Filmmaker reacts to Pirates of the Caribbean The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) for the FIRST TIME! 

Stranger Things tomorrow! Finished Peacemaker on the patreon! Click here for early access: www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema Have a great day everyone!

You're not tripping. The first Pirates are extremely intelligently made. You appreciate the references even more once you watch the other 2 Pirates movies.

Hi James, I just got one side note: Jack wasn't cursed since the beginning, he got cursed by the moment he stole a medallion while talking to Barbossa in the cave. He did that just to make sure he can't get killed in the final battle 😉

The original three Pirates movies are honestly so damn good. Nuts, that this came from a Disney ride.

The entirety of the "why is the rum gone?" sequence is hilarious, especially when Jack is debating about using his one shot on Elizabeth and then himself. There's a lot of good storytelling through action in the first Pirates movie.

I feel like this movie has one of the most perfect endings to a perfect film...the fact they took a concept from an iconic Disney ride and gave us some of the most iconic characters and scenes in cinema today is mind blowing

Edit: I did not know Hans Zimmer provided the soundtrack to this...NICE!

Movie is so endlessly quotable to me. The perfect popcorn film.

Jacks entrys each movie always get a laugh lmao. He just goes with the flow, a true master of chance. Glad youre checking these out i loved these movies as a kid growing up.

14:22 The Mythbusters looked into that underwater rowboat scene, back in the day - sadly, having that much air underwater would make the boat too buoyant for 2 people to hold down with normal strength... but it was really, REALLY cool as a concept and film scene at the time.

This and Lord of the Rings were my two obsessions as a kid. You can't really beat a good adventure story with amazing music.

what made this movie a joy and pleasure for myself when i 1st watched it was how well they built a story around the existing ride that i had been on as a kid so many times before. From the main song from the ride, to the jail scene of the pirates trying to tempt the dog to drop the keys, to Tortuga, and much more. The film makers really knocked it out of the amusement park on this one.

Hands down one of the best live action Disney movies ever made. Such a great cast and great writing. Disney has lost its way recently with terrible sequels and sub-par remakes of their classic IPs. It's a shame. THIS is a classic adventure movie.

Love Geoffrey Rush as Barbosa in this. For more of him, gotta watch The King's Speech. Two wildly different movies but he is fantastic in both.

After not seeing it for a while, i forgot how deep some of the plot points were. Will coming to terms with having a father who is a pirate and barbossa and his crew being unable to feel or enjoy anything in life because of the curse are awesome plot points. Really enjoyed this reaction

I had zero expectations for this film when I saw it in theaters. I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed myself tremendously.

I got to see this in theaters when I was 17. Folks had gotten wind that Disney was making a live action film based on one of their theme park rides, and frankly that didn't exactly give us high expectations for the film. Still, some friends were seeing it opening day and invited me along, and boy howdy were we blown away. Jack Sparrow's introductory scene made everyone in the theater realize that this film was going to be something special. As much as getting older bums me out, at least I got to see movies like this, The Dark Knight, the Lord of the Rings trilogy, etc. in theaters. It was honestly a magical time for cinema. Oh, and speaking of movies from that era with low expectations, National Treasure is definitely a fun watch. Recommended!

Jamie and Adam did test the "pirate submarine" scene on Mythbusters and the buoyancy makes that scene absolutely impossible. What they did was mount weights in the boat to balance out the buoyancy.

Man I’m glad you’re giving these movies a shot! The Gore Verbinski trilogy holds a special place in my heart as they were the first films I got very obsessed with as a kid. I had toys, outfits and all the films on pirated (pun intended) copies and the DVDs, and I wore all of those down. Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow was the first character/actor that really left an impact on me, and without him and this trilogy I doubt I’d love filmmaking, acting and just film in general as much as I do now. Hats off to Captain Jack, and hats off to you James.

