Entertainment: Starting as a Succubus, Taking Hollywood by Storm-Chapter 463 - 462: Some Praise, Some Struggle

David Denby hesitated, unable to put pen to paper.

Martin's entrance—no, Captain Jack Sparrow's entrance—was too stunning. As he watched that witty, roguish figure on the big screen, it was hard to believe this was the same Martin—Legolas Martin, The Chosen One Martin, the cool and stylish dancer Martin.

How do I criticize this?

After a moment of thought, he finally scribbled a few words in his notebook: "Overacted, too exaggerated."

As the film progressed, Martin's portrayal of Captain Jack continued to elicit laughter from the audience, and the film's charm began to shine through.

The lighthearted humor persisted—until Elizabeth fell into the sea.

And the reason? Well, it was clear—her corset was far too tight.

This scene was already beautifully shot in the original version, but under Martin's influence, with special effects handled by Weta Digital, it became even more breathtaking.

The ocean, the ships, the island—even the pirate skeletons swaying from cliffs, dried by the wind—all carried an unexpected beauty.

But the most stunning visuals came from the underwater scene—truly mesmerizing.

Especially when Jack Sparrow cradled Elizabeth as he swam toward the surface, schools of fish passing below, the camera capturing the scene from beneath—it was breathtaking.

For a brief moment, it almost stole the spotlight.

Truth be told, many viewers instinctively thought that Elizabeth would end up with Jack Sparrow. (And honestly, the author thought so too—haha.)

Next came the sequence where Jack Sparrow, trying to escape, took Elizabeth hostage, leading to his encounter with Will Turner at the blacksmith's shop.

This sword fight was largely improvised by Martin—filled with humor yet still thrilling.

Laughter filled the theater.

Two handsome men engaging in a battle of skill was truly a feast for the eyes.

It was strange—despite Martin's bizarre makeup, ragged pirate attire, and occasional flamboyant gestures, he still oozed charm and charisma.

David Denby lifted his pen, intending to write something—but ultimately, he set it down again.

Then came the attack on the town by the Black Pearl...

The pace of the film picked up.

By now, nearly thirty minutes had passed.

Barbossa and his cursed crew invaded the Royal Port, kidnapping Elizabeth—mistakenly believing she was Bill Turner's daughter, whose blood was needed to lift the curse.

At the same time, the coin in Elizabeth's possession was the final missing piece of the Aztec treasure.

Meanwhile, from his jail cell, Jack quickly deduced from Will Turner's name that he was actually Bill Turner's son—the real key to breaking the curse.

Seizing this opportunity, Jack manipulated Will, who was desperate to save Elizabeth, into freeing him. The two then stole a ship and set off to chase down the Black Pearl.

Of course, Jack had no real interest in rescuing Elizabeth—his true goal was reclaiming his beloved ship.

Thus began a grand high-seas adventure.

By this point, the audience was completely immersed in the film.

The curse of the Black Pearl, the pirate treasure, the high-stakes sword fights, the chilling skeletal crew illuminated by moonlight, undead pirates walking along the ocean floor...

This fantastical world had only begun to unfold, and already, no one could look away.

The sword fight between Jack Sparrow and Captain Barbossa was especially thrilling—both comedic and intense.

David Denby, however, forced himself to write in his notebook: "Two world-class fools engaging in a meaningless duel."

But when Barbossa finally uttered, "I feel cold," the film seemed to take on a deeper significance.

At that moment, Pirates of the Caribbean was no longer just a lighthearted pirate comedy—it carried something more profound.

David Denby exhaled slowly, lifting his pen, lowering it, lifting it again—repeating the process three times before finally writing:

"Jack Sparrow... he is a peacock flaunting his feathers."

Meanwhile, Kevin Thomas, after some thought, penned the following:

"Jack Sparrow is an incredibly difficult role to play. Even though Pirates of the Caribbean is just a commercial film, Martin has infused this character with something entirely unique. I genuinely believe that only Martin could have portrayed him so perfectly."

"Frankly, I can't even imagine what this film would have been like if Martin had played the role in the style of Errol Flynn or Douglas Fairbanks. It would have been insufferably dull."

"Through Martin's performance, Captain Jack Sparrow carries a touch of the Rococo—light, refined, intricate, and elaborate. What makes this character so compelling is that Martin never plays him as a joke. He never mocks him. He plays him with absolute sincerity, which elevates Jack Sparrow beyond a mere clown. He lives."

After writing this, Kevin Thomas continued watching with new eyes.

Th𝓮 most uptodate nov𝑒ls are publish𝒆d on ƒreewebηoveℓ.com.

This wasn't a tightly wound, high-stakes thriller.

But it was irresistibly charming. Every time Jack Sparrow was on screen, he seemed to shift the entire atmosphere of the theater—drawing the audience's full attention.

The delicate, exaggerated steps, the flamboyant gestures, the darkly lined eyes—all exuded a strange, tangible allure.

At that moment, Kevin Thomas realized—Martin had created yet another unforgettable character.

—

As the film neared its conclusion...

After the grand sea adventure, the Royal Navy still sentenced Jack Sparrow to hang—but Will Turner saved him.

Though Will's actions were a clear violation of the law, the governor ultimately turned a blind eye, recognizing Will and Elizabeth's love for each other.

Commodore Norrington, who had long harbored feelings for Elizabeth, could only accept his defeat in silent heartbreak.

In the end, Will and Elizabeth lived happily ever after, while Jack Sparrow, aboard the Black Pearl, sailed off toward boundless freedom.

The film's opening and resolution might have felt a bit drawn-out, but there was no denying—this was a great story.

A mysterious treasure, a skeletal curse, noble naval officers, magical adventures, handsome heroes, beautiful heroines, a legendary tale, and undead pirates illuminated by moonlight...

All the classic pirate elements seamlessly blended together—infused with personal heroism and absurd humor.

Without a doubt, Pirates of the Caribbean was destined for success.

As Kevin Thomas clapped along with the audience, he thought to himself, This is going to be big.

Meanwhile, David Denby's expression twisted with inner turmoil.

He was stuck.

How should he write his review?

Continue to criticize the film? That would make him look foolish.

Praise it? That would be like surrendering to Martin!