sequel beter than first part?  

I find the first one more appealing and entertaining.

I believe the first one was better than the sequel - as you pointed out the sequel has a lot more special effects in it and a lot more action ... but with that there isn't much of a story! I mean the first tells the whole story [probably 'cos they wouldn't have thought of making a sequel until they saw how well it did at the movies]. I know the 2nd and 3rd ones go together ... but to me it just seemed that the 2nd one was just 2+ hours of them just searching for the key when they probably could have condensed it down a little bit and just made the 1 sequel instead of 2 [but that would have cut down on their $$ making from people wanting to know what happened]

The first movie has more substance in terms of the plot. Well, it really should in order to establish the grounding of the whole story. However, i think the second movie is some kind of an off-shoot from that movie because, well, it kinda appealed in the box office. that's why the sequel, is less substantial than the first. the effects and the humor are totally a strength. it is very funny and visual. however, it lacks the substance of a good movie. it serves as a bridge for the first and last movie, therefore the story is concentrated on those two. the second movie, revolves around Will making a deal to free Elizabeth, Jack making a deal with Will to find the compass, then later on Elizabeth making a deal with Jack to find Will... it's a never-ending deal making.

Humor and effects are good... but it should not be the be-all and end-all of the story.... the the actors losses their acting's glimmer if overshadowed by too much effects...

I think I agree with the above posters. I liked the first pirate movie better than the second. I also felt the second movie relied too heavily on special effects, and drew out a story that could have been told in a shorter time. Though I have to admit, I liked the second one better the second time I saw it. This could be because I knew that the story would not be resolved so I could just look at it as a piece of the puzzle, where as the first movie is deffinatley a stand alone film.
Also, as far as villians go, I like Barbosa much better than Davey Jones. Though Davy Jones is evil, he's also a bit tragic, pining away for his lost love. Barbosa is a true pirate, mutanious, and toally out for himself.

The first part was definetely better than the second part as it was more interesting. Also in my opinion the second part seemed to be confusing as it ended abruptly and suddenly the villian from the first part appears. It makes no sense to me.

Although the second part was enjoyable to watch all the hard work in the movie was spoilt due to the ending. Elizabeth can't seem to make up her mind about who m she loves now and I prefered her to be with Will rather than Johnny Deep.