Brave
Merida (Kelly Macdonald), the wide eyed and wild red haired daughter of Scottish Royalty is an aspiring archer and independent young woman looking to make her own way in the world. But, when her parents, Fergus and Elinor (Billy Connolly and Emma Thompson), deem that it’s time for Merida to be traditionally courted and married against her own will, a locking of horns ensues. Unfortunately, it’s a disagreement that could undo the entire kingdom and hurt the ones closest to the center. Now it’s up to Merida to look deep inside, find her strength, and mend the tear that could otherwise destroy everything before it’s too late.
Visually interesting, Disney’s Pixar just keeps getting better and better in their animation abilities, this time paying dramatic attention to hair and textures, and that alone is quite stunning. But as screenplays go, where Pixar has normally pushed boundaries and found compelling ways of telling a story, Brave just comes across as a mediocre. At its core the story is sweet, has some comedic points, but doesn’t really show us anything dramatically new– even through the feminist empowerment lens. And, from my totally unscientific eye count, zero tears appeared to be shed by the screening audience, surprising considering that Pixar films consistently tug our heart strings just so. On the flip side, La Luna, the opening short before Brave, does offer genuine heart and soul and is not to be missed. Perhaps more of a rental or matinee, Brave is rated PG.