Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge

REVIEW:

After the very disappointing previous instalment, I was really hoping this movie would redeem the series, and although it doesn’t reach the heights of the original trilogy, it’s a massive improvement from On Stranger Tides and absolutely feels like the movie that should have followed At World’s End. From the opening sequence, it’s clear this film wants to steer the franchise back toward the magic and energy that once defined it. The tone, the pacing, and the focus on legacy all feel like a deliberate effort to reconnect with what made Pirates special in the first place.

The movie opens with Will Turner’s son, Henry, finding his way onto the Flying Dutchman, and immediately I thought, this should have been the story of the fourth movie. It continues the emotional thread from the earlier films, giving fans something to care about and invest in again. Within the first ten minutes, I was already convinced this was a better film than its predecessor, it feels more purposeful, more connected, and more in tune with the spirit of the series.

It brings back the sense of grand adventure that had been missing. The naval battles are exciting once again, the characters have actual depth, and the new villain is memorable for the right reasons. Captain Salazar, with his ghostly design and haunting presence, is visually striking, the way his hair and coat flow as though he’s constantly underwater is a brilliant touch. Javier Bardem delivers an eerie performance that feels like a genuine threat to Jack Sparrow, a far cry from the forgettable antagonists of the last film.

The set pieces are also a huge improvement. The bank heist sequence early in the film is pure Pirates of the Caribbean chaos, funny, clever, and perfectly choreographed. Johnny Depp’s return as Captain Jack Sparrow feels rejuvenated here; his comedic timing is still sharp, and some of his one-liners genuinely had me laughing, particularly when he blurts out, “Who hurt you!” It’s those small moments of silliness that remind you why the character became such an icon in the first place.

Visually, the film hits some highs and lows. The undead sharks were a cool addition to the action, but the CGI overall feels inconsistent. Considering how incredible Davy Jones looked over a decade ago, the cartoonish quality of some of the effects here is disappointing. Still, the reappearance of the Black Pearl back on the sea is a nostalgic moment, even if it’s slightly undermined by how easily it’s restored, a simple stab from Blackbeard’s sword now in Barbossa’s possession, and suddenly the legendary ship is back to full size.

One of the film’s strongest elements is giving Barbossa an emotional arc. Geoffrey Rush has always been a highlight of the series, and this time he’s given a chance to explore a softer, more human side of his character. His relationship with Carina adds an unexpected layer to his story, but it also highlights one of the movie’s biggest issues, it tries to juggle too many plotlines at once. Between Jack and Salazar’s shared history, Henry’s quest to save his father, Carina’s mysterious past, and her budding romance with Henry, the film ends up feeling cramped.

Here’s where I think they missed a golden opportunity, they should have stretched this story across another trilogy of Pirates movies. The Trident of Poseidon, capable of breaking every curse of the sea, is such a powerful concept that it deserved more time to breathe. Imagine a multi-film arc exploring Henry’s mission, Salazar’s vengeance, and Barbossa’s redemption in full detail, the adventure would have been grander, the character deaths more impactful, and the emotional payoffs far stronger. Instead, the film rushes to wrap everything up in a single instalment.

Barbossa’s final moments are handled beautifully, though. His last word, “Treasure,” carries real emotional weight, but it would have hit even harder if we’d spent more time building his bond with Carina. Despite its flaws, Salazar’s Revenge manages to restore some of the franchise’s lost charm. It’s far from perfect, but it’s adventurous, funny, and occasionally heartfelt, a clear step up from On Stranger Tides. However, it also reinforces one final truth, these movies just aren’t the same without Gore Verbinski at the helm.