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In fact, Richards delivers one of the movie's best lines: "It's not about living forever; the trick is living with yourself." It's a flicker of meaningful thought in the madness. And it might have resonated more powerfully if the movie hadn't felt like "living forever" in an out-of-control amusement park.

Most moviegoers will agree: At World's End shivers our timbers far too much. "Close your eyes and pretend it's all a bad dream," advises Captain Jack. "That's how I get by." Not bad advice. But wait—the dream may not be over yet! The closing scenes suggest that at least one of the characters might live on … and on … and on …

Talk About It

1. Which characters in this mess are the most honorable? Can any of them be trusted? What makes a person trustworthy?
2. What are the rules that pirates live by? What distinguishes them from the villains? Do any of these characters believe in something more than themselves?
3. What is the movie's attitude toward government? Business? Tradition? Are any of these things really bad in and of themselves?
4. How do you see "piracy" taking place in the world today? Are any forms of piracy admirable or acceptable? Is it ever appropriate to break rules established by your government? If the government establishes laws that you believe are unfair or inhumane, what is the proper response?

The Family Corner

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action/adventure violence and some frightening images. The film is jam-packed with violence, some of it comical, some of it dramatic, some of it included just for shock value. Impalings, point-blank shootings—you name it, it happens onscreen. A young boy is hung in the opening scene. Parents should take the PG-13 rating seriously, and consider watching the movie themselves before allowing young children to attend. There is some harsh language, sexual references and innuendo, and all kinds of cartoonish dismemberment. One pirate makes an aggressive sexual advance on a woman. Others crawl beneath the floorboards to look up a girl's skirt.

Photos © Copyright Walt Disney Pictures

© Jeffrey Overstreet subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

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