Brave

[Alex S.]

While Pixar has had many many many fantastic successes, and nearly every movie they've made has been a bonafide masterpiece, it seems like most people, critics especially, tend to view the three movies Pixar released from 2007-2009 as being the best in their 26 year, 13 feature history. Those movies were Ratatouille, WALL•E, and Up; and they each featured high concept stories, deep and sophisticated themes, and, in many ways, spoke more to the grown-ups in the audience than they did to the kids while still being great movies for the entire family to enjoy together.

I think you have to extend that streak by one title: From Ratatouille through Toy Story 3, a streak ending with two Best Picture nominations is probably the best four picture sequence any animation studio has ever had (and would probably be up there with any studio).

[IllusionOfLife]

I think you have to extend that streak by one title: From Ratatouille through Toy Story 3, a streak ending with two Best Picture nominations is probably the best four picture sequence any animation studio has ever had (and would probably be up there with any studio).

Yeah, that's probably a fair assessment. With the exception of Cars 2 I've at the very least really enjoyed every movie Pixar has put out, so for me their streak lasted from 1995-2010 and so far has picked up again with Brave. My three personal favorites from Pixar, though, are probably Ratatouille, Toy Story 2, and WALL•E.

[cheshirecatgirl]

Saw Brave Friday night and absolutely loved it! It was a lot funnier than I was expecting, but had plenty of touching moments too. I was entralled with Merida's hair. Like cstephens, I just kept staring at it! Loved loved loved the setting, the music was beautiful, the characters were mostly funny. Perhaps the story was a bit light, but I really liked how Merida was portrayed as a strong and independent girl who didn't need a prince to save her!

My four year old niece really loved the movie too!

[IllusionOfLife]

So because Merida rebels against traditional gender roles and does not want to be forced into marriage by her parents she must be gay.

Apparently those are the only two options now for girls: conform to traditional gender roles and get married off as soon as possible, or come out as a lesbian. You stay classy Entertainment Weekly.

[THpoohbear]

I agree with a 7/10 rating...score was beautiful, voice acting and animation was great, but the story was just...not there for me. It wasn't as heartfelt and deep as I expect from a pixar movie.

I saw it today and did not like it. It is the first Pixar film I do not like. I completely agree that the story wasn't as deep or heartfelt. I also thought that most of the charcters were rather shallow. I prefer the sharp witty humor to the slip stick humor in Brave. I did giggle here and there but no big belly laughs from me. And no tears, either. The animation was beautiful, though.

Best part of the whole movie was the short film right before. I really don't want to say too much about it, but it was truly amazing and the entire theatre was entranced.

Agreed! Absolutely loved the short!

[carolinakid]

I would have no problem with Merida if she WERE a lesbian. I can see why this film is being embraced by the GLBT community.

[dban3]

So because Merida rebels against traditional gender roles and does not want to be forced into marriage by her parents she must be gay.

Apparently those are the only two options now for girls: conform to traditional gender roles and get married off as soon as possible, or come out as a lesbian. You stay classy Entertainment Weekly.

What can you say? Saw the article. Now replaying an episode of Seinfeld in my head...

http://popwatch.ew.com/2012/06/24/pi...ve-gay-merida/

[IllusionOfLife]

I would have no problem with Merida if she WERE a lesbian.

Neither would I, however I find it highly insulting that a female character who is independent, doesn't conform to traditional gender roles, and has other priorities besides marriage is assumed to be lesbian, as if those are the only two options for girls.

[Mermaid]

I saw it today and did not like it. It is the first Pixar film I do not like. I completely agree that the story wasn't as deep or heartfelt. I also thought that most of the charcters were rather shallow. I prefer the sharp witty humor to the slip stick humor in Brave. I did giggle here and there but no big belly laughs from me. And no tears, either. The animation was beautiful, though.

Agreed! Absolutely loved the short!

Totally agree! I thought it was okay. I sobbed like a baby in Toy Story 3 both times I saw it in the theater- never even teared up in this one. I thought the plot was sort of weird. I did like the witch parts!

[tea4two]

A question for those who have seen "Brave": does the 3D really contribute to the film or is 2D fine? For example, we thought that the 3D was a definite plus for "Coraline" and "Toy Story 3" -- but was a major distraction for "Titanic 3D". Any opinions?

[Alex S.]

Disney's publicity people released a couple easter egg stills for Brave this morning.

They show where you can see the Pizza Planet truck as well as Sully. Spoilered in case you don't want to see.

 

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tea4two: I don't think the 3D was all that important (that is how I saw it), but I'm not a huge fan of it in general to begin with so I may be biased.

