Went to see Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest last night at the Vue in Oxford. As you could have predicted, the early evening screenings were sold out. Luckily my friend and I had already planned to go and watch the 9.30pm screening, so I arrived to book tickets at 7.30pm, there were plenty available We then headed over to Sandford upon Thames for a bite to eat at the King’s Arms public house. Heading back to the cinema at 9pm, we got there in perfect timing to have a good choice of seats and of course not miss the evergreen Pearl &amp Dean music.

I had big hopes for this movie, I tend to make this a habit with sequels. Overall I was very impressed, it was a great movie and well worth seeing at the cinema. To be honest, due to many of the set pieces, it is perhaps only worth seeing on the big screen. It matched the first movie, for style, substance and delivery, yet was more gripping, particularly with many scenes that made you jump. (Yeah I can be bit of a whimp, I’m afraid!) Slightly darker, in a more serious mood than the predecessor, there was a need to setup the story rather than having constant punch lines. There was less of an emphasis on comedy, which was perhaps a good thing for this movie, being the second in a trilogy. Johnny Depp was outstanding and stole the show from start to finish but I was also glad to see everyone returning from the original movie, which is a rarity in modern Hollywood. My friend Renu, believes Depp can be summarised as ‘quirky’, and ‘an actor bringing life to the character once again’. On the negative side, it is perhaps a tad too long and at times the plot meanders around far too long at the beginning, rather than letting the story flow succinctly. Highly entertaining and very funny in places, the ending brings everything together for the sequel to be released as a summer blockbuster for next year.

I suppose I should mention the World Cup. I predicted France to triumph, 2-1 over Italy following an early goal from Totti. Only for Henry and then Zidane to win it for Les Bleus. Even over extra time, when I would have fancied the Italians over the tired legs of the French, it was the 1998 winners whom looked more likely to score a winner. Yet, in a moment of madness from the French captain, whom I have admire for many years. He lost his head and the images of him walked down towards the French dressing room passing the cup, the trophy had been lost forever. What a way to end a glittering career playing in the top leagues in Europe, coming out of international retirement to drag his country kicking and screaming to two championships. The French team, then lost the plot, more thanks to the manager, than having their main tallisman red carded. Perhaps one reason I wanted France to win, was to give Zizou, that final moment of glory, leaving his profession with the biggest prize of all. Amazing, how ‘Zidane’ has suddenly become the top search query on Technorati.

Checking the RT website, to find out what was on television this evening, I noticed the 2002 movie, Equilibrium was being shown on Channel 4 at 11pm. I messaged Paul on MSN, as he had just come on to let him know. He was the guy, who in my final year at University introduced me to the movie. However, I saw the movie on a adhoc big screen back on 12th May 2004.