Pirates of the Caribbean

Pirates of the Caribbean

Much, much better than any movie based on a Disney theme park ride has a right to be. Johnny Depp’s performance as Capt. Jack Sparrow is a joy – all flouncy disregard for both traditional pirate behavior and “serious” film acting. He’s having a ball, and wants us to have one too.

But (see how I always give you the good news first?), this 2 1/2-hour romp could have easily been an hour shorter, and better for it. I don’t mind long movies on principle, if there are enough ideas to sustain the length. That just wasn’t the case here.

Also, I think I would have enjoyed myself more if the other two leads, Keira Knightly of “Bend it Like Beckham” and Orlando Bloom of, well, you know, weren’t such pale shadows in comparison to Depp. They’re like theme park employees playing out roles for the tourists.

Even more depressing was the roster of previews before “Pirates,” including Eddie Murphy’s latest attempt to torpedo his own career, a movie based on Disney’s Haunted Mansion attraction. Ugh. But after seeing Depp here, if they were making a “It’s a Small World After All” movie starring him, I just might give it a chance.

BONUS: A visual pirate joke. (Although I think they should have included an “I” key.)