[candles71]

Now I remember seeing Sully, one of those process it quickly and move on moments though. Not the truck though.

[tea4two]

..tea4two: I don't think the 3D was all that important (that is how I saw it), but I'm not a huge fan of it in general to begin with so I may be biased.

Just the kind of info I was looking for. Thanks!

[houseofmouse]

I pass on 3D whenever I can too. Doesn't do much for me in the movie theater.

[codewoman]

We accidentally saw the 3D version. I was sorry, but what ya gonna do? It turned out to be okay. But it didn't really add much to the film.

[IllusionOfLife]

The 3D in Brave neither adds a whole lot to the film as it does in movies like How to Train Your Dragon or Hugo, but nor is it a distracting mess like just about anything that has been converted to 3D in post-production. If you typically like 3D movies go see it in 3D, but if you don't care or are not fond of them you won't really be missing anything by seeing it in 2D.

[tea4two]

Thanks for all the feedback. Our first choice is 2D, so it's nice to hear we won't be missing anything significant by passing on the 3D.

[KarenW2]

I'm so happy we were finally able to see Brave tonite! Definitely a wonderful movie for us natural redheads! It was all so beautiful and so much of it was so realistic looking, especially the in-stream salmon!

[bennette]

I'm so happy we were finally able to see Brave tonite! Definitely a wonderful movie for us natural redheads! It was all so beautiful and so much of it was so realistic looking, especially the in-stream salmon!

Shoot, we were going to see it tonight but maybe it's not worth it if it's really directed toward the red head experience? My spunk is real but I've only got a bit of red on this head of mine. Hmm. On the other hand, my husband's a ginger and he's interested; I guess that's close enough.

[dngnb8]

I liked the dichotomy of the animation. Meridahs face was cabbage patch like. General, not real distinct in features. But that made all the other animation really stand out. Things like her hair, the dress, the animals, etc. It seemed to me the animators were saying,

This time, look at the other stuff too.

[cstephens]

Shoot, we were going to see it tonight but maybe it's not worth it if it's really directed toward the red head experience? My spunk is real but I've only got a bit of red on this head of mine. Hmm. On the other hand, my husband's a ginger and he's interested; I guess that's close enough.

Actually, I think it really speaks to the adventurous Scot in all of us. I know it certainly called to my Scottish heritage. But I think others would enjoy it too.

I liked the dichotomy of the animation. Meridahs face was cabbage patch like. General, not real distinct in features. But that made all the other animation really stand out.

Hmmm, I couldn't disagree more. I loved how Merida's features are drawn and distinctive. I know *exactly* what she looks like, which actually makes it unfortunate because of the Merida walk-arounds I've seen at the park (and the one at the El Cap when we saw the film), NONE of them have accurately captured her facial features.

[Ohthatjeff]

I liked the dichotomy of the animation. Meridahs face was cabbage patch like. General, not real distinct in features. But that made all the other animation really stand out. Things like her hair, the dress, the animals, etc. It seemed to me the animators were saying,

This time, look at the other stuff too.

Maybe pixar knows the real answer but I think it's done to avoid the "uncanny valley" effect. When you make an animated character look too real, the flee-or-fight part of your brain kicks in and starts to go beserk trying to warn you that there's something wrong with the face you're looking at and it actually becomes uncomfortable to look at.

[leota's necklace]

I'm sad to say, I was disappointed by Brave. The animation was lovely, but the story was weak and painted with the broadest of brushes. My husband the Scot felt offended by the portrayal of his history and mythology. And hello, following a wisp is never a good idea. We also noticed this film had the least-interesting final credit animation...or, more accurately, the most noticeable lack of animation. And the vocal music was sappy and vapid.

[cheshirecatgirl]

http://thenewinquiry.com/essays/just...rincess-movie/

An interesting article about Brave and it's portrayal of a strong princess role.

[tinkaparis]

I'll say it....

I think Brave is the BEST Pixar movie I have seen. Yep. I connected to the entire story from beginning to end and didn't at all expect what the plot turned out to be. I totally disagree that the story was light. Granted there are simply less characters maybe so they don't need as quite an in depth back story.

I left the movie still emotional and I think it stems back to the fact that in many cases, the relationships between mother and teenage daughter can be very difficult. As was my own with my mom. You find yourself saying unbelievable hurtful things at times as a teen. Merida absolutely captured the relationship between mother and daughter and I don't think it really had anything at all to do with marriage.

Yes she was strong and yes she was a woman but at the end of the day, she understood that she really did love her mother and understood that she learned so much from her. That family bond is just unbreakable.

I LOVED IT!