I was always a big fan of the Pirates films but when I heard they were making a fourth film without Orlando or Keira, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. Like most of us, I’m a big Jack Sparrow fan so I figured it was worth the risk.

On Stranger Tides joins Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) in London, where he crosses paths with former lover, Angelica (Penelope Cruz). After she forces him to join the crew of fabled pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack discovers he’s part of their plan to find the fountain of youth. But they’ll have to beat both the Spaniards and the English, who are being led by none other than Captain Barbosa (Geoffrey Rush).

I won’t lie – the film was a bit disappointing. I went in with fairly low expectations so I still enjoyed it but the boy (who hoped it would be as good as the previous films) hated it. Something was definitely missing this time around and I’m pretty sure it was more than just the two former leads.

If you decide to see it, make sure you stick around until the end of the credits – in usual Pirates tradition, there’s an extra scene as a treat for waiting.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is in cinemas everywhere.

Rating: **1/2