Brave: any thoughts/reviews/opinions yet?

[Nuggett]

Title of this thread pretty much says it all. Has anyone seen the new Pixar movie Brave yet? I believe it aired the 22nd in North-America so I don't know if anyone has seen it yet.

If you have, how was it? Worth the time? The trailer never really appealed to me but I'm open-minded enough not to judge books by their covers, or movies by their trailers.

[Powdered Water]

Wanna see it.

[Yoda]

Ditto...but man oh man, the trailers make it look like a DreamWorks movie. Stunningly so.

[TheUsualSuspect]

I read Ebert's review, he gives away an important piece of information that is not in the trailers....

[Nausicaä]

http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?t=25984&highlight=brave

I can't wait to see it.

[Completely Overrated]

I just got back from seeing Brave, and it really exceeded my expectations. I feel foolish for doubting Pixar, but the trailers for this movie really underwhelmed me and I couldn't find it in me to get excited about it. I'm really happy I was wrong. Here's a review I wrote of the movie.

If you've seen it, what did you think? If you're not going to see it, why not? The review is entirely spoiler free as well.

[Powdered Water]

Not going to your blog, just post the review here. What have you got to lose?

[Completely Overrated]

If you're interested in reading more of my reviews, you can visit my website through my user name.

Here is the review in its entirety.

Disney and Pixar have done it again. I don’t know what those people put in their coffee every morning, but I would wager it is derived from magic, and not the kind promoted by haggard, clever old women who spend their days carving wooden figurines. It is always a joy to be surprised by the introduction of a new Pixar masterpiece. Pixar’s latest film, Brave, introduces another lovable princess into the hearts and minds of Disney and Pixar fans across the world along with a brand new story of adversity between mother and daughter and how the strongest bonds can be broken by pride and arrogance. It is a film born from the spirit of adventure and the desire to rise up against archaic tradition, to become the master of our own destiny and make life-changing decisions for ourselves. A cast of adorable characters, spectacular music, a witty screenplay and a little bit of magic bring the tale of Brave to life. But is the movie any good?


The answer is a resounding yes. I’m going to be honest, I was wholly underwhelmed by the trailers for Brave. It was the first time this has ever happened, and I began to think perhaps I was finally growing up. Fortunately, Pixar has a history of pumping out hit after hit, from Toy Story and Finding Nemo to Monsers Inc. and Up. Brave is no exception. It is a tale of a young princess who’s desire to rebel against her destiny directly clashes with her Queen mother’s beliefs in strict tradition and staunch adherence to the conduct standards of a lady. The themes that are presented in Brave will be instantly familiar to fans of Walt Disney films. This goes a long way toward making Brave feel like a member of the Disney family straight from the start. What sets this movie apart from the rest is the narrative and the spectacular characterization of the film’s key players.

One of the definitive highlights of Brave is the princess’ family. Her father, the King, is a grossly overgrown child who revels in his daughter’s rebellious antics and the frustrated responses of the Queen. His hilarious gags easily snagged most of the laughs in the early parts of the film, only slightly overshadowed by the three mischievous little princes as the film moved into its second act. Brave does a fantastic job taking traditional character types and give them a unique twist to make them feel fresh, funny and instantly likable. Even the film’s “villain,” the witch, was absolutely adorable. Despite being responsible for causing the majority of the drama in the latter parts of the film, you can’t help but find the witch extremely likable and blameless. A strong argument can be made that the witch isn’t even a villain at all, but that is an argument I will save for another discussion.



If I have one complaint about Brave, its that the film felt a little bit too contained. This is an extremely minor observation that I’m sure most people will look at me funny for even mentioning, but I felt the movie lacked the reach and sense of grandeur that is a trademark of most Pixar films. For example, Finding Nemo is a story that sprawls across a vast ocean. Monster’s Inc. has their main characters traveling between the world of monsters and the world filled with human children. Toy Story brings their characters all over a town filled with a huge array of unique individuals. Brave sees their characters wander around in a forest and their castle for a little bit. I felt the movie lacked the sprawling, imaginative worlds I’ve come to expect in my Pixar films, but this does not change how I feel about the movie at all.

If you’ve ever liked a Pixar film, you’re going to like Brave. If you have children near the age of 5, you’re all going to like Brave. The acting was impeccable. The gags were spot on and had me nearly rolling out of my seat. The story is entertaining and imbued with enough emotional resonance to allow you to really empathize with the characters and their struggles. There were a couple of times where I almost choked up, especially near the end. I KNEW it wasn’t going to end the way they wanted you to think it was going to end, but I cared enough about the characters that the thought that it COULD end that way triggered an emotional response within me. It’s like that scene in Toy Story 3 where you know they probably aren’t going to incinerate any of those toys, but the thought that they might is just enough to make you feel.

