Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)

Middle chapters are hard, and Dead Man’s Chest proves it by stopping mid-sentence after 151 minutes. A lot of that time goes to an island detour that mostly exists so Jack Sparrow can run away from things. Then the good stuff shows up. Bill Nighy’s Davy Jones has an octopus for a face and plays a pipe organ with his beard tentacles, and the effects still look better than plenty of newer blockbusters. A three-way sword fight on a runaway water wheel is the most fun this series ever had. Johnny Depp is still loose and weird, though the bit is starting to feel like a bit. The Kraken shows up and turns ships into toothpicks. It made $1.07 billion worldwide, so a part three was never in doubt. A 6.2 because the set pieces are huge and the story is waiting room music for the next movie. $39 says you spot a jar of dirt in someone’s kitchen this week and ask if it’s for protection.

What works: Davy Jones and his crew are stunning effects work, and the water wheel sword fight is pure slapstick joy.

What doesn’t: It’s a long setup for the next movie, padded with an island detour, and it ends on a cliffhanger instead of an ending.

Who it’s for: Fans of the first movie who want more Jack, more monsters and bigger stunts, and know they’ll need part three.