ah, but the murder is what makes it all so deliciously twisted and fun. love between two real pirates? it would be the most unique love story of all times... because pirates inevitably betray each other, break the law, and will do anything to save their own lives and pursue freedom.
love between two childhood sweethearts that undergoes a bit of transition and some slight tension? yawn yawn. been there, done that. love between a legendary crazy pirate and a spoiled society lady-turned murdering pirate king? I'm intrigued! What love could survive one killing the other-- and by manipulating him physically and emotionally, no less. It's fascinating! It's intriguing. It's a damn good story, and one worth pursuing in the midst of our weird obsession with keeping love and romance the same as it's always been. it's bending the rules and testing the boundaries of all accepted facts and traditions.
will and jack? what is this, brokeback mountain? if I can't stand to watch the whelp onscreen, i highly doubt Jack owuld be able to stomach sailing about with him... especially seeing as, in ALL 3 FILMS, anytime the two are together, they are trying to kill each other and/or betray each other. and not in an intriguing way. Will is too self-righteous for his own good, and far too loyal. Jack is too charming and too morally corrupt for Will's honor. And to speak from a purely cinematic standpoint, Orlando disappears when Johnny is onscreen.
speaking of rants about movie three, I never got to see Keira in eyeliner. I was really pulling for that... for a little "Elizabeth takes after Jack for some plot-related reason and puts on eyeliner and possibly a hat and coat"... that would have been fun.