I really enjoyed all the subtle and not so subtle references to the original Disneyland attraction throughout the film. I am sure some Disneygeek out there will have a website chronicling them.. or if someone wants to submit a list I can post it..

I was really surprised by how much action and excitement they packed into a PG-13 film.. I think it really goes to show you can do it if you try. They managed to fit in several stabbings, shootings, deaths, skeletons, etc... and did not have to go to a higher rating.

In going through the technical elements of the film... the sound editing was ok, I thought some mixes were a little unbelievably loud and took away from the scene. The sound track really did not come through, so I guess it worked. The photography was really good, especially a couple of the tough scenes with Pirates changing between ghosts and humans. The digital effects were good overall they did not really call out, hey look at me I was made with a computer, which to me is always a plus. The acting and directoring were good, nothing that knocked me off my seat, but I was entertained.

Speaking of trailers.. two Disney ones (well three if you count the upteenth remake of Freaky Friday) were attached to the film. The Haunted Mansion one looked fairly bad to me.. not quite Country Bears bad, but it definitely did not make me want to see the film. The second was for Brother Bear. This one is fully animated and all inked up (no pencil runs this time). I am really looking forward to the film. The Phil Collins music sounds predictable, but I like it.

Guess I probably should rant a bit about the number of trailers and the stupid commercials before the film. Isn't it bad enough ticket prices are so high, add to that all the ads around the theater, even on the pop corn and drinks, plus the high costs of refreshments and you would think a theater could break even... but no.. you are stuck watching several commercials.. we had an LA Times and Mountain Dew... neither of which was interesting.. but I guess it worked, I remembered them (won't buy either though).

Looks like Disney may have hit pulling in just over $13 million in the first day (a Wednesday at that). To put that in perspective Disney's last theme park attraction turned movie, The Country Bears, brought in a grand total of just under $17 million for its entire 15 week run (according to Boxofficemojo.com). Looks like Pirates is going to sail right past that.

Enough of my endless blabbing, let's hear what you have to say. Stop by our Geek Forum and leave your thoughts.

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