Ah, the third movie…. The movie where everything gets wrapped up, but the characters have to go through perilous situations and overcome unbelievable odds to obtain their glory. Well, after a darker twist in the Dead Man’s Chest chapter of the Pirates’ franchise, elements of that darker twist run throughout the final movie of the trilogy. While the movie provides some puzzling plot and thought provoking questions, At World’s End provides a satisfying close on the trilogy.

Dead Man’s Chest ended with Captain Jack Sparrow (Depp) fighting a giant seabeast, while falling into a presumably watery grave, and the return of the presumably dead Capitan Barbossa (Rush), to set things up for a wild third movie.

In a scene usually deemed a little too morbid for the Disney studio, the third movie starts with the British army hanging scores of pirates, including a young boy who hums a defiant pirate theme as he is hung. The Redcoats are after the usual suspects; Sparrow and frequent allies Will Turner (Bloom) and girlfriend Elizabeth Swann (Knightley). But Sparrow is stuck in some weird watery purgatory; which sends him into hallucinations. Meanwhile, Swann and Capitan Barbossa are making their way to Singapore, looking for help to find Jack. They must also avoid the fast approaching Flying Dutchman and the tentacle laden Davy Jones (Bill Nighy). So, between the Dutchman, the British army, and an scheming Asian captain Sao Feng (Chow Yung-Fat), sounds like that the main characters have their hands full, don’t they?

Like Spider Man 3 a few weeks before, At World’s End races through its 165 minutes to resolve and tie up all loose ends. The movie is a little more cohesive than the previously mentioned movie, but still seems a little long. The movie works for the most part, but it’s hurt by not playing on its strengths enough.

The action is lacking at times and the swashbuckling that made the series exciting could have been put to more use. Also, the MVP of the franchise, Depp, is missing in small chunks. As Sparrow, Depp’s humor is the key to the success of the franchise. But when he’s in a scene, he usually does steal it. It was interesting and surprising to see the fate of Bloom and Knightley’s relationship and the conflict it causes. The two regain their chemistry after losing it during much of Dead Man’s Chest. The special effects of the movie are top notch as usual, and the action sequences (when used) are strong.

There are some major plot holes that need to be answered, but this reviewer can't address them, especially before the movie’s release. The movie is wrapped up nicely, but these questions become troublesome and take away from the ending.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End is a fine, but flawed addition to the Pirates trilogy. Don’t expect Depp to receive an Oscar nomination for his reprisal of Sparrow; but he is still the best thing about this series. P.S. In the worst kept secret around, you just might see a certain Rolling Stone guitarist playing Jack’s father in a cameo. Can’t say who though…

GRADE: B-