Another year, another Pixar film. It seems like clockwork really. The studio best known for "Toy Story", "Monsters Inc", and "Finding Nemo" -- some of the most original animated movies around fit for all audiences -- has lately faltered by releasing unnecessary sequels to their films and/or making films hell-bent on making their audiences cry while focusing on what they can do with computer animation rather than a compelling story. "Brave" is triumphant return to form for Pixar.
Set in the old Scottish Highlands, "Brave" tells the tale of Merida (Kelly MacDonald), a head-strong princess who would rather sharpen her skills as an archer than sharpen her etiquette. While this doesn't bother her father King Fergus (Billy Connolly), Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson) does everything in her power to groom Merida for her betrothal. When Merida finds a way to change her fate with the help of a mysterious witch (Julie Walters) that goes completely awry, Merida is now faced with a race against time to make things better before an outright war with the other three clans -- led by Lord Dingwall (Robbie Coltrane), Lord MacGuffin (Kevin McKidd) and Lord MacIntosh (Craig Ferguson) -- destroys the land.
Directors Mark Andrews (feature film debut), Brenda Chapman ("The Prince of Egypt"), and Steve Purcell (creator of "Sam and Max Freelance Police"), who all had a hand in writing the script as well with Irene Mecchi ("The Lion King", 1996's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame"), create a masterpiece blended with magic, laughs, suspense, and action. Making Pixar's first original movie since 2009's "Up" (and Pixar's first good movie since 2008's "Wall-E"), this team clearly knows how to win audiences of all ages over with a script that doesn't pander or go over anyone's head, beautiful landscapes and art direction, and a wonderful story that will make you laugh and touch your heart.
Like every good Disney film and Pixar film, a good protagonist is key. And Merida makes not only the perfect protagonist, but the perfect heroine little girls can look up to. Many critics are likening Merida to "Twilight" heroine Bella Swan, but this is a horrible comparison, seeing that Merida chooses to fight for her own destiny rather than to fight to become part of someone else's. No, if you want a good comparison, look no further than Katniss Everdeen of "The Hunger Games". Not only do both have a strong proficiency with a bow and arrow, but both are girls who refuse to let society dictate how they act or make falling in love priority uno (Bella, we're glaring at you). Both Merida and Katniss take the reigns of their fates and ultimately come on top for doing so. Parents, think about it: wouldn't you rather have your daughter(s) looking up to a heroine like that rather than one who gives up friends, family, and personal choice all for a boy (Bella, we're scornfully glaring at you)?
Pixar truly returns to form here, not only by making an original movie, but one that doesn't only think about tugging at heart-strings. "Brave" lets the emotions flow naturally, allowing the audience to take in the beauty of the film without being reminded how depressing the film could be. Much like the aforementioned "Wall-E", "Brave" is a beautiful film, not just visually, but emotionally. This is not just another commercial animated film mainly used as a marketing tool to encourage your kids to want bright-colored toys ("Madagascar 3", we're glaring at you). A fine tribute to Steve Jobs, who was one of the head honchos of Pixar before dying last year.
FINAL VERDICT: Disney/Pixar's "Brave" is in line to become the next true masterpiece. Without forced emotion or a pandering script, "Brave" truly bridges the gap between young and adult audiences, and will more than likely become the next hit movie for both Disney and Pixar. But unlike other properties like "Cars" that seemed it was primarily a commercial marketing movie, "Brave" is true art. (Oh yeah, and bring tissues...you might need them.)
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