The Pirate Movie

PG

1982

1h 39m

Musical

Comedy

List

9%

11 Reviews

Tomatometer

77%

10,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Mabel (Kristy McNichol) yearns for true love. Unfortunately, she has to be knocked out to find romance. While attending a pirate festival, she falls for the dashing Frederic (Christopher Atkins), who puts on a swashbuckling sword-fighting clinic. The two are supposed to sail away together, but Mabel is left on the pier. She gets in a boat to follow him, and winds up on a desert island where she gets knocked unconscious and is propelled into the past, dreaming of pirates and, of course, romance.

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Jake Euker

F5 (Wichita, KS)

Rated: 1/5

Feb 25, 2007

Full Review

James Sanford

Kalamazoo Gazette

lurches from almost-unwatchable to so-awful-it's-fascinating. Next to this, even such notorious '80s epics as 'Grease 2' and 'Xanadu' look like high-class affairs.

Aug 30, 2005

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 2/5

Jul 9, 2005

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

Atkins and McNichol are cute and engaging, but that's hardly enough to allow the viewer to overlook the various atrocities on display.

Rated: 0/4

Jul 6, 2005

Full Review

David Cornelius

eFilmCritic.com

Christopher Atkins is in it. I rest my case.

Rated: 1/5

Mar 22, 2005

Full Review

James Plath

Reel.com

Rated: 1/5

Mar 12, 2005

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matthias s

"The Pirate Movie" sets sail with a crew of mixed emotions. The casting, particularly the Pirate King, stands as a shining beacon amidst the choppy waters. His portrayal adds a hearty dose of humor, making the cinematic voyage thoroughly entertaining. The tunes strike a harmonious chord, weaving a musical tapestry that lingers in the mind. Yet, despite the promising ingredients, the film struggles to fully capture the audience's heart. It dances on the edge of oddity, with a plot that, while inventive, occasionally stumbles over its own uniqueness. The flicker of brilliance in the concept isn't consistently stoked, leaving a sense of untapped potential. The comedic waves are high, but the enchantment falls short, failing to anchor one's attention securely. "The Pirate Movie" remains a curious treasure chest – gleaming with good moments, but ultimately sailing a course that feels a tad too peculiar to wholly embrace.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/02/24

Full Review

Todd B

This is actually a fun little romp. Kind of an updated spoof on The Pirates of Penzance with an 80's feel. We actually own this movie and have watched it multiple times, and we always hear/see something new. It doesn't take itself seriously, and is pretty charming when it breaks the fourth wall. There's actually a lot going on and the dialog can be quite witty. Kristy shines in this role. She has one of my wife's favorite quotes ever: "This is MY movie and I want a happy ending!"

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/08/23

Full Review

Kim C

I saw this when I was a little kid so maybe my opinions are a bit biased. But I fell in love with this movie and have loved it ever since. I left the movie theater, riding in the back of my dad's pick up truck (legal back in the day where I lived), singing the magnificent songs I just heard at the top of my voice for everyone around me to hear while sitting in traffic. Going to see this movie was one of my fondest memories as a kid, it saddens me that it gets such bad reviews. Yes it is goofy, but just immerse yourself into the songs and be taken away.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/17/23

Full Review

Jack W

The songs in the movie as very well thought out and matches the movie in each act. Thus movie incorporates lots of details in other movie lots of little easter eggs. The whole movie was set out in a dream so if you looking for something that is set to present times and want to watch some more serious than I recommend avoiding as the movie takes a wild spin, which works well. Plus you can view the movie in lots of different ways as it may be a past life, wild imagination, ect. I would recommend this movie to most people it's a comfort film for me personally but also fun to watch.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/18/23

Full Review

Roger L

I've loved this film musical since the day it came out. It's very campy and the music is great! I was obsessed with the film when I was a kid. You can't take this film too seriously, just enjoy the camp.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/09/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Love this! Critics tend to overintellectualize everything. This movie is a joy and just mindless silly fun! Chris Atkins and Kristy McNichol at their beautiful best showing their comedic chops. For anyone who wants that late 70's early 80's style and humor without the pretentious BS that accompanies many films today...this is for you.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

Full Review

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Ken Annakin

Director

Kristy McNichol

Mabel

Christopher Atkins

Frederic

Ted Hamilton

Pirate King

Bill Kerr

Major General

Maggie Kirkpatrick

Ruth

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Synopsis

Mabel (Kristy McNichol) yearns for true love. Unfortunately, she has to be knocked out to find romance. While attending a pirate festival, she falls for the dashing Frederic (Christopher Atkins), who puts on a swashbuckling sword-fighting clinic. The two are supposed to sail away together, but Mabel is left on the pier. She gets in a boat to follow him, and winds up on a desert island where she gets knocked unconscious and is propelled into the past, dreaming of pirates and, of course, romance.

Director: Ken Annakin
Rating: PG
Genre: Musical, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (DVD): Jul 3, 2012
Runtime: 1h 39m
Sound Mix: Surround