Great 3D and Fun

Rating: 9/10 (22 June 2012)

I think that what I liked about going to see this film is that although I had seen the trailers many times, I had no clue what the film was going to be about. Initially I guessed that maybe it was about a young woman finding her true love. Boy was I wrong. All I knew was that the animation was going to be great. I heard an interview about this film and one of the directors stated that the most difficult part for the animation team was getting Merida's hair just right. Her hair looked like mine after I've been swimming and it dries naturally. Needless to say it was pretty nappy, but it worked for this film. I wanted to see this film in 3D because the trailer made it look very inviting. When I got to the theater I sat behind a group of young children to gauge their reaction (just in case my inner child had other plans). The kids were totally engaged and did not make a peep during the entire film. This is always a good sign because before the film started they were jabbering away. The animators made Merida and all the other characters very lifelike. This included the persona of a typical teenager and the very small world that they live in (it's all about them). I love the fact that the film is set in the Scottish Highlands and that every now and then when a character spoke, you couldn't tell what the heck he was saying. (That's okay; the characters in the film couldn't understand him either). I would be remiss if I did not mention the mischievous trio of brothers. They had me cracking up and got into all sorts of stuff. This film definitely touches on the mother and daughter bonding experience and ultimately drives home the fact that you have to do what's in your heart to do. When the film was over all the kids in the theater were applauding. Although I do not think that this is one of Pixar's better works, it was definitely enjoyable and worth seeing in 3D. The only caution that I would point out is there is a very scary looking wolf/bear (whatever) that might frighten very young children. I say gather up your brood and go check it out. I do not have to be brave to give this film a Scottish green light.