Monsters & Pirates

Monsters & Pirates (Mostri e Pirati in Italian) is a 2008 Italian, animated, television series. It was created by Francesco Artibani with co-production between Mondo TV and Red Whale e Magic Production Group (MPG).

Plot
The first season involves two aspiring pirates named Flynn and Alicia, both of whom had just graduated from a high school just for pirating, competing with each other in the hunt for buried treasure. They commandeer the ships, The El Dorado and the Aurora. Both sides of crews that include both humans and talking animals who are the Monsters then join forces to take down a treasure captain who is considered to be the most terrible pirate in all of the seas known as Barracuda. Flynn, with his crew's assistance, has the goal in mind of returning an amulet to his homeland known as the Star of the Island Dolphin. He strives to be just like his father, who became a pirate, and desires to do him proud.

The second season has both crews having to go up against a new sea captain known as Hurricane Joe. His intent is to obtain The Three of Spades, which is considered to contain a special power he wants to possess.

Why It Rocks

 * 1) The traditionally hand-drawn, art style is pleasing enough and the animation is as well most of the time. The CG ships look well-made.
 * 2) The very first episode is such a fun watch as it finds two, competing teams of pirates going against each other in pursuit of buried treasure in a contest as part of the school's curriculum.
 * 3) Although this may not be as true in real life, it's still nice to see Flynn and the other pirates showing that they have a good side by coming to others' aide when they're in need, breaking the negative reputation and stereotypes about pirates.
 * 4) The writing is well-flourished with its continuing storylines. It's interesting to see the changes and differences made between the seasons.
 * 5) Many of the characters from the first season have their likability, distinction, and memorability. A lot of the characters introduced in the second season are just as great in their own right and ways. Great use of character development in the case of Flynn's rival and love interest, Alicia.
 * 6) Many of the characters have plenty of wellness to their designs.
 * 7) A wondrously catchy and exciting theme song that's somewhat serene and sung by soft, pleasant-sounding, feminine voices.
 * 8) The English-dubbed voice acting sounds fine and most of the voices are suitable enough for the characters. Notably a couple things to point out is one of Flynn's shipmates, Shill's voice sounded different in the first season as it sounded softer and higher, but that would be replaced with a somewhat deeper voice by the second. Also, Shill's sister, Dawny, originally spoke with a French accent in the first season, but that was dropped by the second.
 * 9) Several, thrilling, action-packed sequences, such as the swashbuckling duel scenes.
 * 10) The hint of romance and chemistry between Flynn, and Alicia, has much believability, and is convincing.
 * 11) There are some funny moments for good measure as well.

Bad Qualities

 * 1) There are occasional moments of animation goofs, like in one scene at one point involving in her first appearance, the mermaid/human Princess Red Lilly's talking animation. When she says Hurricane Joe's name, her mouth opens but doesn't move as she says it.
 * 2) The original voice of Shill in the first season wasn't just right, but again, that would later be rectified.
 * 3) The Boolah-Boolah princess is the common spoiled rotten, too demanding stereotype by which some may be annoyed.
 * 4) The series ended sooner than it should've, as the viewers never get to see just how much farther Flynn and Alicia's budding relationship would go. It also seemed to have possible potential for more stories.

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