Last Friday I saw Brave, the latest flick from Pixar, with my brother Steven, Dad, Alec (a cousin who is still quite young), and two Grandma's in tow.
There have been an incredible amount of anticipation for this film, and I've been doubly excited, and nervous, to see Brave. For the first time Pixar is doing a Princess movie, taking place in Scotland, and it's also their first time piece. I have a lot of Scottish ancestry, so that made it doubly exciting for me.
The problem is, going into the movie, much of the plot had already been spoiled by other professional movie reviewers, who know better, and Disney Store toys. Out of all the toys Disney Store has produced, no other movie release had as much spoiler info then this one. The reviews were mixed, having received a 75% fresh tomato rating, and that made me all the more nervous. Cars 2 was a huge disappointment. The visuals were stunning, and Cars, the first, despite popular opinion, is my favorite Pixar movie. Brave had to bring it, and in a big way.
I loved the movie! Sure, it's not perfect, but I'm fine with that. Some complained the story was weak and not up to Pixar standers. Personally I loved the story. It does get a little weird in the middle (a plot point given away in a BIG WAY by the Disney Store toys. Thank you Disney Store) but it's apart of the fantasy magic of the movie. Every Princess movie must involve magic. There's a law written somewhere declaring it. But I loved the message. For once a movie is all about honoring your elders, a theme I didn't anticipate, which is missing in a lot of big Hollywood movies, and loving your parents. It's a movie that doesn't focus on a girl getting a guy, but on a Mother and Daughter working through their problems, albeit in an unconventional way. Plus the lead character Merida and her younger brothers, three mischievous rascals (who stole a couple scenes) have both parents! How many kid movies can you name where that happens? Yes, there's Tangled and Mulan, but it doesn't happen as often as it should. And I applaud Pixar for the strong family element this movie conveys.
The music is excellent, with a Scottish flair, by composer Patrick Doyle (I've been a Huge fan of his since his work on Jane Austin's Sense and Sensibility). The art and landscapes are breathtaking.
What's even more amazing is Merida's hair. It's lively, displaying perfectly her inner spirit. I read somewhere that Pixar worked three years developing two software programs for her hair, and it shows. Each piece of her hair is animated and brought magnificently to life. Throughout the movie I couldn't decide whose hair had more magic: Rapunzel from Tangled or Merida's.
My only real complaint would be the portrayal of the men in the movie. There was a whole lot of testosterone running about like crazy, and not a whole lot of intelligence. And I wish the little brothers had more scenes, because they were a lot of fun.
At the end of the movie I was quite satisfied (BTW, stay till the end of the end credits, because there's a tag scene with the witch). My Dad was a little disgruntled, because he couldn't decide what audience this movie was aiming for, which was the same problem Owls of Ga'Hoole had. Alec, who's about seven, I don't really know his age, liked it, but couldn't say why. The Grandma's enjoyed the movie. But my brother Steven, who holds a Bachelors Degree in Digital Media: Gaming and Animation, said it's the best Pixar movie of them all, and that he loved the story and visuals.
The movie brought in 66 million this last weekend, which is a very strong opening. I'm glad, because I want this movie to do well.
If you haven't seen it, I hope you have the chance.
BTW, the 3D was interesting, but it can easily be enjoyed in 2D.
Sarah
Oooo, good to know! I also read some critic reviews and was a little nervous...hopefully the littles will love it...and me too!
ReplyDeleteIt does get a little dark in parts, but hopefully they, and you, will like it:0) I really wonder how kids are liking it.
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