Blackbeard

I admit that I bought this movie for one reason only. It wasn't because of the Pirates of the Caribbean popularity or an extraordinary interest in pirates. It was because Jessica Chastain and I look very similar. I visited with a friend from high school this Christmas, and we both had read our high school Alumnae newsletters where each former classmate claimed to be more successful, accomplished, fulfilled and fecund than the next (okay, this is a slightly skewed interpretation). Well, I joked with my friend after showing her web images of Jessica Chastain that I should claim in the next newsletter that I am an up-and-coming actress whose stage name is Jessica Chastain. Since (according to IMDb) Jessica Chastain is probably a good five inches shorter than me, I would state that I had had a height-reduction surgery. Okay, my friend and I were getting a little slap happy.Now, to the movie review (not why I watched the movie in the first place). Overall, I thought that the acting was quite good. I hated seeing Richard Chamberlain cast against his Thornbird renown when he played one of the main villains, the guardian of the film's heroine, Charlotte. The young man who played Robert Maynard was a very handsome foil to Edward Teach, a.k.a. Blackbeard. Blackbeard's mateys had to walk on eggshells with their volatile, borderline sociopath of a captain. Actor Angus Macfadyen captured the explosive temperament of this historical enigma, while also showing Blackbeard's more jocular side (of course, the jokes were never at Blackbeard's expense).The accents were kinda inconsistent, and my look-alike flipped in and out of a faux British accent. Despite weak or inconsistent accents, the acting was strong. My main complaint against this movie was the pacing. The movie plodded along at turtle's (AOL dial-up) pace (not what you'd expect from a high-sea, treasure-hunting adventure), and the script could have used a good editor.

The film plays around with the actual facts a bit more than I'd like, but then this doesn't pretend to be a History Channel documentary, either. Angus MacFadyen was good as Blackbeard, though I'd always pictured him as being physically bigger in real life. Also, the final battle between Blackbeard and Lt. Maynard seemed a bit short for my taste. Still, I found this a pleasant way to spend 3 hours of viewing.

Very interesting 3-hour historical tv mini-series about the famous blood-thirsty pirate Blackbeard. The battle scenes are very real looking considering that this is not a Hollywood film. As for historical accuracy, like any movie or series now-a-days, is somewhat obscured. For example, in real life, Blackbeard was famous for his devilsh appearance; he had smoke coming out of his beard to scare off anyone. But the movie was at least shot in exotic locations and the actors were very fullfilling in thier roles. If you like historical films and pirates, this is highly recommended. It has everything one could ask from a mini-series; action, adventure, danger, and of course romance.

The back of the box claims a true too life tale.It should claim a true too life fairy tale.If ye' r settin' sail for a watered down P.O.C -then by all means mate pick up BlackBeard.This movie is not for the serious real life pirate fan,but more for those who enjoy the old movies that were pumped out too make a buck.When the main Actor (Angus Macfadyen)states(in ex ftrs) "Black Beard was a pirate who supposable lived around 1717"(loose quote),you know your introuble. In this tale of salty nonescene we are told too beleive.Edward Teech-started his rise too pirate fame as a mutinious first mate aboard the Queen Annes Revenge.He did not have the flair for theatric :live cannon fuses in his cap durning raids,or mass amounts of weapons tied too his bandalleir(which is depicted in many historic documents).He was more or less dumb as a post.He spent his entire career chasing the late Cap.Kidd's treasure.Black Beard also:pursued,Lt.Manar,who was forced too sail with BB then betrayed his captor.Opening of the film Manar is charged with caputering pirates-with his letter of marks from the Britsh command he,s off. Manar's girlfreind(a Swan of a defferent color)forms the love triangle.She wants too be a doctor and happenes too be adobted by a island goverenor,who happened too enjoy under the table deals with pirates.The Governor- wanted her inhertence not her.And that little tidbit about BlackBeard sacing Charlston Harbor,with his fleet of 4 ships.Then abanding most of his crew before meeting his demise at the hands of Lt.Manar-none of that really happened.Nope- this fact based movie shows how a real live Jack Sparrow runs around chasing treasure-dealing with royal governors,teasing women,and bragging.Sorry this movie forgot the Kracken and Davy Jones..they also forgot too Hang good old Ed's head at the front of the ship. If you can stand hacking your way through what appears too be a lie based movie or just want too splash a mildly entertining pirate film too your collection add this one...Be warned! Ye- will not be getting any A's if ye use this fer a report.Nope for that pick up "True Carribean Pirates" or the National Geographic"BlackBeard""Both sold here at Amzon and both in there own right worhty of atleast 4 stars.

I bought this movie in the Blu-ray and it looks Great!The colors are beautiful and clear. I feel, this moviewas done Very well for being a Hallmark movie!I thought all the acting was done well too!!Being I like pirate movies... I enjoyed it a lot!!!The price is awesome for what your getting.Remember every person has a different perceptionwhen they watch a movie, and mine is as stated above.

This is a quality film - well made, well acted, engaging - a real keeper.

I think there are a lot of liberties taken in this film (i.e. the romance between Maynard, the captain who killed Blackbeard, and his doctor-girlfriend, but it is a fun yarn and gives the flavor, if not always the facts, of what Blackbeard was all about. Just a lot of fun, and I would think a good way of introducing young people to a real historical character.

A bit hokey acting but fun for pirate enthusiasts!

If you like Treasure Island you'll like this pirate semi-documentary. Well acted and filmed with great scenery and action shots.

This DVD arrived quickly and undamaged without any defects. Thanks Amazon, Dano. :)

I really was looking forward to viewing this movie, as I am both a Richard Chamberlain fan (first rate actor) and a "pirate-nut"! I got the feeling that everyone was "filling in time" - just wasn't what I expected! I do get so tired of all the smooching..... Even the pirates didn't seem to wanna fight. The scenery was lovely and I enjoyed the ships, otherwise.........

Came sealed, which is always a good sign. Good quality film.