With the fifteen or so sequels clogging the box office this summer, it was refreshing to see a film that was totally original. "Pirates of the Caribbean" brought a burst of refreshing fun to the screen. Johnny Depp (of "Blow" and "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas") shines as Captain Jack Sparrow, a pirate out to reclaim his stolen ship after a mutiny by his crew.

Adding to the adventure, the crew has kidnapped the governor's daughter, Elizabeth (Keira Knightley of "Bend it Like Beckham"). Her childhood love, Will (Orlando Bloom of "The Lord of the Rings" and "Black Hawk Down"), teams up with Sparrow to save her life.

The pirates think they need to keep Elizabeth in order to break an evil curse, which befell them after stealing a chest of Aztec gold. The curse has left the entire crew, led by Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush of "Shine" and "Shakespeare in Love") trapped in a limbo between life and death. The only way the curse can be broken is by spilling Elizabeth's blood and adding her necklace, the last of the Aztec gold, to the treasure chest.

The twist comes when the rebellious crew realizes there has been a mix-up and Elizabeth isn't the one they are looking for.

At times the movie seems to value humor and fluff over logic or even plot advancement. One such example is when Sparrow and Barbossa sword-fight. What are their goals? Neither one can be killed, as they both exist in an immortal limbo.

Additionally, I must admit that if it hadn't been for the way Depp took his character and made it a -let's just say new type of pirate- the movie would not have had the same spark it did. Depp often plays new and interesting characters (Edward Scissorhands, Gilbert Grape) and this is no exception. His take on Sparrow is nothing like pirates of old, as played by Errol Flynn or Douglass Fairbanks, who make their classic pirates of a much straighter ilk.

While the other characters are not as lively or original as Sparrow, they definitely add to the spirit of the film. Orlando Bloom plays the love-struck Will Turner, son of the most infamous pirate of the seven seas. His shining moment in the film is definitely during the swordfight scene with Depp. He also provides a level-headed counterpoint to Depp's more whimsical performance.

Of course, what would a pirate movie be without a love triangle? The love story in this case is pretty much the standard love triangle where there is the fair maiden from an upper-class government family. She is trapped between the love of her life- a pauper of course- and a young rich government official who wants his trophy wife, but doesn't really love her. I won't give away the ending, but if you've ever seen any movie, you can probably guess whom she ends up with.

Even with its slight flaws, the movie's tongue-in-cheek humor, love story, sword fights, hidden treasure and plank-walking makes this movie a ton of fun. Many viewers bought the ticket based on Depp and Bloom's sex appeal, and were surpised to get a plot with it. Additionally, it is perfect for all ages. It was the first time in a long time where children and adults alike left the theater with big smiles on their faces. If you are looking for a film, which will stimulate your mind or will challenge your ideas, this isn't the movie for you. However, if you are looking for a pure good time at the movies, I definitely recommend this film.