Pirate Band of Misfits

Aardman have that rare quality of consistency in hitting creative highs. From humble beginnings they have developed into one of those great little success stories. They under the skilful guidance of Pete Lord have exercised and developed their imaginative skills to entertain young and old. Being a Brit I was brought up with Morph Lord's popular plasticine creation , a tempestuous clay character who hindered the artistic processes of Tony Hart, and who made the occasional guest appearances on Children's TV and magazine show Blue Peter. Over the years pop videos and Oscar winning shorts have marked the progression of this Bristol powerhouse.
      A few years ago I was fortunate enough to see some of their work first hand, when attending an animation expo in Cardiff around the time of Nick Parks Wallace and Gromit the Wrong Trousers. I remember marvelling at the sheer detail and craftsman ship that went into the creation of the props.
     I remember the magic of their animated everyday conversations, the evolution of their characters and the short films that began to earn them honours. I remember my heart sinking a beat when their Bristol Warehouse burnt down, destroying a lot of classic props.
    So having missed Arthur Christmas this year, I was determined to see their latest work Peter Lords Pirate Band of Misfits based on Gideon Defoes comic novels. Once again they deliver on all fronts, delivering a film that has more originality and fun in each frame of skilful animation than a single episode of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. This film from its spot on voice casting and excellent use of British 80's rockabilly and punk delivers on all fronts, a humerus high energy romp ably abetted by some brilliant voice work from Hugh Grant, Brendan Gleason, Russell Tovey and Imelda Staunton.


Hugh Grants brilliantly vain, but loveable Pirate Captain wants to win the Pirate of the year award. But luck is not on his side, but when attempting to boost his treasure chest he comes across Charles Darwin the romp kicks in and the fun really begins. The scenery is filled with in jokes right down to the little Blue Peter badge on Pirate with Gouts hat. I enjoyed this some much I saw it a second time with my Mrs but in 3D and I have to begrudgingly admit, the 3D is done well  does add something magical to the mix. But there is so much going on that on second viewing I spotted more humorous asides missed on the first viewing.
If you want some cool Brit comedy that is most definitely family friendly then you cannot go wrong seeing this little screen gem. So out and support the magic of originality and fun.

Now I think I will revist my art of Chicken Run book a savour their unique magic.