I strongly encourage anyone with even the slightest interest in seeing this film to pack themselves and their family into the car and go buy some tickets. You won’t be disappointed. Brave is a great way to spend an afternoon or an evening, and is a movie I foresee sitting in many homes.

★★★★★

[Justin]

I've heard some lackluster responses from some of my friends, but I still plan on seeing it. It's Pixar, after all. Good review, by the way.

[jeev7882]

★★★ 1/2 (out of 5)

There's quite a bit about Brave that has marked it as a departure from Pixar's typical fare. The most memorable trailer was one of the best scenes from the movie, with Merida protesting her marriage by shooting for her own hand. That scene alone showcases the detail and quality of animation we've come to expect from Pixar. No other studio has managed to come near what they do. The motion of the characters is natural. Merida's gorgeous curly red hair is distracting in its details only at the perfect times. And, most impressively, when Merida holds her breath to shoot her last arrow the audience holds its collective breath as we watch her arrow shoot away in slow motion and in a beautiful use of depth of field that reminds us why 2D is still highly preferred to 3D.

That's not to say Brave is quite as visually astonishing as Sully's fur in Monsters Inc., the magical underwater world of Finding Nemo, or a landfill laden Earth in Wall-E. But, in some ways, it's not meant to be. We're dealing with a primarily human cast for once, and ones meant to look very different than the ones in Up.

Beyond the animation, the story is somewhat flat. The trailers do an excellent job of concealing the twists, but the twists are all easy to see well ahead of time. The story revolves around Princess Merida who is continually at odds with her Mother, Elinor. At the center of their arguments: marriage. Merida is to be married to the first born of one of the leaders of the other three clans. She'll have none of it as she'd much rather ride off on her own and perfect her archery skills than sit at home and be a proper Princess. In her more childish qualities, she's like her father: an overgrown warrior child who also happens to be King. It's not a bad story, but it's certainly a little too basic. Most people will most likely find the lack of creativity in the script's details the biggest disappointment in Brave. There's no moments where we marvel "how did these guys come up with this?"

It's a pity because Merida is one of the best protagonists Pixar has been blessed with. She's likable and hate-able in all the right ways. She has quite a bit of bratty teenager in her - as evidenced by the lack of morality she displays in trying to change her mother's mind about her upcoming betrothal - and yet heaps of bravery - as she shows when confronted with what she's done to her Mother. The best part about Merida and the story is that she's the one continually driving it forward and making the choices. That proves vital as the film doesn't really have a villain. This isn't a good vs. evil battle like all their other movies not named Finding Nemo.

Brave falls somewhere in the middle for Pixar. It's great that it's original (especially with Pixar selling out and giving us Monster's Inc. 2 and Toy Story 4 shortly), it's great the protagonist is female and so well rounded, and it's great the animation is somewhat subdued for once. I can't help but feel that Brave lacks some of the magic and creativity that really separate the upper echelon of Pixar's best work from the rest of it. Of course, that'll still probably be enough to make it the best animated movie of the year.

[TheUsualSuspect]

Is this the same user? What's with the stars?

[Justin]

Sure looks like it.

[Flimmaker1473]

Here is my review from Friday night

Three out of Four Stars
theater and at the theater I worked at, there were many people who went into to watch Pixar's new film. What is so different about this film is that the lead is a female. Ah yes a female.
So the film starts with a young princess Merida (Peigi Barker) who gets a bow from her father King Fregus (Billy Connolly). Despite her mother the Queen Elnior (Emma Thompson) disapproval she starts learning how to shoot an arrow.
A bear comes out of no where and threatens the group. Her dad saves them at the cost of his leg.
We go into the future and Merida is older (now Kelly MacDonald) with three little brothers. She is a full blown princess with princess responsibilities. But she rather be riding her horse and shooting arrows than doing any princess duties.
We find out through her mother that she is to pick a husband through three suitors from three different nations. She is against this while her mother remains old fashion.
First directors Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman, and Steve Purcell all do a great job with the beauty of the film. The animation is breath taking and some of Pixar's best artwork.
The film shows us a story that been told before about a rebellious daughter and a somewhat over bearing mother. But tells it in a ay that makes us laugh and even cry.
While it may not be Pixar's best and the story is a little underdeveloped. And a abrupt end is what keeps it from being better. Brave is a nice film and you will feel satisfied after you leave the theater. I know I did.

[Completely Overrated]

If you're referring to me as the same user as the other guy, I assure you its not. Stars are apparently a very common thing to use to score movies. If anyone is interested in listening to a podcast we recorded about Brave, here is a direct link to the mp3 file. Not a link to my blog or anything like that, so don't worry.

http://archive.org/download/ThatsCompletelyOverratedEpisode11FeastYerEyes/11-FeastYerEyes.mp3

[jeev7882]

Is this the same user? What's with the stars?

