Good, but not up to usual Disney standard

Rating: 6/10 (1 December 2012)

Brave is an interesting movie, but after seeing other Disney films, I had higher expectations. The plot is very simplistic and predictable. Kids will still love it, but it will not be as fun for adults. Let's compare this movie to Tangled, which is a masterpiece -- complicated plot lines and breathtaking plot twists, right up to the very end. Tangled also has incredible characters that add so much to the story and watchability (that horse!), making it a movie you want to see again and again. Brave is visually stunning, but the overall story is just so-so -- too predictable. I've read so many reviews of this movie that focus on Merida's hair and how amazing it looked -- you know you have a weak story if all everyone talks about is the girl's hair! (Which I do agree was amazing.) Elements I liked: Merida, the princess, is very strong, smart, capable, and independent - a fantastic role model for little girls. I love that Disney is continuing to bring strong girls into the role of princess. I also love that this story was not ultimately about being rescued by a prince or finding Mr. Right. Elements I did not like: Merida's father, the king, is depicted as a strong warrior who will face down a huge bear without fear, but is a joke as a leader -- his wife, the queen, constantly has to do his speaking for him and direct him, making him look weak, treating him almost like a child. The queen is a very strong woman, but why does the king have to be depicted as a weak leader by comparison? Can't there be a strong queen AND a strong king who knows how to lead and speak for himself? It's as if the writers wanted to emphasize the queen's strength by making the king look like a buffoon, which I don't think is necessary. I also thought the silent little brothers were weird. Clearly, the writers were trying to introduce some comic relief and some interest for boys watching this movie, but it was strange that they never spoke -- they were truly little imps. Bottom line: your kids will enjoy this movie, it's a very nice story and visually stunning, but don't expect to be blown away.