Captain Jack Sparrow described as enlightened is too perfect

This movie franchise was actually filmed in my home country Saint Vincent and the grenadines🇻🇨.. I had a chance of meeting everyone when I was younger because my aunt worked alongside them in the makeup department.. till this day I still have all the signed photos from the cast . A core memory I’d never forget

9:00 this entire scene is the best sword fight / fencing scene ever. The only scene that rivals it is the one in Princess Bride between Wesley and Inigo

Regarding the underwater boat scene, you can look up the Diving Bell invention and see it is possible. This is from Wikipedia: Its use was first described by Aristotle in the 4th century BC: "they enable the divers to respire equally well by letting down a cauldron, for this does not fill with water, but retains the air, for it is forced straight down into the water." Now for the boat scene itself, it is possible, but you would require some extra weight to be able to have the boat submerge like that. In short, if you tried it exactly like in the movie, it wouldn't be possible, as they wouldn't be able to hold it underwater. Someone did a math (if it's correct): "A boat that shape would easily have 40 cubic feet of air in it, or 1.14 cubic meters. The buoyant force of that would be in the ballpark of 11000 N. 11000 N / 10 m/s2 = 1100 kg. That boat would be able to lift a metric ton of mass. There is no way in hell those 2 would be able to keep it submerged."

Making it up as he goes along is basically Jack Sparrow's entire existence.

"there will be no living with her after this" is one of the best lines in the whole movie. RIP rum.

This film reminds me of Hot Fuzz, in the way that there's just zero wasted screen-time -- every single scene serves to advance the plot and/or deepen the characters. Smart writing, solid editing, killer performances with a banger of a score, 10/10. Can't wait for the next two! Also, you recognize the music from the opening of Gladiator :P

Great timing - today marks exactly 19 years since this movie came out! I still remember seeing this in the theater w/ my mom... such a good movie! 🥰

You've mentioned the VFX, to me this series has one of the best that still holds on to this day, especially with the character of Davy Jones in the sequels... Great review xx

Greatest movies ever, based on a theme park ride. Like "the Mummy" it both celebrates the old tropes without being a stale reprise of them. Really the opposite: it updates them and makes them appealing to today's audiences.

"do you think he actually plans it all out " is one of my fav lines from the sequels

When this came out, I loved it! I saw it twice at the theaters, which is rare for me. However, ALL of our teachers would do movie day and pick this movie. It got to the point I've had to take a many year break from it. Am finally able to enjoy it again. The music improves even more in the next movies, as Hans Zimmer takes over!

The DVD for this had a whole second disc of bonus featurettes about the shooting location, scripts, characters, visual effects, the ships themselves. Fascinating stuff!

Jack is a smooth criminal lol. The stunts are really cool in these movies

I'm a JD fan so I saw it when it came out. Johnny crushed this. The layers to Jack including his hair and wardrobe came from Johnny. Truly a 1 of a kind character.

When I saw the first trailer in the theater, I remember rolling my eyes. I was a teenager and while I longed for a really fun pirate movie, 1) there hadn’t really been pirate movies for decades, and 2) Disney live action movies weren’t very good at the time, and 3) basing a movie on a ride sounded awful, even though it was my favorite ride and had some kind of narrative to it. But when it came out, everyone raved, and when I saw it I understood. The sequels have some crazy entertainment that you’ll enjoy, but I still think this first one has the strongest story, plot, and themes.

The success of this film is the comedy & execution. Storytelling is icing.

Jack never has a plan his whole life is going with the flow

Something to note on this one and moving forward, Jack always told the truth but was never believed. His vocabulary and mannerisms are more akin to moving pieces on a chessboard than a lot of people give credit to and lend to the trust building of everyone around him. The next and future movies continue this chessboard-ish style of vocabulary and I hope you get a chance to pick up on that across the next two or more if you do all of the other ones as well. You nailed it right on the head when you said it feels like he is one step ahead of the story, although I will never give Jack the credit of a strategic mastermind I will give him the benefit of knowing exactly how to use his current surroundings to their maximum effect. That being said when he makes a plan it may seem shallow but the opportunities it provides for him to get the upper hand are immense. To quote "this is either madness or brilliance." Great reaction to a fan favorite.

