This is definitely NOT a film for the kids - I think even the PG-13 rating is optimistic. I did enjoy the humor, but the violence was staggering and the plot (plots?) confusing. It could easily have been 30 minutes shorter. I wanted to know more about Jack and his father - that would have been an interesting subplot - but the whole clone hallucinations were silly and did nothing to advance the story. Still, for all its flaws, I must admit that I enjoyed myself.
This movie has left a 'bad taste in my mouth'. It was way too dark and lacked any real storyline. Too disjointed and taking itself too seriously.
Most of all though was the very, very, very unfortunate choice of opening sequence. How on earth this ever cleared the Disney quality control is beyond me. Just minutes after seeing the standard Disneyland-castle opening, we are subjected to images like those out a concentration camp, with bodies and shoes being piled up. And then a child, a CHILD, about to be hanged! And he is not saved, as I was hoping! Horrific to put it mildly, for something supposedly a family film.
I am ashamed and embarassed for the Disney Co. I assumed they knew better.
And shame on Mr. Verbinski. How did he get it so wrong this time, when he did it so brilliantly on POTC#1?