Pirates! In an adventure with scientists. (The Pirates! Band of Misfits)

From the Aardman studios, creators of Wallace and Gromit and Chicken Run, comes a new creation of charming characters, namely that of 'The Pirates' whose Captain, ironically called 'Pirate Captain' and voiced by the suave voice of actor Hugh Grant, have a bit of a reputation to build as, it seems amongst their peers, their current reputation is a tad lacking in lustre. Pirate Captain has always had his sights set on, and never managed to claim, the much coveted prize of 'Pirate of the Year'. Black Bellamy (voiced by Jeremy Piven) , Peg Leg Hastings (voiced by Lenny Henry)and Cutlass Liz (voiced by Salma Hayek) are all very strong contenders with booty abounds, whilst Pirate Captain and his sturdy crew don't seem to have as much. So, they set out to plunder a plenty and win the 'Pirate of the Year'.

Whilst on their plundering, and rather less booty finding, campaign they set upon a scientist ship with, none other than, Charles Darwin (voiced by David Tennant) aboard. He is out to gain recognition in the Science field, of course, and discovers that Pirate Captains 'Polly' isn't quite a parrot as originally thought. With twists and turns a plenty Pirate Captains crew end up in foggy London, where the Pirate hating Queen Victoria (voiced by Imelda Staunton) reigns.

The story is fun, action packed with many a twist and turn, and to say I shall never think of Queen Victoria again in the same vein is no understatement. It is a good fun family film with a few things the adults can 'catch' that the kids might miss and rather a good soundtrack too. There will be plenty of voices you'll recognise amongst the claymation cast. In my opinion its worth forgetting swabbing the decks, grab your crew and set your sights on the picture house and go see it, me hearties.