One of the best modern action-adventure movies/scripts out there for me. The set-up and pay-off of the both the plot and the characters are so good!

"This reminds me of my experience watching Lord of the Rings" is the greatest compliment you can give to a movie imo

I don't know if anyone has recommended it, but if you enjoy Pirate related stuff, Black Sails from Stars is one of the best four seasons of television out there, amazing story largely based in history with some liberties taken.

"This is the tale, of Captain Jack Sparrow"

From your commentary, i'm not sure you quite understood what happened when Jack turned into a skeleton. Jack wasn't cursed from the start, he only just cursed himself by sneakily taking one of the coins from the chest in front of Barbosa. Side note, this is assumedly how the monkey was also cursed. It must have taken at least one of the coins from out of the chest when the Pearl's crew originally looted it.

Immediately had to watch this when I got the notification please watch all 5 movies

I like how you can hear the movie adequately and how your voice is soothing, ive noticed most reactions have low quality audio and shout over the movie so you can hardly hear it

The full featured dvd for this movie was what got me interested in the making of movies! From the actors, to the concepts, to the production design, etc. Such a good gateway into movie magic!

I was in high school when this came out. It was such a blast! That introduction for Jack was chefs kiss lol.

The funny thing about walking under the boat to walk underwater is, it wouldn't work - but not because air wouldn't be trapped and let them breathe like that, but because the buoyancy it would cause would make the boat float to the surface unless they were wicked weighed down with something to cancel it out

Have to admit, this movie is amazing. Great old 50's style adventure movie, Depp plays an interesting rogue character perfectly, and the storyline is extremely tight. Great fun well done.

I actually love ALL of these movies (yes even 4) and think that they are underrated. I know they are some of the highest grossing movies of all-time but I put some of them up there with the greatest movies of all time! They are definitely, THEE definitive Pirate property.

You sold me! I absolutely love me some Depp and I've fallen in love with him and this franchise! Subbing the patron solely for this full reaction!

This has to be one of my fave films ever! Johnny Deep created one of the most iconic characters in pop culture!

The next two pirates movie are some of my favourite. Bill Nighy as Davy Jones is a great casting choice and he kills the role, as per usual. The mannerisms, the voice, it's all great.

I remember when this came out. A movie based on a theme park ride has no business being so damn good.

Having been an acting student in the late to mid 90s, this became a bit of a touchstone for me to remember that a movie doesn't have to be ultra-serious to be good. I feel like among my peers there was a bit of disdain for a lot of big budget films as corny or not as worthy as small independent films or those with serious historical backstories (Titanic, Braveheart, Schindler's List.) Something being reinforced by the Academy in that era as well. For some reason this movie, I think by its casting a lot of actors who were more associated with the style of film that was considered more highbrow, was able to shake things up a bit (along with Lord of the Rings) and remind people within the industry that just because something is fun, doesn't mean it's fluff. I remember reading the early reports of this project and being excited by the idea of a big budget Disney movie with a cast of people like then indie darling Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush and Jonathan Pryce. And because of the independent/British street cred of the performers a lot of film people were willing to allow themselves to have fun with it in a way that had been out of vogue as far as popcorn flicks were concerned. This brought the adventure romp of back into focus as an art form. Because really, this is basically a live action Disney cartoon movie. Prince and Princess with a goofy side character helping them along/upstaging them ala Robin William's Genie. And they had Jack Davenport as the good hearted Baxter that's just not her Prince Charming. Barbosa as the witch, etc. Even down to the corresponding pairs of comic side characters. And it's such undeniable fun to watch those "serious" actors have so much fun being goofy themselves, from Depp's inspired Keith Richards impersonation, to Pryce wrestling with a severed hand, to Geoffrey Rush leaving no piece of scenery unchewed. This movie charms. It has the great effects and action but it's the great character and comedic work that really elevates it in a way that the dueling disaster movies every year from the two studios lacked in the years immediately previous.

