Love Scotland. Love Pixar. Not too keen on this.

Rating: 5/10 (18 March 2013)

'Brave' has been taking some hits, especially since garnering an undeserved Oscar, and it is not hard to see why. By Pixar's own high standards, and especially their famed commitment to storytelling, this film fails to engage with its audience. My kids came out of Toy Story and Monsters Inc saying "Wow", but reacted to Brave with "s'awright." That clinches it for me.
The problem lies in the supernatural element that compromises character-driven action. Nemo's father goes on a journey that forces him to face his fears. He overcomes his challenges by compassion and daring. Merida goes on a journey instigated by, and resolved with the help of, Will O' the Wisp. This deus ex machina element robs Brave of the cathartic power previous Pixar films have achieved.
The visual comedy was also rather sporadic and subdued. A few clichéd pokes at Scotland were unimaginative; haggis as inedible, no pants under kilts - moments that also passed children by. The suitor with the incomprehensible accent raised a smile with us, but we've had more and better laughs with Pixar in the past.
Back to basics, Pixar people.