REVIEW OF BRAVE

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About The Movie:

Brave is a 2012 American 3D computer-animated fantasy adventure film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures. It was written by Mark Andrews, Steve Purcell, Brenda Chapman, and Irene Mecchi, directed by Andrews and Chapman[5] and co-directed by Purcell. The film's voice cast features Kelly Macdonald, Julie Walters, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Kevin McKidd, Craig Ferguson, Robbie Coltrane, and John Ratzenberger. To make the most complex visuals possible, Pixar completely rewrote their animation system for the first time in 25 years.[6] It is also the first movie ever to use the Dolby Atmos sound format.

In Brave, set in the highlands of 10th century Scotland, a skilled archer named Merida defies an age-old custom, causing chaos in her kingdom. After consulting a witch for help, her family becomes cursed and Merida is forced to undo the spell herself before it is too late.

What Is Good About The Movie:

Pixar has an unparalleled track record when it comes to family entertainment and I HAD TO SEE THIS MOVIE even thought I skipped out on "Cars 2" last year. At last, with "Brave," it's the girls' turn to shine and though is not in the same league as my Pixar favs "Finding Nemo", "Up" and "The Incredibles" it is still entertaining. Merida fits right in line with the dynamic damsels we have seen recently in warring "Snow White" films, "John Carter" and "The Hunger Games." It's refreshing that she's also foolhardy and no wiser than most teenagers.

Mother-daughter relationships are still at a premium in big-budget flicks, and "Brave" observes their squabbling with an affectionate, even-handed familiarity that's nice to see.

I LOVE that Merida's independent streak stiffens to all-out rebellion when Elinor announces it's time to marry. As tradition demands, the groom will be the son of a neighboring chieftain, whoever emerges victorious at the forthcoming games at the gathering of the clans. But Merida has her own ideas about that, and storms out in search of some means to change her mum's mind.

What Is Bad About The Movie:

The thing about the movie that bothers me the most is that it's as if Merida has taken a stupid pill, and the plentiful coincidences that follow are almost as hard to swallow. Pixar likes to boast that it's all about the story, but this tall tale has some holes that need to be filled. The time scale feels off, and King Fergus in particular is left dangling for too long. That's not to say it isn't enjoyable. It's just that I've come to expect more from this brand. By anyone else's standards, "Brave" stands as a crisp, lively frolic, brimming with texture and color, but Pixar boasting about their female protagonist, expected more.

Overall Grade:

A-