Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
More swashbuckling + less violence = OK for older tweens.
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Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 37 parent reviews
Based on 120 kid reviews
Kids say the fourth installment of this film series diverges from its predecessors with a darker plot, including increased sexual innuendos and less character continuity, notably missing key characters from earlier films. While some appreciate Jack Sparrow's humor and the action sequences, others find the lack of depth in the storyline and the sensory content, including violence and uncomfortable themes surrounding mermaids, makes it less family-friendly than earlier entries.
- darker plot
- sexual innuendos
- less character continuity
- awkward themes
- humor appreciated
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES, Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) returns for another pirate adventure -- this time to find the Fountain of Youth. The fountain is also 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?
Depp's rummy rogue is clever and lovable as ever, and that's a big reason audiences are always willing to yo, ho, ho. 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. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides' 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.
Talk to Your Kids 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?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 20, 2011
- On DVD or streaming : October 18, 2011
- Cast : Geoffrey Rush , Ian McShane , Johnny Depp , Penelope Cruz
- Director : Rob Marshall
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Pirates
- Run time : 128 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : intense sequences of action/adventure violence, some frightening images, sensuality and innuendo
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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