Before Pirates Of The Carribean, there was The Pirate Movie I love this movie, and here’s why.
1. The music –
the movie is loosely based on the Pirates of Penzance. I have never seen the actual original in full, so I wasn’t sure how much of it had been taken from there until I read the Wiki, but you can easily recognise the songs which are from Gilbert and Sullivan and which ones have been specifically written for this movie and are 80’s music. This was one of the first ever videos I saw in Stereo, how we actually found it was on a demo tape for stereo VCR’s – there was a clip of the final song, and we liked it, so we hired the tape.
2. The locations –
For all you Melbournites, this movie was filmed entirely in Victoria. The movie brings together two beautiful locations in such a way that you believe they are actually together. This is done incredibly well and without any obvious computer assistance. The two locations are Werribee Park Mansion – which is now a hotel you can stay in – and Loch Ard Gorge.
The two should be named in the cast list because they really star in this movie, and they are nowhere near each other in reality – 160kms as the crow flies (thanks Sephy!). That’s movie magic for you. :)
3. The Pirate King
– knows where to put the sparkly stuff.
Men, if you want women to pay attention to your *ahem* nether regions, here’s a thought. Codpiece. But not just any codpiece. Get out the bedazzler and make yourself one that is sparkly. Believe me, this is quite attractive. We ladies like sparkly things and this is an easy and simple way to brighten up an otherwise dull area. Much better than glitter, which can be a real bitch to get rid of once you put it everywhere. ;)
4. The costumes.
What is it about pirates that makes them so appealing? The puffy shirts? The tight pants? The velvet? The leather?
The costumes for this movie have got everything you want to see pirates wearing but the real triumph is Frederic’s costume. It’s perfect for his character. Those cream leather thigh-high boots are just gorgeous.
5. The cast.
While there are many great performances, the overall cast really makes this movie great. It seems like they’re all having an awfully good time.
6. Garry Mcdonald.
A true Aussie genius of comedy. While his role in this movie is small, it is hilarious. By the time he did this movie of course he was known for Norman Gunston, and after the movie he went on to be a part of Mother and Son, a huge Australian hit which is still brilliant to watch today. I would say he is my favourite Australian actor, and coincidentally he lives quite near to where I do and he used to shop where I worked but never on days when I was there.
If I ever ran into him I do not know what I would say but there is so much I would want to say, in particular thanks for being so honest about your depression because that’s helped a lot of people, including me, but I also wouldn’t want to annoy him so I’d be a real mess. Seriously. Just the thought of it makes me nervous.
He looks like he’s having fun in this movie, which I love.
7. Maggie Kirkpatrick.
Otherwise known as “The Freak” from Prisoner, she plays Ruth the Nurse. Another Aussie Icon, and she’s brilliant in the role.
8. Kristy McNichol.
Quite well known for playing the tomboy in sitcoms at the time she was chosen for this role, this was really her first leading lady type of role, and she played it beautifully. She can also really sing. Nice eye candy for the men as well.
9. Christopher Atkins.
Already a legend for his role in Blue Lagoon just two years earlier, this curly haired guy works very hard in this movie. There was a lot of work involved in the sword fighting. He does a great job in my opinion. Plus, he’s not bad to look at. That’s always nice. But his *hair* is so curly and blonde, you just can’t look away, you want to know what it’s going to do next.
10. Cheese overdose.
Yes, this movie is somewhat lame and full of cheese but I still love it anyway. I really only liked two musicals, this and Grease.
Next time you are dvd shopping, if you spot this movie pick it up and buy it for your collection. This is a cult classic masterpiece. I hope that you love it as much as I do.. ;) And I won’t be surprised to find many people reading this are already fans of it – comment here, let the world know! ;)
The entire movie is also available on youtube.
If you enjoyed this review, you might also enjoy these other reviews.
Shakespeare In Love
William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Chocolat
Pump Up The Volume
Dead Poets Society
Wow! I’d forgotten all about Kristy McNichol and Christopher Atkins. Thanks for the cheesy memories…heh.
Leaving a comment on all the NaBlo blogs is quite ambitious. That has to be harder than posting everyday. Thanks for stopping by mine today and for your comment. Good luck!
All right… you have inspired me to watch the movie. ;)
My nephew was in a school production of the Pirates of Penzance a few years ago. No glitter but lots of fake sword-fighting – it was a blast!
There are few problems that a codpiece can’t cure. Aye.
Still love this movie after all these years. Christopher Atkins has straight hair though, it was permed for this movie and The Blue Lagoon