So You Want To Be A Pirate!

So You Want To Be A Pirate! is a fascinating and hilarious short animation, which premiered in 2012 as a mini-movie on the DVD of "The Pirates! Band of Misfits." Designed as an expansion of the main film, this short film features the same outstanding cast, including Hugh Grant, Martin Freeman, David Tennant, and Brian Blessed. The primary focus is humor, with plenty of swashbuckling excitement, balanced with the educational elements one might expect from a 'how to' guide.

The story follows the Pirate Captain, voiced by Hugh Grant, energetically reprising his role from the main movie. Charismatic and confident, Grant brings a lively spark to the Pirate Captain, a pirate who's passionate about his work and ready to share his wisdom with the viewer. There's a strong emphasis on the romanticized 'pirate life,' showcasing pirate's adventures, looting, and general merry-making, under the whimsical guidance of the Pirate Captain. The dialogue is often witty and has enough cleverness blended into it to appeal to both children and adults alike – a trademark of the films from Aardman Animations, the animators behind Wallace and Gromit and Chicken Run.

Martin Freeman is the voice behind The Pirate With A Scarf, a slightly more pragmatic character who provides a sober contrast to the wide-eyed exuberance of the Pirate Captain. Freeman is known for his ability to deliver dry humor effectively, and this movie is no exception. The two characters' dynamic creates comedic gold and will certainly bring laughter to viewers of all ages.

David Tennant, of Doctor Who fame, lends his voice talents to the role of Charles Darwin. Though this short film does not solely focus on his character, Tennant’s dedication to voice acting brings true entertainment value. Charles Darwin’s interactions with pirates provide a mix of humor, ridiculous incongruities, and light-hearted storytelling.

Adding to the ensemble, Brian Blessed plays the Pirate King, a larger-than-life character who embodies the traditional pirate cliches. Blessed's famously booming voice is a perfect fit for the role and lends a sense of authenticity to the pirate genre.

The movie 'So You Want To Be A Pirate!' provides a wonderfully engaging and often exaggerated view into the world of pirates. Borrowing heavily from the style of a light-hearted instructional video, the short film gives hilariously absurd and historically inaccurate explanations of various aspects of pirate life as a fictional guide. The film includes tips from identifying treasure maps, dealing with scurvy, to selecting an appropriate pirate name, featuring a blend of irony, humor, and affectionate parody of the pirate genre.

'So You Want to Be A Pirate!' features Aardman Animation's signature claymation style. Despite the relatively short runtime, considerable attention has been given to the characters' design and the animation, making the film visually appealing. Fans of Aardman's work will appreciate the unmistakable artistic style, marked by exaggerated figures, expressive faces, and painstakingly detailed sets.

'So You Want To Be A Pirate!' is as much a visual treat as it is a fun-filled crash course in pirate etiquette, with a witty script and expert performances that all serve to bring the zany world of fictional piracy alive. This film would be an excellent recommendation for fans of 'The Pirates! Band of Misfits' who are looking to spend a bit more time in this unconventional world, or anyone who enjoys animated comedy with a touch of nautical nonsense. Trust us; you'll be shouting 'Ahoy, matey!' by the end of it, swept away in the rollicking sea of adventure.