MOVIE REVIEW by: Jenny Aluning

BRAVE (PG)

Director: Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman

Starring: Kelly McDonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson

RATING: 2/5 for 3D version, 5/5 for 2D version

Disney Pixar has done it again. With ‘Brave’ they’ve delivered a stunningly beautiful movie backed by an interesting storyline with unforgettable characters.  Pixar Studio is such a master at bringing to life such multi-layered characters that their flaws and eccentricities are celebrated as much as their strength, nobility and humour.

‘Brave’ centers around Princess Merida (Kelly McDonald), the first born child of King Fergus (Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson). Headstrong and independent, Merida (also a skilled archer) is constantly butting heads with her mother who is endlessly trying to raise her as a proper ‘lady’. Soon, Merida discovers that as the King’s daughter, she must marry the first born son of one of other three clan leaders. Desperate to change her fate, Merida makes a decision that reverberates through her family and threatens to tear her kingdom apart.

Merida, in every essence is a teenager – sulky, disobedient, hates being told what to do. With a combination like that, Pixar ran the risk of having a heroine moviegoers wouldn’t like! But Merida is also loaded with humour, easy charm and true to the movie’s title…bravery. She may be brash, but Merida is imminently relatable. Teenagers will understand that need for independence, and adults, especially parents, will understand that need to want the best for their children. But both age groups will definitely relate with that desire to transform their lives into something more.

Packed with a lot of fun and humour (King Fergus mimicking Merida was hilarious!), heart and the uniqueness of the Scottish culture, I found ‘Brave’ very enjoyable. My one disappointment was its translation into 3D. I’m still leery of watching anything 3D not associated with James Cameron, and with ‘Brave’, that reluctance found good reason. The animation itself was perfect! Definitely up to, and sometimes, beyond what Pixar has done so far (I do not envy the animators who had the task of animating Merida’s hair!). But when the animation was panning across the screen or during quick, action scenes, the picture looked blurry. When it first happened, I thought there were smudges on my 3D glasses! This is one area where Pixar needs improvement. So, my advice? Don’t pay the extra money – watch it in 2D. You will most definitely enjoy it even more. Oh, and a warning. There are some scenes that may be too scary for the younger kiddies (it involves bears!). 6 years old would be the youngest I would bring to watch this movie.

There you have it. Pixar has another fine addition to its ever-growing library of brilliant animated films. ‘Brave’ definitely deserves its place in that list.

Photo source: ComingSoon

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