I'm not going to even try and pretend I don't like Disney movies. Hell in the past year I've already seen two fantastic ones in The Avengers and The Secret World of Arrietty. I knew I was going to see Brave opening weekend (saw it last Sunday) when at the midnight showing of The Avengers they showed a five minute clip from this very movie. Before the movie even begins there's a very nice little short called "La Luna." Telling the story of three generations of sweepers (a grandfather, father and son) who work on the surface of the moon. A nice little short if I do say so myself to get me into the Pixar spirit.
Then the movie immediately throws you into the 10th Century world of Scotland where it's Merida's birthday. She plays hide and seek with her mother (Queen Elinor) and even gets a bow and arrow from her father the king (Fergus). Despite being a girl and their first born. While in the forest chasing a stray arrow Merida encounters a will-o-wisp (said to lead people who see them to their destiny) and while she is telling her parents a giant black bear attacks the camp, end scene. Fast forward and we're still in the magical land of Scotland. Merida now has three younger twin brothers and has been forced to grow up as a Princess despite wanting to breaking the mold on what Princesses should be. Once again she encounters the fabled will-o-wisps and follows them seemingly to her destiny. In this movie filled with teenage angst, mischievous children, brewing cauldrons and slinging arrows can Merida change her fate or should she go on and do what is expected of her?
First off, I did not see this movie in 3D. If movies are out in 3D I try to choose the 2D versions. Less strain on the eyes and you don't have to wear those uncomfortable glasses. That being said the movie looks tremendous. There's pull outs to huge landscapes that can leave you in awe at times and even the minute details like the aging of the castle walls or the way the archery targets looked impressed me. Not that it should, by this point all computer generated movies should look like this and Pixar has it down to an art. The characters look good too. The hair on Merida is something that really grows on you as the movie wears on. As well as the bear designs and the grandiose style of the other clans and various other aspects.
The music in this movie is composed very well. The intro (and score throughtout) is fantastic and really captures the olden times Scotland theme. The fight scenes as well as even dramatic parts are done with ease as well and nothing feels out of place. The non-Scottish theme song, "Touch the Sky", sung by Julie Fowlis is a mighty nice song as well lending a bit to the contemporary aspect of this film. The characters are also voiced VERY well. You're not gonna find a non-accented person but you get used to the accent itself. Kelly Macdonald, Emma Thompson and Billy Connolly shine as daughter, queen and king and really brings life into each character. The supporting cast also includes Craig Ferguson, Julie Walters and the ever fantastic John Ratzenberger.
The story itself is of a teen growing up essentially, but it's done it a very watchable, relate-able and fun way. I think by now we know Disney and Pixar are going to tell a great story, get us invested in the characters, tug on our heart strings and makes us laugh. Brave does all of those things and with their first female protagonist at that. While there are some parts that felt a bit stretched out for my tastes it's hard to find anything bad to say about this movie. This is what Disney and Pixar have come to make with almost every flick. A fantastic movie that's geared for kids, but something adults with cherish. So don't be afraid to pull $10 out of your quiver and go see this amazing movie.
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