Um, am I not allowed to use stars? Also, no, I'm not the OP.

[TheUsualSuspect]

The fact that both of you just replied saying no makes me think yes.

[Powdered Water]

Cynic.

[TheUsualSuspect]

I get that people use stars....but those stars aren't available here.

THOSE DAMN STARS!!!

[Powdered Water]

"It's full of stars."

[TheUsualSuspect]

Caught this today.

It was good, felt more like old school Disney than Pixar to me. That's not a bad thing, just a different kind of beast. The animation is stunning though, I was lost in her long red locks of hair, simply beautiful.

La Luna was the short before it, really cute. Aren't they all?

3.5

[Powdered Water]

/\ What he said... /\

[Tracepa98]

Saw it Saturday afternoon and loved it! The trailer didn't do it justice. A cute, fun, and funny movie :) I can also agree that it didn't really feel like pixar though.

[kshRox]

I just got back from seeing Brave, and it really exceeded my expectations. I feel foolish for doubting Pixar, but the trailers for this movie really underwhelmed me and I couldn't find it in me to get excited about it. I'm really happy I was wrong. Here's a review I wrote of the movie.

If you've seen it, what did you think? If you're not going to see it, why not? The review is entirely spoiler free as well.

I agree 100%.
I too should be flogged for doubting Pixar.
From the trailers I expected a lukewarm girl-power, guys are losers story.

I was absolutely wrong.
The main character was charismatic, believable and had much more depth than many non-animated characters. She was not infallible, in fact she made huge blunders but has the heart as well as courage to never even consider giving up in her quest to right them.

The relationship between mother/daughter was very well done and the child coming of age plot integrated rather then super-imposed in the main story-line.

The male characters although secondary in plot were not condescended but portrayed with heart, wit and humor. I especially enjoyed the three little devils who delivered for their sister without question when she needed them.

I would recommend this film for children and adults alike.
I certainly enjoyed it with my 19 & 17 year old daughters.

[Frightened Inmate No. 2]

I saw this yesterday, and I enjoyed it, despite being a bit annoyed at parts.

I wasn't a big fan of any of the characters. Most of them made a lot of stupid decisions and overreacted about a lot of things. I really didn't enjoy the beginning, just because it did nothing to capture my interest. The scenes felt very bland and uninteresting to me, and it almost felt a little contrived at times. I think part of the reason was that they were trying to set the stage for what was to come, so it did have some pay-off, but the point they were trying to set up was still overdone. It picked up considerably from there, however.

It really didn't get interesting until she found the witch's place. It introduced an extra element to the story that I wasn't expecting, and kept the movie interesting. The magic and the part with the other bear made this movie feel unique, even though magic isn't exactly original, it still gave it a fresh feel to it. When the mom changed, it seemed pretty stupid at first, but they handled it very well. They could've just made it a vehicle for some jokes, but Pixar knows better. Not that jokey movies can't be good, but one with this plot would've been horrible without some substance. As I said, I didn't really like most of the characters, but they underwent some very good and gradual character development, which Pixar has always been great at. There were some good action scenes that weren't overdone, and none of them were disposable. The end was satisfying, as it was fairly touching and heartwarming.

The humor in this movie wasn't great or particularly clever or memorable, but it did give a few chuckles, that were well-earned. It didn't focus on making you laugh, it wanted to keep a smile on your face, and it achieved that for the most part.

Overall, a weak beginning did keep this movie down, although it picked up in the middle, and finished strong. It seemed to take a different approach to everything, resulting in a very fresh feel, but I can't ignore the beginning.

B-

[rauldc14]

No offense, but how is a rating of 2.5 a B-?

[Daniel M]

No offense, but how is a rating of 2.5 a B-?

Was wondering the same, the review seems to give a contrasting opinion as well, so I am guessing he's hit 2 by accident and was meant to put 3.5? That would make more sense I reckon.

Seen this a while ago, was pleasantly surprised by it, a very good film when watched as a single object, whilst it wont have the same legacy as other Pixar films and doesn't have the same loveable characters, it was a real good classic style fable that I thought was done really well.

I'd give it a 3.5++ now, I think (That's the first time I've ever used -/+ on a rating as well, feels appropriate here I guess).

[Frightened Inmate No. 2]

Yeah, I meant 3.5

[wintertriangles]

This was worse than Cars

[Guaporense]

I never watched Cars but Brave was the worst animated film I watched over the past two years, out of over a hundred animated films. Though, I am selective with my picks, as I haven't watched anything considered bad by critics. Brave was easily much weaker than anything else by Pixar that I have watched (which includes everything except Cars and Cars 2).

Here are my ratings for nearly all animated films I have watched since 2011 (though, Shrek 3 doesn't enter into my calculations since I watched it before 2011):

http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?t=30708