Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End is a rollicking voyage in the same spirit of the two earlier Pirates films; yet far darker in spots (and nearly three hours to boot). The action; largely revolving around a pirate alliance against the ruthless East India Trading Company; doesn't disappoint; though the violence is probably too harsh for young children. Through it all; the plucky cast (Keira Knightley; Orlando Bloom; Geoffrey Rush) are buffeted by battle; maelstroms; betrayal; treachery; a ferocious Caribbean weather goddess; and that gnarly voyage back from the world's end--but with their wit intact. As always; Johnny Depp's Jack Sparrow tosses off great lines ; he chastises "a woman scorned; like which hell hath no fury than!" He insults an opponent with a string of epithets; ending in "yeasty codpiece."!

In the previous Dead Man's Chest; Sparrow was killed--sent to Davy Jones' Locker. In the opening scenes; the viewer sees that death has not been kind to Sparrow--but that's not to say he hasn't found endless ways to amuse himself; cavorting with dozens of hallucinated versions of himself on the deck of the Black Pearl. But Sparrow is needed in this world; so a daring rescue brings him back. Keith Richards' much ballyhooed appearance as Jack's dad is little more than a cameo; though he does play a wistful guitar. But the action; as always; is more than satisfying; held together by Depp; who; outsmarting the far-better-armed British yet again; causes a bewigged commander to muse: "Do you think he plans it all out; or just makes it up as he goes along?" As far as fans are concerned; it matters not. --A.T. Hurley