So You Want To Be A Pirate! (2012)

Title: So You Want To Be A Pirate!
Release Date: August 28, 2012
Category: Animation, Short, Comedy
Directed by: Peter Lord and Jeff Newitt
Produced by: Aardman Animations, StudioCanal, and Sony Pictures Animation
Summary:
"So You Want To Be A Pirate!" is a short animated film developed by Aardman Animations, StudioCanal, and Sony Pictures Animation in 2012. Directed by Peter Lord and Jeff Newitt, the film acts as a companion piece to the highly effective full-length animated feature "The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!" or "The Pirates! Band of Misfits" in North America.

In this brief movie, the lovable and hilarious crew of pirates, led by the charming Pirate Captain (voiced by Hugh Grant), takes a break from their daring life at sea to provide audiences some necessary advice on how to become a successful pirate. The movie has a runtime of 17 minutes and is packed with Aardman Animations' signature wit, humor, and memorable clay animation.

The Setting:
The film happens aboard the pirates' ship, known as The Pirate of the Year Awards. The ship features plainly in both the full-length feature and this short movie, serving as the main area where the pirates prepare their misadventures and engage in vibrant banter. The ship's setting is a necessary element of Aardman's storytelling strategy, with the clay animation style creating an immersive and visually stunning environment for the audience to take pleasure in.

Plot:
This brief movie begins with a fast introduction to the pirate team and their ship. The Pirate Captain takes spotlight as the host of the movie, guiding the audience through numerous practical lessons on becoming an effective pirate. Throughout the film, the team shows numerous vital abilities that any ambitious pirate would need to master, such as correct outfit, navigation, combating strategies, and even cooking aboard a pirate ship.

As the lessons progress, the Pirate Captain offers a comprehensive description of the Pirate Code, a set of guidelines that all pirates must abide by to keep order and commitment within their ranks. A few of the guidelines include looking after your crew, never leaving a fellow pirate behind, and keeping correct health.

Throughout the film, viewers get a glimpse of the unique characters of each member of the pirate crew. Some of the standout characters consist of the Pirate with Gout, the Albino Pirate (voiced by Russell Tovey), and the Pirate with Prosthetics, each of whom includes their unique brand of humor and wisdom to the lessons being taught.

In in between the educational sectors, the movie also consists of a number of funny side plots featuring the inept crew members entering into different misadventures, such as unskilled attempts at sword battling, unintentional self-inflicted injuries, and the regular mispronunciation of the word "scurvy".

Towards completion of the film, the Pirate Captain and his crew face a difficulty in the form of a competing pirate team, led by the callous Black Bellamy (voiced by Jeremy Piven). The ensuing conflict between the two pirate teams serves as a test of the abilities the Pirate Captain has actually taught throughout the movie. The Pirate Captain and his team emerge triumphant, further highlighting the importance of mastering the art of piracy.

Conclusion:
"So You Want To Be A Pirate!" is a delightful and amusing short movie that acts as an ideal accompaniment to the full-length animated feature "The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!" The movie showcases the unique clay animation design and smart humor that Aardman Animations is famous for while providing viewers with an entertaining and thorough look into the world of piracy. With a stellar voice cast, strong character advancement, and engaging story, "So You Want To Be A Pirate!" is a must-watch for fans of Aardman's work or those who merely delight in a good laugh.

Top Cast