1. What’s it all about?
The Pirate Captain (that's his name: "The Pirate Captain") is eager to win the Pirate of the Year award, an award that he has failed to win the last few (dozen) times. He feels that his chances are good this year, since his beard has never been lusher — and it really is an amazing beard, for which the animation team at Aardman worked on getting the texture just right for over a year. The movie then tells of his misadventures to gain the title, which include Charles Darwin, Queen Victoria, a dodo, a monkey butler, and a steampunk-inspired zeppelin.
2. Will I like it?
If you enjoy smart, kid friendly humor with a heavy dose of silliness, and some smart and snappy dialogue, the answer is an emphatic yes! If you like films like Toy Story and Shrek, The Pirates! will be to your liking.
3. Will my kids like it?
There were a lot of kids of various ages at the preview I attended, and, judging by the constant uproarious laughter around me, your kids will have a ball. Both of my kids (ages 11 and 13) are eager to see it, and I'm looking forward to taking them. However, I don't think the movie will initially appeal to the mainstream teen set who are used to a lot more innuendo and humor based on bodily functions. That doesn't mean that they won't enjoy it if you take them — there are scenes that will make even the most angst-ridden teen chuckle — only expect some resistance from teens who may not want to see a PG-rated kids movie.
4. Is this CGI animation?
No, or at least it's mostly not. Aardman Animations made this movie using old fashioned stop-motion animation, where each frame is a literal photograph of three-dimensional objects made out of clay or Plasticine. Peter Lord, one of the founders of Aardman, is a master of this technique, able to create rich textures and scenes in such detail that CGI will still feel a bit artificial in comparison. He's practiced this craft for 30 years with successes including Peter Gabriel's music video for "Sledgehammer," Creature Comforts, Wallace & Gromit, and Chicken Run. Aardman has recently produced movies using CGI, but I for one am glad to see them turning back to claymation. That said, some of the backdrops, where detail is less important, and water effects — where fluidity would be nearly impossible with clay — are computer generated.
5. Does this movie have anything to do with the Johnny Depp Pirates of the Caribbean movies?
No. Other than possibly a bit of parody, this movie is in no way connected to the Johnny Depp movies of a similar name. However, I've talked to several people who assumed that's what this movie was about. I've only seen the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie, but having seen the Ask a Ninja review of #3 (and consequently #2) I feel I can say without fear of contradiction that this is a better movie than any of those.
6. When’s the best time for a bathroom break?
About an hour into the movie, after the big awards ceremony (you'll know what I mean), there's a bit of a lull in the action. That's probably the best time to pop out.
7. How is the 3D?
The 3D is excellent and really brings the models alive. This kind of claymation stop-animation is tailor-made for 3D effects, giving the figures more solidity. I saw the movie in a theater using passive 3D technology, which is my preference. Active 3D doesn't provide any discernibly better quality, but can all too easily go out of sync, ruining the 3D effects. How can you tell the difference? Passive glasses look like cheap sunglasses, while active glasses are thicker and heavier.
8. Will I recognize any of the voices?
This is a star-studded animated cast,with Hugh Grant as the Pirate Captain, Martin (soon to be Bilbo Baggins) Freeman as The Pirate with a Scarf, Imelda (Dolores Umbridge) Staunton as Queen Elizabeth, and David (The Tenth Doctor) Tennant as Charles Darwin. There were also some great cameos by Salma Hayek as Cutlass Liz, Lenny Henry as Peg Leg Hastings, and the irrepressible Brian Blessed as the Pirate King.
9. Will I like the soundtrack?
If you are a fan of groups and singers like The Pogues, The Clash, The English Beat, Jimmy Cliff, and Supergrass, then you will love this soundtrack. Fortunately, I am, so I relished every new song being played. For example, when the crew is on their way to London, The Clash's London Calling starts playing. Predictable? Yes. Hysterical? Also, yes. And any movie that can work The Pogues' Fiesta in has my vote.
10. Will I want to see it again?
Probably not for the story, as it's pretty straight forward and easy enough to follow. However, as with so many of Aardman Animation movies and shorts, there's so much detail in the movie and in the backgrounds, going to see it again just to pick up all of those surprises would be well worth it. Make sure to stay through the credits for lots of animated treats.
