xchar (08/10/82)
If you owe a movie to a teenager or pre-teen who doesn't
care for science-fiction or fantasy, you might try "The Pirate
Movie." It's a musical spoof of pirates and romance, inspired
by (and with a few songs from) "The Pirates of Penzance."
There are a lot of good laughs, notably surprise references
to "Star Wars," "Raiders," and "The Pink Panther." I'd guess
girls will like the movie more than boys: Chris Atkins is sexier
than Kristy McNichol.
On the other hand, skip this one if:
1. You're a Gilbert & Sullivan buff who can't abide second-rate
or abridged G&S performances.
2. You're offended by rip-offs of other productions (e.g. watered-
down policemen's choreography from the Papp-Ronstadt version).
3. You can't stand any post-'50's music (there's some more
contemporary music in addition to the G&S).
4. You're made uncomfortable by mild double-entendres (most
of which young viewers miss; the rest they've heard in camp).
--Charlie Harris (rabbit!xchar)