Pixar’s latest CGI animation masterpiece, Brave, is a significant switch flip in the favour of women, but unfortunately, somewhere in the process, the adventure element that’s always been a big part of their films got lost along the way. With a girl as the lead character for the first time and Brenda Chapman in the co-director chair – before she was replaced by Mark Andrews – Brave looked on paper like it could break the mold, however, it failed to go far enough to really work.
Set in the heart of Scotland, in the ancient past, Brave tells the story of young fire-haired princess Merida (Kelly Mcdonald of Trainspotting and Boardwalk Empire fame) as she approaches the birthday that would see her betrothed to one of the three clan leaders’ sons. Not being overly impressed with the idea, Merida throws a strop at her mum, Queen Elinor (played by Emma Thompson), and runs away leaving her father, King Fergus (Billy Connolly), to try to pacify the fighting clans.
In the heat of the moment, Merida gets a bit desperate and finding herself at a witch’s cottage, she gets a spell to change her mum. However, the consequences of the change sends the little royal family into a bear claw full of trouble.
Merida’s younger brothers, Harris, Hubert and Hamish, are hilarious, and Robbie Coltrane’s Lord Dingwall is pretty witty too, adding to the good level of comedy in the film.
The bad news, though, is that the potential for high adventure and a great storyline doesn’t ever really materialise, despite some great characters and an amazing CGI Scottish highlands backdrop. The 3D option for Brave doesn’t really add to the great visuals in any real way, making the extra expense a bit wasted and adding to the negative elements of the film.
On the other hand, if there’s ever a sequel that delivers a big screen storyline and a much bigger adventure (our shout goes to a Viking invasion of nasties led by Prince Jorgaaskane – honestly Pixar, just give us a shout and we’ll get the script faxed over!), the strength of the characters and the sheer might of Disney Pixar’s animation could make for one of the best animation movies of the decade.
Brave film review: 3/5
