Movie Review: Brave

Pixar attempt to 'change their fate' after the poor critical reception of Cars 2 in their new film Brave!

It's no secret that I'm a big Disney Fan, so much so in fact, even as I write this review I'm sporting my favorite Mickey Mouse T-shirt and Drinking from my Mike Wasowski Mug. Usually I'm eagerly anticipating a Disney Pixar film, though after last summers Critical flop that was Car's 2, I was rather nervous as to whether Pixar was going to drop the ball again. However I put on a 'brave' face and prepared myself for the worst, what I got however thankfully was a very enjoyable Family Flick.

Like most critics and reviewers have said, where the film really shines is in its first half. Essentially the first half of the film is completely character driven, I found myself getting really emotionally attached to some of the characters and their motives. In particular I could relate to the Mother and Daughter relationship of Protagonist, Merida (Kelly Macdonald) and Elinor (Emma Thompson) and some of the scenarios that were presented with these characters early on in the movie.

Whilst the first act of the movie has a rather serious undertone, it is cleverly balanced with some comedic relief that is reminiscent of some of the humor presented in Classic Disney Movies from the early 90's. Mainly thanks to the outrageously funny Billy Connolly, who plays Merida's Father, Fergus, and also thanks to Merida's Brothers, the triplets. I genuinely got more laughs in this Movie in its first 10 minutes, than I did for the Entire run-time of last years Cars 2. So major props to Pixar for getting that right.

Having said that, the film is not without its flaws, after such a strong opening half to the film, after a particular major plot point (which i will refrain from spoiling) the Films enjoyment and quality does start to wane a bit.

The overall second half of the film, seems rushed compared to the first half. The character development is kind of thrown out of the window when we are presented with a really bland, really undeveloped Villain, who is given only a little back-story and that's it. Because of this, the second act of the film never presents any real threat or any real form of urgency or issue, every plot point just seems to come together coincidentally and never really presents any closure on some of the events that happened in the opening act as the film draws to it's typical cliche' fairytale conclusion.

That's not to say the second half of the Film is a complete disaster, it still has its highlights and is thankfully saved by the humor and excellent visuals that are consistent throughout the whole film. Visually the film is stunning (as to be expected with Pixar) the Scottish landscapes are really beautiful and highly detailed, and the character design presents the usual Pixar quirks and features that are all so familiar, that everyone loves. Definitely see this one in 3D!

Overall Brave is yet another superb film entry in Pixar's Library, by no means is it their best work, but it most certainly isn't their worst! After Car's 2 (which most would consider a disappointment and Pixar's worst) It's great to see that Pixar hasn't quite lost their touch yet, Kids will love it, and Fans should enjoy it too, but may find it a little harder to overlook some of its more glaring flaws.

I give Brave a 7.5/10