The latest release by Disney/Pixar for theaters, just in time for summer with kids out of school, is ‘Brave.’ The story is a spin on a red-haired fairy tale princess in medieval Scotland and clearly aimed as a family film. Reviews and reaction to internet video trailers for Brave have been somewhat mixed so far.
As with most all Pixar films, since their first feature film Toy Story, the technical aspects of the film are top notch. Computer animation is superb as is the use of character gestures and movement to convey body language and enhance the believability of the animated characters.
Some reviewers however, have less flattering things to say about the story itself. While most agree that the story is entertaining and worthwhile as a family outing, it falls short of some of the studio’s best work. Lacking are some of the innovative and emotional magic that were found in films like the ‘Toy Story’ series, ‘WALL-E’ and recently ‘Up’.
In film the main character of Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald), is a princess who wants to escape from her destined life, while her mother the Queen (Emma Thompson), attempts to keep her on the path and behavior becoming a princess. Scottish actor and comedian Billy Connolly lends his voice and whit to the role of the King, Merida’s father.