Not in the same depth as Pixar's previous films, but a touching and entertaining movie

Rating: 8/10 (1 September 2012)

After Pixar released their first critical failure, Cars 2, they tried to do another ground-breaker which would hopefully be a classic to die-hard Pixar fans by making their very first fairy tale known as Brave and it's their very first Pixar film to feature a female protagonist. Now, I know what all of you are thinking. "Oh, this is a girls movie, why did you went to see it despite the fact that you're a boy?" Well, since I'm a hardcore animation fan, I would watch any kind of animated film that is gender-related, not animal animated films that I've seen the past few years.
So, what do I think about this film? Well, I will say that while it's not in the same depth as Toy Story, Finding Nemo or some of Pixar's previous films, this is a very entertaining film like any other animated movie should be except the ones that are completely horrible (That's right. I'm looking at you, Secret of Nimh 2. You too, The Magic Voyage).
Sure the story uses elements from Disney's The Little Mermaid and Brother Bear and the pacing dragged the entire movie too fast, but those flaws are overshadowed by it's beautiful animation (even the look of the main character Princess Merida's hair was so realistic), a great voice cast with the help of Kelly McDonald, Emma Thompson, Billy Connolly, Robbie Coltrane, and Craig Ferguson, and it's smart and witty script.
The characters are likable especially Princess Merida and I liked the way she shoots some arrows and sword-fights. How awesome is that? Anyway, her mother, Queen Elinor, her father, King Fergus, and the three clans are likable too. Even the interactions between Merida and Elinor are enjoyable, but not only that. They're heartwarming and tear-jerking (especially near the end of the movie) There are some dark moments that would frighten younger kids, but I think that the parts with the monstrous bear scared the living heck out of me. The strongest aspects goes to the magnificent storytelling, it's hilarious moments with the triplet brothers (they're likable too), and the lovely music score from Patrick Doyle and I liked the songs "Touch The Sky" "Into The Open Air" and "Learn Me Right".
Overall, not as excellent as Pixar's previous films, but a touching and entertaining movie worth watching. Thumbs up!