The Pirates! Band of Misfits

IMDB
First time viewed: Yes
Current Release: Yes
Watched With: Myself

After the unexpected pleasure of Arthur Christmas, Aardman Animations returns to stop motion for their next film, only relying on CG for creating oceans and skies, which works surprisingly well. The film looks great and in 3D even better.

Overall I didn't find this film held together as well as their past efforts but it's still miles ahead of any other animations I've seen recently. There are plenty of great jokes, action and visuals to keep you entertained, even if the story and characters are somewhat lacking.

As usual my favourite parts were the unexpected and out of left field jokes and references. Brian Blessed not only provides a voice but has a funny reference hidden away in the films earlier segments that did make me giggle. And the use of a Flight of the Concords song in the films dramatic crescendo was completely bizarre but does provide nicely pre-packaged laughs of its own.

An eclectic voice cast do fine work. I didn't recognise Hugh Grant at all despite listening out for any telltale line readings. Jeremy Piven and Salma Hayek have brief cameos and once again Martin Freeman provides the voice of reason.

I understand this is a mashup of a few of the children's books on which the characters are based. You get the feeling watching this film that it's more like an episode of a TV series with established characters, they never bother introducing most of them and while their stories are hinted at throughout the corse of the film, they never get any big moments or closure, they are just there.

 I doubt this will have any lasting rewatchablility, still it's pleasant enough to sit though and enjoy.