One of the best action adventure series of my generation. Your comments about it being like a musical is on point because it has one of the most famous and intricate original scores of all time. The leitmotifs carry over to each movie and build more and more depth to the music, it's wild. I had the pleasure of studying it in a music for film class in college and the longer you look at it the deeper it goes. A real stroke of genius. I will say, however, after the third one it's just sort of... return of the sequel and the quality goes away. But the first three are pretty solid. Can't wait to watch your reactions to the next two!

How have you not watched this yet. This is one of the 24 perfect films.

I always say this is literally the perfect movie. Every scene is in a good place and adds to the story. There isn't a single scene I would cut out because they are all great. The dialogue, the music, the character development, etc. is all excellent

Classic film! The pirate genre needs a comeback in cinema!

The original trilogy is fantastic. The lore, relationships, and characters are developed so nicely. #3 is definitely my favorite. Its score and cinematography are phenomenal.

Idk if you’re going to see this, but you should definitely watch BBC’s Sherlock. It’s a remarkable show that was beautifully shot and acted out. It’s 4 seasons long (the British call them ‘series’) with 3 episodes per season. It’s gotta be one of the most well-executed pieces of cinema that I’ve ever seen. I hope that you’ll watch it soon, and enjoy it as much as I did. -thanks

Jack's entrance into Port Royal is widely acknowledged as *THE* one most cinematic display of both general badassery and total not-a-fuck-given-ism.

Adam Savage (Mythbusters) proved the boat underwater thing wouldn’t be possible with only 2 men.

The upside down boat trick letting them breathe underwater… I think I've seen a couple explanations (maybe Mythbusters?) saying that while the air pocket is hypothetically possible with a caveat or two, actually having the strength and endurance to hold the vessel underwater like that is what's not quite probable. They certainly wouldn't be able to have an effortlessly casual conversation while doing so. 😅 First saw this movie almost 19 years ago…! Your reaction seems similar to my initial reaction-and I'm glad to say it holds up all these years and several re-watches later! This is an easy one to enjoy again and again!

Man! This movie is my entire childhood basically. Like my Star Wars lmao. I was obsessed with these movies so much so that I’m pretty sure they’re what sparked my interest in history and my pursuit to study it in uni. I remember being a pirate for Halloween one year too! And now watching so many reactors react to it and all of my rewatches in the past years just makes me appreciate it so much more. The first 3 movies really are solid! I almost saved this video to watch tomorrow morning but couldn’t hold off on seeing one of my favorite RU-vidrs react to my favorite childhood movies. Looking forward to the reactions of the next two! All the best!

It was fun watching you be so surprised by this movie! It is a very good film. Please, don't ever apologize for geeking out over great film making! I love watching your videos because I always learn something new about beloved movies by you getting excited over something I've never noticed or understood. Thanks for sharing!

Brings me joy to see someone experience this film for the first time. It's been my favorite film since I was a kid.

Excellent video James!:)) cannot wait for you to watch the rest:)))

I've seen this film about a dozen times and it is still good and almost get more appreciation each time i watch it. I cant wait for you to watch all the sequels (yes, 4 and 5 aswell). to see the rest of the good stuff but also your genuine views and filmmaker comments on later films.

Pirates of the Caribbean is a great series of films! I'm happy you're checking them out, I'm here for it! 😄

The music score is truly iconic. At just a few words, I can sing any theme from the movie. Composers who give such character to their scores are to be treasured, like Alexandre Desplat ("The Imitation Game," "Grand Budapest Hotel," "The Shape of Water," "Godzilla"). In fact, I highly recommend "The Imitation Game" for effective use of a score. Listen to how he uses percussion, piano and pizzicato strings to create a theme for the first computer. The soundtrack is a must-buy if you love movie music as much as me.

Oh SNAP! James is gonna watch Pirates! :) (can't wait to get to part 2 and part 3. I want to talk with you about the ambience and the tone in those movies :D ... just can't wait man!)

Awesome reaction as usual my dude! Such a fun movie, they dont make them like this anymore 💯 And much love to whoever does the song at the end of all your videos! It's fire 🔥

Wow such brilliant analysis !!! You opened my eyes to so much i had seen before but had not grasped all the angles to everything!!

