Jason KingBRAVE: A Review
June 22nd 2012 05:13
:
Pixar nails it again!
When it comes to consistency Pixar is up there as being as consistent as the earth's rotation around the sun. They do no wrong and instead make films to master and improve their technology and craft in animation.
Merida is a skilled archer and impetuous daughter of King Fergus (Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson). 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 (Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (Craig Ferguson) and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (Robbie Coltrane). Merida's actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric old Witch (Julie Walters) 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.
Now this one is different from all of the other Pixar films in that I found it much darker and out of all of them this one would be the most adult - I loved it and for me it comes in as number 6 on my Pixar faves right behind (in order):
1) Finding Nemo
2) Wall E
3) The Incredibles
4) Up
5) Toy Story
6) Brave
Believe it or not on Rotten Tomatoes this is the most unloved of all the Pixar films coming in at a still impressive 70% user rating. The previous least liked film was Cars sitting on 74% but this is still early days for Brave and the rating may increase.
The story is sound but lacking in the touching heartfelt qualities of the films Nemo, Wall E and Up. This one is an action film more in-line with The Incredibles but lacking superheroes. It is a buddy film and the buddies are a mother and daughter playing roles that would normally be made between a father and son and this for me was refreshing. Merida is a huge tomboy who is never happy playing the princess and attending court, albeit a rowdy Scottish one. Her mum, the Queen, is prim, proper, and a lady of the court - their world's collide when it is time for Merida to suited to a fellow tribe. And so the shenanigans ensue.
The thing I noticed about Pixar with this film is certain parts of animation are pretty much perfected. Mainly hair and water - literally PERFECT and these items are no longer required in live action films - just let Pixar do it
Merida's hair just had me mesmerised, as did the water. I do not think they will ever be able to replicate human emotion on to faces, as it is as unique as a fingerprint, but god they are getting close.
Then there is the actors/ voices or characters in the film. Billy Conolly is a comic genius and this role was made for him - I LOVED IT. Kelly Macdonald was enjoyable as Merida and I never even picked it was Emma Thompson as the Queen - this was a nice surprise. But my favourite characters of the film are the triplets - they are EVIL little brats, but oh so cute, and out of control - they reminded me of the three little brat kids from The Nightmare Before Christmas - everything they did had me chuckling.
What can I say - it was a fun ride and another good film from Pixar - definitely not their best but not their worst by a long shot. But that's the thing about Pixar - even their worst film is better than 90% of the crap released today. Enjoy the ride on this one and great for the whole family - however some dark moments so be warned and the 3D is GOOD! Brave is out now and I will happily award it 8 out of 10 scary bears
Merida is a skilled archer and impetuous daughter of King Fergus (Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson). 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 (Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (Craig Ferguson) and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (Robbie Coltrane). Merida's actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric old Witch (Julie Walters) 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.
Now this one is different from all of the other Pixar films in that I found it much darker and out of all of them this one would be the most adult - I loved it and for me it comes in as number 6 on my Pixar faves right behind (in order):
1) Finding Nemo
2) Wall E
3) The Incredibles
4) Up
5) Toy Story
6) Brave
Believe it or not on Rotten Tomatoes this is the most unloved of all the Pixar films coming in at a still impressive 70% user rating. The previous least liked film was Cars sitting on 74% but this is still early days for Brave and the rating may increase.
The story is sound but lacking in the touching heartfelt qualities of the films Nemo, Wall E and Up. This one is an action film more in-line with The Incredibles but lacking superheroes. It is a buddy film and the buddies are a mother and daughter playing roles that would normally be made between a father and son and this for me was refreshing. Merida is a huge tomboy who is never happy playing the princess and attending court, albeit a rowdy Scottish one. Her mum, the Queen, is prim, proper, and a lady of the court - their world's collide when it is time for Merida to suited to a fellow tribe. And so the shenanigans ensue.
The thing I noticed about Pixar with this film is certain parts of animation are pretty much perfected. Mainly hair and water - literally PERFECT and these items are no longer required in live action films - just let Pixar do it
Merida's hair just had me mesmerised, as did the water. I do not think they will ever be able to replicate human emotion on to faces, as it is as unique as a fingerprint, but god they are getting close.
I want them - love these rascals
Then there is the actors/ voices or characters in the film. Billy Conolly is a comic genius and this role was made for him - I LOVED IT. Kelly Macdonald was enjoyable as Merida and I never even picked it was Emma Thompson as the Queen - this was a nice surprise. But my favourite characters of the film are the triplets - they are EVIL little brats, but oh so cute, and out of control - they reminded me of the three little brat kids from The Nightmare Before Christmas - everything they did had me chuckling.
What can I say - it was a fun ride and another good film from Pixar - definitely not their best but not their worst by a long shot. But that's the thing about Pixar - even their worst film is better than 90% of the crap released today. Enjoy the ride on this one and great for the whole family - however some dark moments so be warned and the 3D is GOOD! Brave is out now and I will happily award it 8 out of 10 scary bears
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Comment by AmyHuang
Project Job Search
Travel Debate
Travel String
Love Adventures
Not fair to us childless couples!
Comment by Jason King
Sydney Table
Salty Popcorn
Total Randomness
Comment by AmyHuang
Project Job Search
Travel Debate
Travel String
Love Adventures
Comment by Jason King
Sydney Table
Salty Popcorn
Total Randomness
I know the Hoyts policy does not require kids at all and I visited the Event/ Greater Union website and their only condition for the Adults and Kid's pricing is just that - ADULT TICKETS ARE THE COST OF A CHILD. No need to have actually birthed one of them
So get out their and enjoy it!!