"Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" also known as "Pirate of the Caribbean 3" was released May 25 and has already shattered records including highest production cost ($300 million), most theaters shown and fifth highest weekend box office gross ever. Although the third film's plot is a mess, the film manages to hold the attention of the audience with a strong supporting cast and entertaining fight scenes.

As opposed to the first movie's simple good-guy-saves-girl plot, the film is filled with twists, turns and betrayals. The outcome is a tangle that is hard to follow and filled with holes. Viewers will find themselves questioning the logic of the plot and wondering why and how certain events happen. Another flaw is the excess of characters–there are too many shallow, supporting characters that serve no purpose except to give two lines before disappearing from the rest of the plot.

The acting in this latest installment is better than the second one, but by no means great. Orlando Bloom, who plays Will Turner, continues to lack personality and the skill to give different facial expressions. There is more Keira Knightley, who plays Elizabeth Swann, this time around which translates to an excess of yelling and annoying oblivion. While Knightley gives a decent attempt, she, like Bloom, gives the same dull expression in every scene regardless of how her character feels. Johnny Depp, the savior of the movie series and easily the most popular character, is overshadowed by the return of Geoffrey Rush, who plays Captain Barbosa. Both Depp and Rush give great and convincing pirate performances that partially bring "Pirates 3" out of the hole that it is in.

The special effects help keep the audience's attention, but for the most expensive movie ever made, the look could have been better. The visuals were good, but nothing that would blow your mind.

The screenplay for "Pirates 3" was the worst of the three movies. The original film had a nice mix of subtle comedy and humor with action. The death of many characters and extras, however, gives this film a darker tone. However, when Depp comes along, his character is used as a filter for tacked-on jokes and lowbrow humor. The result is out-of-place and not funny.

"Pirates of the Caribbean 3" seemed like it would bounce back from the awful second film, but instead, it failed to deliver. From the confusing and practically laughable plot to the shallow characters, "Pirates 3" is a huge disappointment and cannot be watched as a stand-alone film.

Not only was the movie terrible, there were countless shameless attempts to hint at a sequel. The cliffhanger at the ending of the second movie was bad enough, but after the most recent film's set-ups for a "Pirates 4" were ridiculous. It shows just how crooked the producers are. The production company no longer cares about making a good movie; it only wants to take the audience's money. Save yourself $10 now and another $10 when "Pirates 4" comes out. Don't see "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End."

At a Glance: Pirates 3

Release date: May 25, 2007

Running time: 168 minutes

MPAA rating: PG-13

Countries playing: 102

Rating: 2 out of 5