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Let me start out by saying that I was among those who didn't find part Two and Three of the series were worse than the original, with the second film probably even being my favorite.
Now comes the fourth and offers familiar faces as well as changes. The characters that do return, Captain Jack being the most prominent one of course, are more than welcome, a little bit like visiting old friends. Jack is a little less insane than recently, and that works great for the character. Captain Barbossa (wonderful as always: Geoffrey Rush) is much better written than in the third film, where he was a little bit wasted. Ian McShane makes for an excellent new villain Blackbeard.
The plot is a lot more straight forward than in the last two installments, offering a nice treasure hunt with all that's required: men burning maps they know by heart, exotic places, swashbuckling action.
The film leaves little to wish for in that regard, especially the mermaids scene is haunting and beautiful at the same time. It'd be easy to point out plot holes and inconsistencies, or you can just sit back and have another fun evening with Jack Sparrow. That's more or less up to the viewer. I had a good time and didn't expect anything else.

7 out of 10 mermaid songs.