Pirates is a very short comedy that accomplishes a lot within the 80 minute run time, centring on three best friends during the most important new year's eve of their lives and all the subsequent chaos created. There's still luls between laughs but it's never boring and built on foundations that are as sturdy as they are familiar. Classic scenarios such as the trio squabbling over their different futures, constantly fumbling the attempts to get with someone they like and failing to get into an exclusive party are all accounted for here.
Elliot Edusah, Jordan Peters and Reda Elazouar are all very endearing from the start. Their chemistry is on point so they do feel like a close knit group of friends who are just a lot of fun to spend time with. The film strikes a nice balance in its screen time which allows all of them to get ample time in the spotlight as different scenarios require each of them to rise to the task. The arc they go is heartwarming as well with their friendship being tested and is stronger for it.
Reggie Yates' direction has an infectious energy that's sustained pretty consistently and is a generally solid directorial debut. It's present in both the occasional snappiness of Ash White's editing and the overall atmosphere of the film. Fittingly, there's also a good soundtrack which is also employed for comedic effect. Despite the presence of gaps between gags, the pacing is strong since no scene or extended joke ever feels like its overstaying its welcome and it's always a good time even at its lowest point.
