Jan Wahl Movie Review: 'Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides'

(KCBS) - KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl reviews the 4th film of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise starring Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow.

Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (PG-13)

In this 4th time from this franchise, we have a few things to be grateful for: instead of Keira Knightly and Orlando Bloom, we have spirited, earthy Penelope Cruz and Deadwood's craggy Ian McShane. Johnny Depp as Capt. Jack Sparrow gets more screen time, and shows more fop and flounce than Oscar Wilde. He meets up with dad Keith Richards - the movie should have been about them! Everything comes together when Jack meets up with his former flame and her big, bad daddy Blackbeard..together everyone, even Geoffrey Rush, try to find the Fountain of Youth. Even though it's directed by Chicago's Rob Marshall, this is soggy, repetitive, bloated with action/set up/action/set up..Good news: this is the best one since the first one..some witty moments and fun visuals. Good escape..but time to bury this franchise at sea.

The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls

How many movies are there about New Zealand yodeling, country singing, outspoken activists, gay twin sisters..I know..so many..but the Topp Twins are so talented, such fun and so witty..this movie celebrates their gutsy brilliance. Satire, beautiful harmony, willing to speak out against social injustice..they rock! Engaging, poignant, worth seeking out.

SEE RIGHT NOW: THE FIRST GRADER (one man's fight for education in Kenya: based on a true story), EVERYTHING MUST GO, WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, CAVE OF FORGOTTEN DREAMS

DVD/HOME VIDEO: THE HUSTLER, THE OTHER WOMAN, HAIL HAIL ROCK AND ROLL (Chuck Barry and fan Keith Richards)

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