Official Synopsis:
In the Golden Age of Piracy, at the dawn of the 18th century, Blackbeard stood out among the lawless rogues as the most fearsome and notorious seafarer of them all. He killed for the reputation, and his reputation has become legend. Now, for the first time, comes the true story of pirate Edward Teach, the man who terrorized the seas.
Our Take:
Arrr ye land lovin’ scallywags, listen up! This here be Capt. Blackbeard, terror of the seven seas comin’ to tell ye all about me movie here. ‘Tis all about me, but it’s got a terrible endin’. Yarr, did I just spoil the movie for yah? Well, go cryin’ to yer mommies and daddies. I’ve had ‘nough of ‘dis here talkin’. I’m gon’ ta let the guy at the keyboard be takin’ over now.
For those of you who’ve been back to the Caribbean and still haven’t had their fill of pirate action, you’ll have to wait until next summer for those Pirates to return. Until then, if you’re craving more booty, then let Blackbeard: The Complete Miniseries satiate your appetite.
Blackbeard has all the ingredients of a good pirate movie: swashbuckling sword fights, pirates with hygiene problems, epic battles at sea, a handsome hero, a beautiful heroine, treasure beyond the wildest dreams of avarice, and one of the most notorious, meanest pirates that has ever set sail. It has all the elements, yet part of it still doesn’t sit entirely well. I think part of the problem is that Blackbeard SCREAMS made-for-TV. While the sets and costumes are nice, the quality of the film doesn’t seem to have that epic feeling like a film you’d see in theatres.
Still it’s a fun ride full of thrills and some chills. Nothing too scary for the kidlets, so it’s a great movie to put on for the tweens or younger kids who are looking for more pirate adventures; but it still has enough violence and deceit to keep grown-ups interested.
Unfortunately, the treasure of Blackbeard’s DVD isn’t very bountiful. It will just about curb your appetite, but considering that it’s a TV-movie release, having any special features at all is something to be grateful for.
* Raging Made Sea Dog or Fawning Puppy (1 minute) - Angus Macfadyen (Braveheart) discusses playing Blackbeard and getting to know the Pirate's "softer" side.
* Scoundrels, Scallywags, and Scurvy Knaves (3 minutes) - What is it that fascinates us with pirates? They pillage and plunder, kidnap and ravage, and don’t give a hoot, so just what is it about these scoundrels that used to be the terror of the seven seas that today captures the hearts and imaginations of generations?
* Yo-Ho-Ho and Shooting a Gun (1 minute) - The very lovely actress Jessica Chastain discusses her marksmanship and blowing up coconuts.
* Richard Chamberlain Says Ahoy! (2 minutes) - Veteran actor Richard Chamberlain discusses his role as Charles Eden.
Blackbeard might not be as cool as some other pirates are right now, but at least he wasn’t based on a theme park ride! If you’re craving some swashbuckling adventure, then check out this DVD. It’s good, clean family fun. Ahoy matey!
Overall Picture:
Movie: B-
DVD: C+
- Chris Lawrence
Staff Writer
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