Allow me to shamelessly give in to guilty pleasures!

This isn't the movie to watch if you desire a high quality, high fantasy, Peter Jackson-esque pic. While we can all agree that the plot is pretty basic, the writing isn't perfect, and there were no Baeksang-worthy performances, NONE OF US watched this movie for that. Nope, we were looking for a GOOD TIME, for some fun adventures, for some thrilling action and for fabulous visuals. AND HELL IF THIS MOVIE DIDN'T DELIVER EXACTLY THAT.

The most tragic thing about Pirates 2, or any pirate movie ever, is that we'll unconsciously and involuntarily compare it to The Pirates of the Caribbean. Nearly everyone and their mom love that series (especially the first installment, The Curse of the Black Pearl). It's the most popular and the best-done movie (series) of the genre, after all. And every time we're ever gonna watch another pirate movie, we're actually attempting to recreate the joy of watching and loving tPotC for the first time. It's the same thing like when you're reading about a magic school and try very hard not to compare it to Hogwarts, but eventually that's exactly what you do. Because we all want to experience certain things again like it's the first time, so we can experience at maximum potential the joys and the shocks and the surprises that came with it. Pirates 2 is a really good pirate movie or, rather, would be a very good pirate movie if tPotC wasn't there to set up such huge standards for swashbuckling flicks.

Now, let's take it punctually: plot-wise, I couldn't give a damn if there were plot holes. Stories of this genre are developed around a very clear formula, which they hold on to very tightly. Basically, my expectations were met, considering they weren't like such huge expectations... My problem regarding the plot were some smaller scenes that had been added there for the sake of shock value and this is actually one of my pet peeves. If it doesn't help the plot or the development of the characters, DON'T FREAKING ADD THAT SCENE! (I'm looking at you 'whale' scene).

In terms of visuals, OH MY GOD this is one of the most beautiful movies, with the best cinematographies I've ever seen. If you're looking for something with beautiful colors, well-placed contrasts, superb games of hue and saturation, PLEASE watch this movie. It's so pretty!

The music was also really good. The score complimented the scenes so very well. I don't know how to better describe how I feel about the soundtrack, but I want you to know that it was stellar and, if not for the visuals, at least for the music, this movies deserves awards. MANY OF THEM.

Regarding the cast and their performances, I think I've already said my opinion above. The actors and actresses were good, well-immersed in their characters, but no particular performance was Baeksang-worthy. Sehun seems to be type-cast into quiet, strong, body-guard sort-of characters. But he does it well enough that I don't really mind. Chae Soo Bin was very endearing (though a bit 2D at times) and I love how her character created a nice balance with Han Hyo Joo's character. Kang Haneul was the star of the show and it was deservedly. It's my first time watching anything with this actor (I think), but he certainly caught my eye. He was so very good in his role, certainly the best one in the main cast. He embodied his character so darn well.

Overall, I'm absolutely recommending you this movie IF YOU DESIRE A VERY FUN EXPERIENCE, but not if you're looking for the nect tPotC or the next Peter Jackson-esque high fantasy.