As my son and I walked out of the theater from seeing Pirates of the Caribbean, I overheard some lady say very loudly in my direction, “I can't believe that people bring their small children to such a violent movie!”

I ignored her and continued to my car, not wanting to incite any real violence in front of my child, who would likely want me to add is 7 and not that small. Before deciding to take him I saw the movie myself, discussed the idea with my husband, and considered the fact that my mother --who hates violent movies-- loved Pirates.

Honestly, this is a Disney movie. It's based off of a Disney World ride. And I will take my impression of the film far more seriously than the MPAA's when my child is concerned.

My impression was that my son could not be allowed to miss it.

Pirates of the Caribbean is the best modern pirate movie there is. This is not necessarily because of its strengths but because no one since the days of Errol Flynn could glue together a decent plot for a bunch of swashbucklers on a boat. Treasure, rum, a pretty girl or two, cool costumes, a few sword fights... How hard can it be?

Obviously it is because when I was my boy's age the only pirate movie around was The Pirate Movie. A horrible modernization of The Pirates of Penzance, the film still caught my imagination. Soon I was dreaming of sailing away in search of pirate gold. With a sword at my hip and misty sea air on my face I would take on the world.

My obsession with piracy lead me to read more than I ever had before. I studied history and the Caribbean. In my teen years I learned to fence. All this was because of some cheesy movie that most people would like to forget.

Any pirate movie would have done, but this one was perfect. For once, everything fell into place. These pirates can act! They have been given a plot! The movie at once is comical, action filled, and fun. I found the story unpredictable with all its twists and turns. You know how it will end, but I dare anyone to tell me how it gets there after the first half hour of the film.

Pirates of the Caribbean brings back the magic that has been lacking in so many movies recently. For me it brings back my childhood dreams of the high seas. I only hope that it has succeeded in passing these dreams to my son.

Recommended:
Yes