OK for kids 12+
More swashbuckling + less violence = OK for older tweens.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that the fourth installment in the Pirates of the Caribbean series is actually slightly less violent and creepy than the previous movies. But rum and wine do still flow in a couple of scenes, and there are loads of innuendo-laden comments (most thanks to Johnny Depp's iconic Captain Jack Sparrow) -- as well as all of the swordfighting, explosions, and felled pirates and soldiers that audiences are used to in this franchise. Though there are some deaths, none are bloody/graphic. And although this movie isn't an age-appropriate pick for young kids who might be frightened by some of the pirates and fighting, this shorter-and-simpler edition is fine for older tweens and up.
- Families can talk about the popularity of the Pirates movies. What makes these stories so compelling? Why are even the youngest moviegoers so drawn to pirates?
- Even though pirates are technically thieves and "bad guys," it's hard not to root for characters like Captain Jack. Why is that? What would make him a villain?
- Did you miss any of the characters from the earlier movies who weren't in this one? Why do you think the filmmakers decided not to bring them back?
The good stuff
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Messages: Despite the fact that pirates are, by definition, thieves, the movie offers several positive messages about how parents should sacrifice for their children and how every being is worthy of being treated with kindness and respect.
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Role models: Philip the missionary is very moral and helps keep Blackbeard from being sadistic whenever possible. He protects Syrena the mermaid and sacrifices his own safety for her. Angelica is a strong and fierce female character who can hold her own against male pirates. Jack and Barbossa, despite their past rivalries, are able to work together against Blackbeard.
What to watch for
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Violence: Lots of sword fighting, some of which ends up in death but some of which stops just short of a kill. Also gun use and a brief explosion, and a pirate is punished by being sent on a longboat and then burned. A mermaid is captured and threatened with death; someone is poisoned, a man's throat is slit, and there are other scenes of swashbuckling and violence. But actual blood is minimal, and the body count isn't as high as in the other movies.
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Sex: Captain Jack makes countless innuendos and jokes with double meanings. (A typical exchange: "What were you doing in a Spanish convent?"/"I thought it was a brothel -- honest mistake.") He whispers something presumably naughty to a woman who begins to swoon. Jack and Angelica dance and roll around on the floor, fighting and flirting. Random, rowdy pub patrons are briefly shown kissing (with one woman leading a man up the stairs), and two other couples kiss in more passionate exchanges
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Language: A couple of uses of "damn" and "my God," plus some pirate insults -- usually directed at Jack.
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Consumerism: Nothing in the movie itself, but the Pirates franchise has loads of merchandising and toy deals, including LEGO sets, video and board games, costumes, and collectible figures.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Fewer drunk-pirate scenes than in the previous movies, but there's still a good bit of drinking (rum, wine) and alcohol-related humor.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
I'm a pirate! You're a pirate! by JoseCarrier
Johnny Depp has aged well with the movies, developed his character through the pirate series like never before. If you havent seen, you can watch it free at [BLOCKED WEBSITE] *
3
Seen it all before by Allenlhb17
Too LONG!The Mermaids were Cool! All in all It was Okay
5
one of the best of the year by big jess crush
we rented this movie recently and we all had a blast with capton JACK and the other pirate crew and if you have not seen this movie yet I say go out and rent it today I am sure your family will LOVE IT
5
He's Back by jmccloy77
Johnny Depp is back. This movie was good. I really liked it. The storyline was good. Good action scenes. It was funny. Yea, its a little different than the other ones before this one, but it didnt disappoint at all. Penelope Cruz, Geoffrey Rush, and Ian McShane were awesome at their roles. They all did a tremendous job. I would definately recommend this movie to anyone. Go see it.
5
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides by ayrial597
Best one yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
4
Jack Sparrow is sober by Koali
4 stars cause kids will still really like to see it. If so much was not filmed in the dark it would have been better for sure. Tried to save on scenery I guess or use less of the special effects. Jack Sparrow's lines are not as quip as they used to be - though he is still fun just not utilized to his talent and history with this series. Too many dark scenes that went on to long. Geoffrey Rush, a great actor, acts like he is so glad to be playing a pirate he just has not taken the time to internalize the art of being one. The story is good, Penelope left her strong accent at home thankfully and she fits fine. I thought the series would build with greatness upon what has been done. But it seems not to be the case. And Jack Sparrow's drunken speech style is all but vanished, leaving him with little spoof at all. But kids will be glad they saw it - and unfortunately may be afraid women will become vicious mermaids upon closer look. Good story though.
5
wonderful summer movie by diet pepsi
I realy loved this movie when i went to see it in theaters this summer and had a very very good time and so did the rest of my family it was just an all around fun adventure and we ,loved every second of it just plain fun.
5
lovely family adventure one of the best this year by theonore
we went to the theater and saw this movie this summer and had an apsolute blast it was a fun ride full of excitment and adventure for our entire family and we realy enjoyed it so sorry others did not see it the same way we did but some people did and that is all that matters adn we know that we are right and the critics once agin are dead wrong but that seems to happen alot now days though dosent it
5
good fun by jess crush
due to all the bad reviews we were not quite sure what to expect going in to this movie but it turned out to be high flying fun for the entie family a real treat and a good time at the movies on a hot summer night just what we had planed on it being good indoor fun for the evening and we all loved spending time with the captan and the rest of the gang what a summer treat
5
you must see this movie by dr peper cheery
we rented this movie a few weeks ago and we realy enjoyed it it was high flying fun for our entire family and I say if you have not saw this movie yet the go rent it today why wait