Zephyr's Movie Reviews! #1- Brave

Welcome welcome welcome to a little experiment that I shall be doing. I love movies. I adore them. The pure imagination and stories that movies can provide is nothing short of amazing. Sooooo, why not review them? I may not be the most technical critic, but I know what I like and don't like and I thought I'd let you guys know. Who knows? Maybe I'll save you from spending a few bucks on some atrocity they've released.

So, my first review will be to a movie created by none other than the great Pixar Studios:



Pixar's first attempt at a fairy-tale story and its first film with a female protaganist, Brave is the story of Merida (Kelly Macdonald), daughter of King Fergus (Billy freakin' Connolly) who rules Clan DunBroch, the head clan in the Scottish highlands. Her mother, Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson), basically controls every aspect of her life....which Merida obviously hates. The day comes when tradition dictates that the princess must be wed to a suitor from three neighboring clans. Of course, Merida resents that and desires to make her own fate, but tradition plays a very important part for everyone, as evidenced by a tale the Queen tells her daughter.

So, the clans arrive, and the rest of the film shows Merida's attempt to change her fate by changing her mom. I won't spoil it, because the advertising for this film has done a spectacular job to also keep you in the dark as to what exactly happens. I will say, that it isn't the expected "girl-power" film. It's much more of a "family importance" kind of thing....if that makes sense.

As a Pixar film, it's a bit sad to see that this isn't the best one of them all. It's about the same quality as "Monsters, Inc." or "Cars". Still, it's way better then most other animated films. The art design and scenery is shockingly good, the music is phenomenal, and it's a bit darker in tone than what the humor-laden ads tell you. the characters are boistrous and hilarious with the three clan leaders, their sons, and King Fergus being my favorites. The only thing Brave seems to slip up in is the story. By the time all the clans and characters were introduced, I did feel that the movie was a bit sluggish. The "villian" of the movie also seems to be under-developed as a character, with untapped potential.

Anyway, all-in-all Brave is a good, if not great, film that made me want a Scottish accent. Go for the characters (particularly the clan leaders), music, and gorgeous scenery but don't expect the usual Pixar touch in the storytelling department.

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There, my first attempt at a review, hopefully it was able to be readable. Feedback and criticism is greatly appreciated.