Monday, January 17, 2011

THE PIRATE MOVIE (1982)

Of the thousands of pirate-themed musicals made in Australia during the 1980's, THE PIRATE MOVIE is the wackiest, the most romantic, the only one to feature an octopus playing an electric guitar...and the best.

Fredric (without a "k") was raised by pirates, but when he meets Mabel (also without a "k") he instantly falls in love and leaves the pirate life behind him. His pirate family isn't happy about this and devises a plan to get him back. The plan features a lot of singing. At the same time, Fredric devises a plan to steal Mabel's family's treasure back from the pirates. This plan features a lot of singing. Shit goes down and finally the cops are called in, yes...singing cops.

THE PIRATE MOVIE is an acquired taste film. At first, the bizarre one liners and dreamy story presentation kind of throw you off, but then you get into it and it's fun. I'm not sure why this movie developed such a horrible reputation.  The musical numbers are kinda hit or miss, but even the lesser ones are still fun to watch.

If you like the 80's and/or you love campy musicals then you should check out THE PIRATE MOVIE. It's corny as fuck, but it's also sweet and fun. "Tarantara! Tarantara!" to all the motherfuckers who don't like this movie.