series’ standbys: swordfights, explosions, stormy seas, ghosts, and Johnny Depp’s kooky rockstar swagger.  Newcomers include fish-people, a goddess of the sea, and a council of pirate leaders to add to the fun. There’s plenty of over-the-top action as always, like Captain Sparrow’s new favorite move where he launches himself from ship to ship holding a rope tied to a flying cannonball. The sword fights are as good as ever, and even more chaotic this time around with three factions—the pirates, British troops, and Davy Jones’ crew—all in the fray.  Sparrow’s sword fight on the crossbeam of a mast, with the rain beating down on him, is the best of all. 

The Pirates series results from the great combination of unbridled imagination, youthful joy, and the pure joy of a child playing with boats in a bathtub. There’s something refreshing in a movie we can just enjoy, no heavy themes or messages, no political statements. Even Harry Potter films tend to get a little dark. Pirates is just boys with toys letting their imaginations run wild.  It taps into all the excitement of a child’s fantasies and brings awesome energy to the big screen.

The only drawback to the movie is that the plot sometimes seems like a child with a wandering mind is writing it as well.  There are too many subplots to follow, and I’m still not sure what the pirates’ ultimate goal in this adventure was. I do know, however, that it was fun to watch regardless of the disorienting story.

Depp and his shipmates fight imperial forces who want to crack down on their swashbuckling lifestyle. The pirates take a stand in the name of mischief and their love of freedom on the high seas. The movie itself stands for that same carefree lifestyle. There’s humor, fantastic images and plenty of action.  What more do you need?

Here's what another teenager I know -- the one who lives in my house -- had to say:

It was too long and all over the place. I mean, there were cool scenes and great special effects. But it was impossible to tell what was going on, or what anything meant -- this god is mad at this god . . . and you'll never get out of this place because of this . . . .  But very little of it made very little sense.