Column #3

I can’t believe I’m writing this. (I can’t believe I even considered writing this.)
A while ago, a thread on the Cursed forum attracted my gaze. I clicked it, read the message, double-read it and went back to read it again. Apparently, the upcoming existence of a fourth pirate movie is confirmed. Usually I brushed news like this off, figuring rumors are easily ignited and travel the World Wide Web at the speed of light. The news “PIRATES 4 CONFIRMED” (which popped up more than once) never seemed too trustworthy. But this time, the thought lingered in my head. What if it was true…?
To my surprise, the articles kept coming. People paid attention to this newsflash, and I started doing the same. Was this for real? Could it be?

As a loyal fan, the thought is stuck in my mind by now. I observed the idea from every angle imaginable, I pondered over the possible plots, marveled about the possibilities. I worried about characters: who would return, who would not? These thoughts were driving me crazy.
I told myself: “Imagine how it would be.”
So I picture myself in the cinema. A bottle of Coca Cola in my hand, eyes locked on the black screen. I will feel a mixture of anxiety and excitement before the movie will start, like a true fan is ought to. Eventually, the spectacle is bound to begin and I…
…Will I be as amazed and dazzled as I was when Curse of the Black Pearl came out?
…Will I feel confused, maybe slightly disappointed in the fashion of Dead Man’s Chest?
…Will I be content, with a heart beating fast from the action and drama in At World’s End?

That’s when I realized. None of these films had the same impact as the other. The element of surprise and absolute amazement of CotBP wasn’t matched by the others, but they had other qualities. Every one managed to touch me. Every one managed to make me smile, cry, cringe and curse. But each on its own, like a movie is supposed to.
So what about the fourth? Am I supposed to weigh pro’s and con’s? Am I supposed to debate whether I want it to be created? Or am I supposed to realize my place? I’ll wait and see whether rumors will become fact. Without a doubt in my mind, I’ll be there on the day it’s released into theaters. I’ll sit down, get my Coca Cola, and let the movie guide me.

So, you heard me, Pirates. Sweep me away! Make me cry! Make me laugh out loud and curse! We’ll see if any of that really happens. So far, I haven’t been to a pirates movie which made me regret ever paying the entrance fee. If Pirates 4 does, I’ll be back to complain.
But for now…
My fellow pirates, I’m ready to embark on yet another adventure.
Surprise me.

//Jacky