Ever since I watched "The Lorax" earlier this year, I've noticed the emergence of something wondrous and miraculous when it comes to CG animated movies.
Hair. I think the only two things I liked about "The Lorax" (what a botch of a movie) were how the trees and the hair of all the people looked. It was really quite impressive, and for lack of a better term, they (the trees and the hair) looked incredibly fluffy.
Hair. I think the only two things I liked about "The Lorax" (what a botch of a movie) were how the trees and the hair of all the people looked. It was really quite impressive, and for lack of a better term, they (the trees and the hair) looked incredibly fluffy.
I just want to pet it.
Sadly, with "The Lorax" and so many other animated films these days, the strengths lie in visuals and the weaknesses are in story, character, and the overabundance of crass, unfunny, or media-stuffed jokes that will lose relevance within a decade.
I'm sorry to say that Pixar's latest venture does not rise above these traps nor does it rise to the hallowed name it has created for itself over the years.
It does, however, have wonderful hair.
I'm sorry to say that Pixar's latest venture does not rise above these traps nor does it rise to the hallowed name it has created for itself over the years.
It does, however, have wonderful hair.
Were they planning on getting endorsements from Pantene?
Pixar visually ups the ante with each animation. We've come a long way from even Sulley's hair (Monster's Inc), to this glorious mess of a mane that Princess Merida of "Brave" has. You can't help but notice it in every single scene. And the visual ogling doesn't stop there. The landscape, the backgrounds, the attention to detail in all of the characters and their clothing, is eye-popping.
I wish I could say the same for the story. Although the story does include a twist that has been carefully hidden from trailers, it focuses too much on a hackneyed plot of a rebellious princess, a loving and well-meaning mother that "just doesn't understand", and the result of their dynamic.
None of the characters are particularly likable -- the main character Princess Merida is certainly courageous (although the timing of the movie is unfortunate because her archery skills will undoubtedly be compared and seem less original next to Katniss Everdeen in the recently released movie/books "The Hunger Games"), but she dwells too long in a self-centered state. As for her mother, we have the benefit as the audience to see her well-meaning intentions and how she tries to reach her wayward daughter, but we aren't offered a realistic explanation as to why she can't convey this to her daughter.
I wish I could say the same for the story. Although the story does include a twist that has been carefully hidden from trailers, it focuses too much on a hackneyed plot of a rebellious princess, a loving and well-meaning mother that "just doesn't understand", and the result of their dynamic.
None of the characters are particularly likable -- the main character Princess Merida is certainly courageous (although the timing of the movie is unfortunate because her archery skills will undoubtedly be compared and seem less original next to Katniss Everdeen in the recently released movie/books "The Hunger Games"), but she dwells too long in a self-centered state. As for her mother, we have the benefit as the audience to see her well-meaning intentions and how she tries to reach her wayward daughter, but we aren't offered a realistic explanation as to why she can't convey this to her daughter.
What movie are we talking about again? Oh, right.
It's sad, but this is one movie that is almost hurt by having Pixar's label. If it had merely been a Disney movie or any other studio, I think I would have been pleasantly surprised and amused. However, I've come to expect so much from Pixar, whose mantra "story is king" has produced some unbelievably beautiful movies. To this day, "Toy Story 3" is the only movie that makes me cry every time I see it (and I never cry in movies).
Instead of the usual Pixar magic that holds a tight story and a believable story arc with memorable characters, "Brave" has some frustrating scenes and characters and plot holes.
"Brave" however, is entertaining in its own right. As I said before, I'm judging it overharshly because it is a Pixar movie. It does have many funny moments and the climax of the movie is poignant and you'll be hard-pressed to find fault with it. There are several moving scenes in the movie that are uncontrived, natural, and touching. Overall though, "Brave" doesn't deserve to bear Pixar's stamp and although amusing, doesn't warrant multiple viewings.
On a final note, the Pixar short preceding "Brave" was whimsical, original, and charming. I only wish those same characteristics could be said of "Brave."
Instead of the usual Pixar magic that holds a tight story and a believable story arc with memorable characters, "Brave" has some frustrating scenes and characters and plot holes.
"Brave" however, is entertaining in its own right. As I said before, I'm judging it overharshly because it is a Pixar movie. It does have many funny moments and the climax of the movie is poignant and you'll be hard-pressed to find fault with it. There are several moving scenes in the movie that are uncontrived, natural, and touching. Overall though, "Brave" doesn't deserve to bear Pixar's stamp and although amusing, doesn't warrant multiple viewings.
On a final note, the Pixar short preceding "Brave" was whimsical, original, and charming. I only wish those same characteristics could be said of "Brave."