To my wife and I, the Pirates of the Caribbean was a meaningful attraction at Disneyland, long before it was a Walt Disney Pictures film. That's because not only has it always been Wanda's favorite ride, since her first trip to Big D in July of 2000, but it also happens to be where I proposed to her. Ah yes, I remember it as if it actually happened...
*soft fade*
The scene: we sit in the back row of boat number 41, gently rocking from the waves cast by the boats behind us as they plummet down the ride's second drop, the victims' screams piercing the darkness. It grows calm and peaceful as we enter the Treasure Room, with the gentle sound of flowing water, and the dim light glistening over the sparkling jewels in the background...
Greg: Sweetheart, you know how much I treasure you, and love you. I want you to be a part of my life always and forever...
Wanda (interrupting): What the hell is this man doing?!
And the rest is history...
*fade back to current times*
Actually, she really said that. I have it on tape. But anyway, my point is, there is meaning in the Pirates for us. So we were thrilled to see the first Pirates movie, which we quite enjoyed (especially several secret references to the ride), and eagerly anticipated the second one. Finally, we saw "Dead Man's Chest" a coupla days ago.
It was great. I liked it even more than the first. I thought the effects, which seemed kinda cheesy in parts of the first movie, were significantly improved. Johnny Depp was just as brilliant, the rest of the cast was great, the twists and turns were fun - the plot was twisty, yet comprehensible - the humor was, well, humorous, and the 'surprise' ending had me applauding. All in all, a very good movie, which I highly recommend to my patients who chew gum. Goodnight and have a pleasant tomorrow.
