Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

The huge success of 'Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl' meant that the weight of expectation on the second instalment was going to be enormous. Tellingly it is CGI rather than performance that takes centre stage, resulting in a visually dazzling but hollow sequel that barely pauses for breath as a giant squid, cursed seamen and Knightley's pout are flung at us amidst a race to acquire the titular chest which nestles soggily in the clutches of calamari-gobbed Davy Jones and his barnacled minions. Hidden motives and double-crosses abound as our plucky, photogenic heroes swash their buckles and look like they're having rather a good time doing so. Depp camps it up to fever pitch as you know who and Keira 'n' Orlando make a pretty if rather sexless couple. A worthy sequel? Almost, but we'll await part three for the final verdict. [Amanda Turnbull]