The Pirates! Band Of Misfits

The Pirates! Band of Misfits is a fun, traditional, animated film that helps to bring together family, friends, and pirates alike. Based on a novel by Gideon Defoe, who also wrote the screenplay, Pirates follows the adventures of Pirate Captain (voiced by Hugh Grant) and his crew as he tries to become “Pirate of the Year”.

Pirates creates a sense of fun that feels hand-made rather than machine manufactured. Stop-motion animation is a lost art only appearing in Aardman films. With a style that is so distinct, the film shines as an original work that any fan will appreciate. Though CGI is used around the edges, most of this film is made as King Kong and Aardman's own Oscar-winning Wallace and Gromit films were before it.

The voice cast is simply superb, bringing in some top talent including the likes of Salma Hayek, Jeremy Piven, and even Anton Yelchin as various Pirates throughout the film. Even those in America who love science-fiction will get a treat as former Doctor Who star David Tennant plays, ironicly enough, seminal naturalist Charles Darwin. The film just reminds the viewer that voice-acting is not just about star power but talent as well.

The film even has a soundtrack ranging from Clash's "London Calling” to the composer Theodore Shapiro's unique style that he created while working on so many comedies (Blades of Glory, Semi-Pro, and Tropic Thunder to name but a few). The film just does not miss.

Overall this is a must see film for anyone. Young and old, it will be a great treat for all. This style of animation maybe rare but it is something to marvel at after more than 18 months of work by the Aardman gang. Do not miss this or you may have to wait several years before they're able to make another.