The Gore Verbinski Pirates trilogy is honestly one of the most entertaining and interesting trilogies out there! Such a fun ride on a massive scale from a director who knows his craft and in depth knowledge of special effects that still looks phenomenal to this day!

I can't tell you my favorite scene, because they're ALL my favorite scene. The score is fantastic, and the fight choreo is top notch. and then there's Geoffrey Rush eating the scenery, playing by fae rules, and living his best life. I love this movie.

I've always had a theory on why Johnny Depp has the strange herky-jerky hand gestures...mostly it involves the month he spent in Hunter S. Thompson's basement, twacked out on acid, while "researching" his character Raoul Duke. "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" is the film where those hand gestures first show up.

Pirates of the Caribbean is fantastic! I like all the films but the first and 2nd one definitely are the peak of the series! Hoping you continue with the series , you will love it!

I'm excited for Dead Man's Chest and At World's End in particular, because that's where the octopus man shows up.

I saw this movie in theaters in 2003. I was 7 yrs old. I told my mom "I don't wanna go watch a stupid documentary" as I fully did not know what the movie was about. I along with the world was blown away

I love your channel keep up the epic vibez bro keep rocking on your veary chill and your not a drama lama

I remember seeing this in theaters as a kid when it came out. Such a classic at this point.

this is great story telling and movie making. 👍glad you enjoyed it! the next two are worth a watch as well. 💙

Nice relaxing energy at the beginning, even more than usual

Jack wasn't cursed till until he stole that coin near the end

The time period from the 1650’s to the 1730’s was the Golden Age of Piracy. The movies don’t go by any specific year and usually plays it loose with the historical stuff but I think it is supposed to be in the Post-Spanish Succession period (1715-1726).

I remember seeing this in the cinema when it came out and it was soooo amazing and fun to watch, and I have rewatched it many times and it’s gotten better and better because of the comedy, the story, the practical and visual effects were done soooo incredibly well, then the second film came out and wooow Awesome reaction, looking forward to the sequel reaction

Imagine how low everyone's expectations were going to the theater to see this for the first time: films about pirates hadn't been popular since the 1940s, other recent films set in the Age of Sail hadn't really done well commercially, and not only was it based on an amusement park ride, it was one of the oldest rides Disney still had running, and wasn't particularly exciting at that (slow boat ride through some Caribbean themed rooms with animatronic pirates and silly songs). And then we got this. To say that I was gobsmacked is well under selling it. Everything in this film is flying full sheets to the wind -- the script, casting, acting, camera work, music, perfectly paced editing, and not least of all the amazing fight choreography throughout! No one saw this coming, and it absolutely blew me out of the water. And the way the tone shifts perfectly between serious and hilarious is just the icing on the cake. Hardtack, whatever.

No, the Mythbusters tested the whole "holding an upside-down boat underwater". They found out that the amount of weight you'd need would be impossible to use and move.

I'm so glad your watching this series. I actually just rewatched them recently. The first 3 are perfection. I also agree that pirates doesn't exist without Captain Jack

very good analysis. one of my all time favorite movies

Great to see you react to my all-time favorite!!! Gore Verbinski is an incredibly talented filmmaker and his craft only improves with 2 and 3, so I hope you end up checking those out at some point! Keep up the great work!

2:57 “Walmart just… sends a fleet to f’em up” That’s hilarious to imagine. I can see it so clearly in my mind.

I for one have seen all these in the movie theatre and they were all amazing imo. I'm glad your delving into this world James. Great characters and most are self aware lol

One of my favorite movie series. In my opinion the first 3 are the best, but the last one is up there for me to.

SO happy you’re watching these, they are *awesome*, truly one of a kind!

Dude, that shirt is smooth as heck. 😎 Thanks for doing what you do. May your views and likes always be equal.

You should check out The Mask of Zorro that movie is really fun in a similar way to this one.

Loved this! Thank you 🤩

LOVED your analysis! You blew my mind here 08:55❣ I study forensic linguistics/statement analysis so it stands out to me, but you caught that!