Known during production as "Queens of Pattani," and originally planned as a two-parter, the movie is likely to open locally in a version different from the international cut that preemed in the Cannes market. In whatever version, this will never be an Asian "Pirates of the Caribbean" -- the pic is not even in widescreen -- as Nimibutr seems out of his depth helming such big-budget fare. In fact, "Queens" lacks even the visual sheen of his best movies.

The time is the early 17th century, when Queen Hijau of Pattani (vet Jarunee Suksawas) faces overthrow by a rebel prince working in conjunction with pirates led by Black Raven (Winai Kraibutr). The pirates plan to capture some giant cannons, invented by Dutch engineer Janis Bree (Andre Macchieisen) and his Chinese sidekick, Lim Kium (Jakkrit Phanichphatikram), from a Dutch vessel, but the plan fails when the vessel blows up and the cannons sink into the abyss.

On that same day, Pari, a boy with hereditary gifts, is born in a fishing village, but his father is killed by Black Raven. Several years later, the boy Pari (Kunanek Naiyanaprasert) is taken by his uncle, Anjar (Preecha Katkham), to learn the Du Lum magic arts from a sage in a cave, White Ray (Sorapong Chatree). Anjar tells Pari he must avenge his father's death once he's master of Du Lum's nine levels of learning, which establish empathy with the ocean and its various creatures.

Pari grows into a playful young man (Everingham). Meanwhile, Black Raven, who was once a student of White Ray's, has been trying without success to raise the cannons from the ocean floor.

Still threatened by internal factions, Queen Hijau gives orders to find inventor Lim Kium to build her some big cannons. For their safety, she sends away her two daughters, tomboy Ungu (Anna Ris) and cute Biru (Jacqueline Apithananon) under the protection of her loyal commander, Prince Jarang (Chupong Changprung).

Final hour, with Jarang and Pari battling the pirates, starts to deliver the action goods. But it's not until the final assault by the evil Black Raven & Co. that the pic realizes its true potential, with some wild, hugely entertaining action (including paragliders, multiple cannons and even a giant whale).

Everingham largely gets by on good looks, with most of the real acting left to Suksawas, Kraibutr and Phanichphatikram. Alas, martial-arts star Changprung ("Born to Fight," "Dynamite Warrior") gets only occasional chances to demonstrate his impressive whiplash style.

Production and costume design are fine in a cartoonish way, with the three royal women jaw-droppingly accoutred in gold and silver armor for the climactic battle. Music is unmemorable, and visual effects are so-so.

Camera (color), Natthakit Preechacharoenwat; editors, Nimibutr, Panutat Wisetwong, Likhit Waratgool; production designer, Ek Iemchuen; art directors, Bunphot Ngamkum, Rach-chanon Kayanngan, Suprasit Putakham, Wikrom Jenpanus; music, Chatchai Pongprapaphan; costume designers, Pisanu Warirak, Namphung Mojanakul, Chatchai Chaiyon; sound (Dolby Digital), Thanapong Boonyachai, Sakonthon Srisaeng; sound designers, Narin Kongkatavaethaita, Nopawat Likitwong; visual effects supervisor, Thananchanok Suban Na Ayudhaya; visual effects, Blue Fairy; special effects supervisor, Watcharachai Panichsuk; special effects, Special Effects (Thailand) Co.; action directors, Panna Rittikrai, Weerapon Phumatfon; assistant director, Chanon Amorntatpong; second unit director, Adirak Watleela; casting, Sukumaporn Suthisrisinlpa. Reviewed at Cannes Film Festival (market), May 15, 2008. Running time: 133 MIN.