Piet Pirate and the Enchanted Crown (2005)

Directed by: Bart van Leemputten | 60 minutes | family, adventure | Actors: Peter Vandevelde, Dirk Bosschaert, Anke Helsen, Dirk van Vooren, Johnny Kraaijkamp Jr., Grietje Vanderheijden, Vic de Wachter, Helen Geets

In 2002 a new series by Studio 100, Piet Piraat, appeared on Z@ppelin. This series is now so popular with children that a movie has been made of it. An obvious choice after filming the adventures of K3 and Kabouter Plop. ‘Piete Pirate and the Enchanted Crown’ is an exciting adventure for children. And what could be more fun than playing pirates? That’s how the cast thinks about it and it shows.

The film is not long at sixty minutes, which is perfect for the age group. In the film they go one step further with their adventure, a guest role is reserved for Johnny Kraaijkamp Jr. As the evil captain Mustachebeard, he knows how to convince. Especially because he has an extra hard time; he plays a painting, that is, he is enchanted. Of course he wants to do everything he can to get back to normal and has Piet Pirate and his cronies search for the Enchanted Crown. On their journey they encounter some obstacles that are reminiscent of Homer’s Odyssey. Odysseus also sailed past sirens with enchantingly beautiful voices and through a dangerous rock formation (Scylla and Charybdis). Nice idea from the makers, but it could have been more fun and exciting. That does not alter the fact that the story is now better suited for the little ones.

What’s too bad is that the film starts with a few songs at first. This takes too long, especially for children and the beginning of the story does not come out well. Had the makers chosen to do the song series at the end, the party would have been bigger for the children. Then the bad guy had been conquered, so also cause for mirth.

Nevertheless, this film succeeded. Peter van de Velde (Piet Piraat), again assisted by his regular friends, played by Dirk Bosschaert (Berend Bokkenpap), Anke Helsen (Stien Struis) and Dirk van Vooren (Steven Stil) are a good team. Dirk van Vooren is reminiscent of the time of the ‘silent films’ and Charlie Chaplin. He is good at his physical jokes and facial expressions and therefore stands out the most of the four.

The story is simple, but fun and exciting enough for the target audience. With this film, Studio 100 will undoubtedly be able to lure its smallest fans to the cinemas again this summer. Another success from them.