I doubt anyone could say that this was better than the first Pirates of the Caribbean. That's not to say is was particularely bad; just not quite as swashbuckling, more action-packed. There were plenty of comedy scenes, and almost more than enough action scenes. There were some pretty darn good special effects though.

The story was basically as follows. Elizabeth Swann and Will Turner are about to get married but are arrested for helping Jack escape (in the previous movie). Will is told that his and Elizabeth's lives will be spared if he can get Jack's compass. Meanwhile, Davy Jones want's Jack's soul, and will do anything to get it, even unleashing the mighty Krakken (giant squid thing). Elizabeth goes after Will and ends up on Jack's ship. Jack wants the key to the dead man's chest, which holds Davy Jones' heart, so he can be king of the sea. The British commander guy also wants it for reasons unknown. Let's just say the ending is quite a shock.

The story was ok, though a tad hard to understand because it jumped back and forth and there were many unexpected and slightly confusing twists. The whole "Davy Jones' heart still beating in the chest he buried" was sort of surreal, and I don't know why he wouldn't just keep it with him all the time (that would make more sense).

The characters were also pretty good, Jack Sparrow was marvelous as usual. Over all, I'd say this movie was an 8/10 as opposed to the first, a 9/10 (IMO).