Go Feminism!

Rating: 7/10 (12 July 2012)

Thank God "Brave" isn't as historically serious (and/or boring) as the trailers made it out to be. Directed by Brenda Chapman, who was then fired and replaced by Mark Andrews (probably for the better) "Brave" is the much anticipated new animated feature film from the geniuses at Pixar centered around the story of a young Scottish princess. With mind-blowing animation and a simplistic but highly entertaining storyline, after the whole "Cars 2" fiasco, "Brave" will undoubtedly spell a return to form for the Lebron James of animation that is Pixar Studios. And when I say mind-blowing animation, the hair speaks for itself.
With a storyline that should not be solely considered non-abrasive cartoon feminism at its best, but a touching mother/daughter tale as well, "Brave" tells the story of Princess Merida, a Scottish princess with fiery red hair, who is skilled in archery, horseback riding and stubbornness. When her mother informs her that there is to be a competition taking place where young men from neighboring families will fight for Merida's hand in marriage, this progressive adolescent princess will have none of it. Determined to thwart her mother's wishes, Princess Merida sets out into the enchanted woods to find the one "magical thing" (that's what you call foreshadowing) which will make her mother change her mind and in turn change Merida's own fate. Yes, this type of heroine may draw comparisons to Disney princesses of the past, but with a more tomboyish adventurous spirit (rivaling a female action character such as "Mulan").
With a super simplistic storyline, in comparison to other Pixar films, "Brave" is front loaded with very welcome and marvelously constructed slapstick comedy and very colorful supporting characters which makes up for a second half slump. But before I get to the issues pertaining to the almost irrational plot twist the second half of the film takes, allow me to praise the work in the first half. From the characters, especially Merida and her three toddler aged brothers, who steal the show, providing audiences with a multitude of laugh out loud moments (seriously, they are as rambunctiously endearing as the fat kid from "Up") to the slapstick driven storyline of the three hilariously awkward suitors, the first 45 minutes of "Brave" are almost perfect. It is when other, more fantastical characters, whose magical circumstances are not very well thought out, arise in the latter half of the film that the movies as a whole takes a bit of a nosedive; that is to say many audiences (young and old) will be finding themselves waiting for the next laugh. With that said, the first half is so strong, that the latter, more eventful but far less engaging, half can be forgiven and even forgotten.
Final Thought: Again, when compared to other Pixar gems, excluding the snoozer that was "Cars 2" (boy, I hated that movie) "Brave" doesn't really stand out (primarily for lack of storyline complexity). But on its own merits "Brave" is not only a film worth paying 10+ dollars to see, but is sure to be a front runner for Best Animated Feature Film come Oscar season. Plus, this is Disney's second attempt in only a short while (I am referring to "The Princess and the Frog") at playing the culturally aware card, by using the Scottish born voice-work of Kelly MacDonald, Billy Connolly and Emma Thompson...and that should count for something if you look at Disney's culturally insensitive past.