This isn’t really a bad film—that is, if you're not someone who dislikes lighthearted, fast-paced adventure stories. Fundamentally, it functions as a pulp novel adapted for the screen. It would have thrived had it been produced during Hollywood’s Golden Age, extending through the eighties; in the nineties, it likely would have achieved a quiet level of success. However, its creation occurred in 2008, and audience preferences had shifted. The events of 9/11 altered something within people, diminishing the sense of wonder necessary to appreciate films like this one. With the rise of computers, audiences began demanding excessive special effects above all else. Consequently, enjoyable adventures were pushed aside, and critics—even those who profess a fondness for classic swashbucklers such as *Captain Blood*—reacted negatively toward anyone expressing enjoyment of similar fare. The film contains familiar elements: treasure serving as the MacGuffin, a charming protagonist, a touch of romantic entanglement, and expansive ocean settings. It embodies classic Hollywood storytelling. Sadly, it’s also precisely the sort of movie that is presently needed but which studios are hesitant to create.

Source on TMDB