In the best way, The Curse of the Black Pearl feels like the ride that inspired it. I could praise everything else the set design, costuming, direction, special effects, script and score endlessly, but it'll have to suffice to merely say that the cooperative world-building is impeccable. The beautiful Keira Knightley (only 17 when this was shot) is a perfect leading lady, Depp's iconic creation of Jack Sparrow carries the movie, Bloom's principled pretty boy Will Turner is a hilarious counter to Depp, and an astonishingly good host of side characters fulfill their roles perfectly. Everything, and I mean everything, is impeccably executed. Has my vote as one of most satisfying and entertaining pieces of popcorn entertainment from the last few decades.
