Movie Review: Brave (2012)

Length: 1 hr & 33 mins
Released: 2012
Genre: Animation, Comedy, & drama
Rating: PG
Where I Got It: Rented

SUMMARY:
Merida is a skilled archer and impetuous daughter of King Fergus and Queen Elinor . Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin, surly Lord Macintosh and cantankerous Lord Dingwall. Merida's actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric old Witch for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to discover the meaning of true bravery in order to undo a beastly curse before it's too late.

TRAILER: 

REVIEW:

I've been avoiding this movie for the longest time. I am not sure why, but I have been. Being Scottish myself, I should have jumped for joy and ran to the theaters to see a Scottish princess make her debut. After thinking about it, I did the same thing to 'Brother Bear' (which I have reviewed a while back); maybe it is because I prefer Disney movies that have some sort of love interest? I love when Disney does break away from the norm and have more layers to their films. Like 'Frozen' and how Anna not only finds true love, but Elsa and Anna find their sisterly love again. I totally get it! 

However, 'Brave' is soley about Merida and her relationship with her mom. They are so different and have different ideals about being a woman, so being an idiot, Merida goes and gets a potion to "change" her mom; which turns her into a bear. Rule one of magic....BE SPECIFIC!!!! Bleh! But yes...this is completely different story for a "Disney Princess" and I regret avoiding it. It was a beautiful film. It was hilarious and I was cracking up! Especially with the maid. Poor girl...at least she got the hot guy in the end. hahaha

I loved how Merida and her mom had to reconnect in order to break the curse. They both had to be brave enough to understand each other. I am glad that the mom got to see why Merida loves the outdoors and being a wild girl. Like fishing and just flat out running with the wind in her hair. Now, am I Merida's side? No, because it is a princess' duty to marry in order to keep the four clans together and at least have some control of your hair. My lord she was a wild child. I have crazy Scottish hair too, but I try to keep it looking decent. Now...am I on the mom's side? Not really, Merida is obviously too young to marry (in my opinion...she is like 13) and she should at least hear Merida's side. There was a lot of miscommunication that could have been avoided and no one would have to be turned into a bear. Perhaps that is what you get with two fiesty Scottish women. haha 

The best part of the film was the animation. They did SUCH a lovely job with bringing the Highlands to life. I was in such awe over it. Simply lovely.

I am glad I made myself watch this movie. It is a beautiful story of mom and daughter reconnecting and understanding each other. The scenery was lovely and I applaud them for bringing Scotland to life. There was also a lot of humor! It was hysterical. I do not like Merida...I think she is one of my least favorite princesses. Is that bad too say? I really think she was an idiot and selfish. However, she did have a change of heart, so I like her more at the end. Out of five stars, I stamp this with 3 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): The triplets, the maid (she was so funny and I felt so bad for her), the witch, and King Fergus

Not-so Favorite Character(s): Merida (she got better at the end, when she realized she was being an idiot and selfish)