For months I have been dying to see the new DisneyPixar movie, Brave, and have been counting down the days until I could take my daughter to see the film. Of course, we were thrilled when we got a chance to see a 3D prescreening in Seattle last week, a few days before it was released in theaters.
Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock {or rather, away from screens of any kind}, you’ve probably seen the previews of the film a few hundred times. Likely, you’ve noticed the heroine’s striking red hair and signature bow and arrow, as well as the amazing animation DisneyPixar is known for.
After watching it in 3D on the big screen last week, I can honestly say that the animation is amazing. The film is set in the Highlands of Scotland on a beautiful backdrop of lush greens and blues, and it is simply magical in all regards. But, beyond the beautiful scenery, the cast of characters was also very well done with a ton of personality and fun details that really made the film come alive.
Specifically, I loved princess Merida’s {pronounced mare-a-da} fiery red hair that seems to have a life of its own throughout the film. With ringlets on top of ringlets that swirl and dance during action scenes as well as the more serious scenes, it makes for a fun and lively point of interest, especially in 3D.
By now you’ve probably heard that Merida is no typical Disney princess, she’s one that shoots, rides, climbs, and explores like some sort of adventurer, not someone with royal lineage. I really liked this aspect of the movie as I firmly believe princesses come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities and we definitely needed a bit more spunk in the Disney princess line. Merida is definitely the princess for the job as she adds a little spark to the pretty and pink lineup.
In addition to a new kind of princess, Brave is a new kind of princess film that does away with all the old princess plot points you’re used to. No meeting the prince and falling in love at first sight or overcoming a wicked-something-or-other, and no love scenes or serenades, instead Merida carries the film all on her own, which is a big task for a single princess.
To be fair, Merida has a wonderful supporting cast that was really well-developed, with truly likeable characters throughout that helped round out the film. From her mother, Queen Elinor, that is determined to reign in her strong willed daughter to her jolly and loving father, King Fergus, her parents are multi-dimensional characters who add more than a typical King and Queen role. Her adorable triplet brothers complete this colorful family and their hijinks were some of my daughter’s favorite parts of the film.
As the mom of a little girl, I was most taken with the relationship between Merida and Elinor and it left me just wanting to hug my baby girl and enjoy the little time I will have with her until she will be off on her own. The bond between mother and daughter is something so special and although it may be hard at times, Brave reminds us that creating a lasting relationship takes a little give and take {note to self: call your mother}.
I had heard some rumors that the film was a bit darker than the typical DisneyPixar film and that it might be a bit scary for young kids so I left the little guy at home and took my daughter and niece instead. Even though I had been a bit worries, my four year old did fine during the film and didn’t seem scared once. While she wasn’t able to follow every single plot twist {which isn’t all that uncommon}, she was never frightened and sat enthralled during the entire film.
Overall, I really thought the film was amazing. It really had everything I was hoping for and more, and the result was an amazing film full of heart. Since we went and saw it, my daughter has asked about seeing it again, asked when the DVD comes out, and has been begging to get the book so we can enjoy a little Brave here at home.
Brave came out in theaters on June 22nd and it is definitely worth seeing - especially in 3D. I know we will be back before it leaves the theaters because we all loved it so much!
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A big thank you to DisneyPixar who provided the complimentary tickets in exchange for our honest review. As always, all opinions are 100% ours and no monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.
