What's Johnny Depp doing?

What has Johnny Depp been up to lately? Well, hang on, I'll tell you.

I saw a SNL skit about him being interviewed and I had to look him up. Yes, of course, he's doing yet another Pirates of the Caribbean movie, but I have to say I've enjoyed his Capt. Sparrow character though the evolution of this franchise.

I've been a fan of Depp's since he left 21 Jump Street, since I never saw that show. I gave him little credence until I saw some of this filmic choices. Obviously, "Edward Scissorhands", but also "Benny and Joon", a wonderful film. "Don Juan DeMarco", a sleeper that wasn't given much attention. He did a good job in "Nightmare on Elm Street", and others that were mostly forgettable. But later he only made better and weirder choices, some that hit the mark for me and some that didn't.

He showed some "chops" in "What's eating Gilbert Grape" and "Donny Brasco", "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and others: "Chocolat", a film it would seem that everyone saw (if you didn't go see it, then your girlfriend, wife, or simply, date drug you to see it); and the completely unforgettable, "The Libertine", a film I think no one saw but me. Not to forget his foray into musicals with 2007s, "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street", with Director Tim Burton and his girlfriend as lead actress, Helena Bonham Carter: The Hollywood Triad, Johnny, Tim and Helena.

"Charlie and the Chololate Factory", a film that was fun but nothing could upstage Gene Wilder's version in "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory". But overall, I enjoy his films. Besides, he's worked with so many other talented actors, even some legends, like Brando, Pacino, and even Keith Richards (who saw that one coming when he was on 21 Jump Street?).

But now, he is working on some interesting projects due to come out soon.

"Paul Kemp is a freelance journalist who finds himself at a critical turning point in his life while writing for a run-down newspaper in the Caribbean. Paul is challenged on many levels as he tries to carve out a more secure niche for himself amidst a group of lost souls all bent on self-destruction." (IMDB) With Amber Heard, Giovanni Ribisi (a very underrated actor by the public), Aaron Eckhart. Written and Directed by Bruce Robinson (screenplay), and the late great Hunter S. Thompson (novel). Release date: 2011 This, should be interesting.

Next up: "The Tourist" It revolves around Frank, an American tourist visiting Italy to mend a broken heart. Elise is an extraordinary woman who deliberately crosses his path. (IMDB) With Angelina Jolee, Timothy Dalton. Writer and Director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck and Christopher McQuarrie (screenplay), and a few others. Release Date: 10 December 2010 (USA)

Finally, "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides". Jack Sparrow and Barbossa embark on a quest to find the elusive fountain of youth, only to discover that Blackbeard and his daughter are after it too. Although I don't see our two mainstays, I now see, Penélope Cruz, Ian McCellan, and of course Geoffrey Rush. Director: Rob Marshall; with Writers: Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio, and of course, others. Release Date: 20 May 2011 (USA)

I look forward to Johnny Depp's future releases with the hopes of more solid acting projects but hopefully not without the occasional quirky, unbalanced, fascinating studies for years to come.