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Trailer Talk: ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’

— by AMANDA KOEHLER —

I have a confession to make … one I hope you movie fans won’t hold too much against me. I slept through the majority of “Pirates of the Caribbean 2” and “3.”

I saw “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” in the theaters, and I loved it so much, I saw it a second time. When it came out on DVD, I bought it right away. The whole movie was enjoyable and entertaining, but what I especially loved was Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow. I mean, how often do actors get an Oscar nod for being in a Disney comedy? And for playing a drunken pirate, no less?

I had wanted to see both “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” in the theaters but didn’t get a chance to go. So I rented them both when they came out on DVD. And fell asleep both times.

Now, I don’t necessarily blame the movies. If I am on my couch watching any movie, any one at all — my absolute favorite or the worst one in the world — and I choose to lay down, I am going to fall asleep, no doubt.

So I’m not too sure where we left off with “At World’s End,” but I do know from watching the new trailer for “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” that we’re in for another fun ride with Depp.

With Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley out of the picture, “On Stranger Tides” has more time to focus solely on the adventures of Jack — and a mysterious lady from his past, Angelica (Penelope Cruz). Jack believes she may be a con artist trying to use him to find the Fountain of Youth, along with Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush). Angelica makes Jack board the Queen Anne’s Revenge — the ship belonging to the infamous Blackbeard (Ian McShane).

Filled with mermaids, zombies and I’m sure the legendary wrath of Blackbeard, “On Stranger Tides” also stars Gemma Ward, Judi Dench and Keith Richards, Depp’s inspiration for Jack Sparrow.

This is the first film in the franchise that isn’t directed by Gore Verbinski; Rob Marshall is at the helm. I’m interested to see what the guy who directed “Chicago” and “Nine” does for a “Pirates” film. A Depp musical number? Please?

Get aboard ye olde ship, ye scallywags (go along with my lame pirate speak, please): “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” sets sail on May 20, 2011.

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Follow Amanda Koehler on Twitter at http://twitter.com/AEKoehler.