 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
- Review Date: May 19, 2011
- PG-13
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- 2011
Common Sense Media says
More swashbuckling + less violence = OK for older tweens.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
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.
What's the story?
Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) returns for another pirate adventure -- this time to find the Fountain of Youth, which is being sought by the Spanish and English crowns and by the infamous Blackbeard (Ian McShane) and his daughter, Angelica (Penelope Cruz). Of course, Jack and Angelica have a past, so he agrees to help them beat the English -- who are being led by a reformed Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush), who fancies himself a gentleman -- and the Spanish. To perform the eternal-youth-providing ceremony at the fountain, Blackbeard's crew must capture a mermaid, much to the horror of Philip (Sam Claflin), a young missionary who's been kept alive at the request of the surprisingly devout Angelica. Philip grows fond of the lovely mermaid, Syrena (Astrid Berges-Frisbey), as the various groups make their way closer and closer to the fountain's location.
Is it any good?
Director Rob Marshall has stripped away some of the overlong, puzzling plotlines and overdependence on CGI effects that marked Gore Verbinski's first three Pirates films, especially the second and third ones. The race for the Fountain of Youth is a simple, easy-to-follow premise; there are fewer extraneous characters to keep track of (remember all of those pirates in At World's End?); and Cruz and Depp have an entertaining, charming chemistry with each other that sizzles when they're trading barbs and half-dueling, half-flirting.
With the notable absence of Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom, whose star-crossed lovers Elizabeth and Will had closure to their story in the last installment, the good-looking-young-couple role is left to Claflin and Berges-Frisbey. But as sweet as they are, their forbidden-love subplot isn't nearly as moving as Elizabeth and Will's. McShane, on the other hand, has built an impressive career one villainous character at a time, so he's naturally fierce and frightening as Blackbeard. And music lovers will appreciate the flamenco-guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela's contributions to the soundtrack. Ultimately, though, audiences are always willing to yo, ho, ho because of Depp, and his rummy rogue is still clever and lovable.
What families can talk about
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?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
In love with Captain Jack all over again.
Hubby and I took our 8-year-old and 5-year-old. Yes, I said 5-year-old. Honestly I see worse violence and sexual situations on T.V. I am not a permissive parent - mature/teen video games are not allowed and I even block some what I consider to be cartoons with over-the-top violence. They have seen all the other Pirate movies so I didn't hesitate with this one. My 5-year-old was a bit disturbed by the fanged mermaids but we talked about fantasy vs. reality and I convinced him all of the sailors/pirates survived. There was one scene where Blackbeard incinerates a lifeboat with one of his crew who he wants to make an example of and I thought that was a bit darker and harsher than needed even though you don't see anything gory.
Jack continues to be a larger than life pirate with a heart of gold who cares about the welfare of his friends including his first mate Gibbs, a missionary, and a beautiful ex-flame. The movie seems to show that governmental and personal greed will not triumph. There is no nudity, although the mermaids appear to have human female torsos, their breasts are covered or concealed. When one Mermaid grows legs on land she is quickly given a large shirt by the missionary. Jack and his ex-flame do some minor tusseling that has sexual overtones but that will fly over the heads of younger kids.
As in the other movies there is lots of sword play and fighting and men do get killed but it is not glorified. In short - if you have seen the others there is no reason not to see this one. In fact I liked this one considerably more than At World End. Enjoy!
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Kid, 11 years old
May 22, 2011
AGE
Pirates of the Caribbean 4
This was an enjoyable movie. The series order (best to worst) in my opinion is 3,4,1,2. The flesh-devouring mermaids made me jump. As in the past three, the characters drink often. This is the one with the most sexual innuendo (hitting and relationship talk). There is mild cussing. Blackbeard, Jack, and Angela are greedy (using the fountain to live longer), though they end up using it to heal. The Spaniards try to destroy the fountain. The missionary helps and sees the good in the mermaid, though Blackbeard tortures her. My opinion, wait until DVD unless if your child is ten.
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AGE
Great adventure for the family
Despite the largely negative reviews from "professional" critics, the film is surprisingly entertaining. Lots of action, zombies that are scary enough (but not too scary) and some nice special effects combine to make this a great installment in the series. Jack Sparrow makes a few off-color innuendos but they sailed safely over the head of my 8yo. Catch it in IMAX 3D if you can.
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AGE
last one....
this movie is so good and everyone will want to see it!!!
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AGE
After seeing the movie with my 15 year old son who enjoyed it, I was relieved I had not brought my sensitive 13 year old daughter to see it. The upside is that the movie itself had great special effects, lots of action and well-cast characters. There are also some excellent role models in the film who exhibit strength of character and a willingness to sacrifice for those they love. Jack Sparrow was in top form and just as conflicted and entertaining as ever. However, I was concerned by several anti-feminist themes in the movie. For example, there is a bar scene with several women falling out of their dresses who are in somewhat compromising positions with men. The scenes between Jack Sparrow and his love interest are quite sensual and the relationship seems to be built on mistrust and some violent encounters (not to mention the fact that Jack had "stolen her virtue" and left her heartbroken sometime in the past). In addition, there is a scene with man-eating mermaids which is quite violent and disturbing. Also, the character played by Penelope Cruz has an unwavering love for her father, a selfish and violent pirate, which causes her to compromise her own values for his sake. I discussed my concerns with my son after the movie and believe he is old enough to glean the good points from the movie, while also understanding why some of the other themes in the movie are not admirable.
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Kid, 12 years old
May 31, 2011
AGE
Not the best pirates...
Movie was good, but it kind of dragged on to the end. You can still look forward to all of Jack's fun(: Still a great movie I definitely recommend.
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AGE
As good as the first!!!
We took our kids to see this since they have seen the other 3 movies and I have to say I totally enjoyed it. I think this is my favorite one because there was less violence and it was an easier story line to follow. The first in the series was good but the 2nd and 3rd were way to confusing and went on and on. Besides all that my family has enjoyed the movies.
I have to say if your kids have seen the otheres then this is a cakewalk. A lot milder but great storyline!
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Kid, 12 years old
May 26, 2011
AGE
scary for younger children
I liked this movie, but it's a little bit scary for younger children because my 4 year old brother got scared in a couple of parts but he still enjoyed the movie. The other issue is about the mermaids because they capture one and she turns into a human and she's not wearing anything (no bodyparts are shown) but a guy takes off his shirt and gives it to her to cover herself. It's a good movie but those are the only issues.
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Kid, 9 years old
March 9, 2011
AGE
pirates of the caribbean
This was a very good movie.I think that its a little iffy for ages 9.But it is great for 10 and up.
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| Studio: | Walt Disney Pictures |
| Director: | Rob Marshall |
| Cast: | Geoffrey Rush, Ian McShane, Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure |
| Run time: | 128 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | May 20, 2011 |
| DVD release date: | October 18, 2011 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | intense sequences of action/adventure violence, some frightening images, sensuality and innuendo |
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