Disney and Pixar’s newest collaboration, ‘Brave’, hit theaters Friday, June 22, 2012, challenging ‘Madagascar 3’ for the top spot at the box office for best kids’ film. It is the thirteenth film in Pixar’s lineup and continues the high standard set by the movies before it. ‘Brave’ is a whimsical, fascinating romp with stunning visuals, worthwhile characters, and exciting action scenes.

Major spoilers ahead!

Princess Merida (Kelly MacDonald) is the daughter of King Fergus (Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson), the rulers of the Scottish kingdom of DunBroch. They are a happy family and responsible leaders of their clans. However, Merida’s rebellious personality and aspirations cause her to clash often with her mother, who wants her to be a respectable princess. In order to keep up traditions, the King and Queen send invitations to the other three clans under their rule so that the firstborn of each clan leader can compete for Merida’s hand in marriage.

Angered by her parents’ decision and aching for the freedom to make her own choices, Merida chooses to have her hand won in an archery tournament. She then competes to win her own hand in marriage, mortifying her mother. They have an intense argument and her mother destroys her bow and arrow while Merida cuts up the beautiful tapestry her mother wove for their family.

She runs away and is beckoned into the woods by Will O’ the Wisps, tiny spirits who guide people to their destinies. They lead her to a witch who runs a wood-carving shop and asks for a spell to change her fate. After bargaining with her, the witch gives Merida a dessert to give to her mother that will change her. Merida returns to the castle and gives it to her mother, but the spell actually changes her mother into a bear. Bears are feared and hated in DunBroch because of Mor’Du—a gigantic, brutal black bear that took her father’s leg and has been said to still roam the darkest parts of the forest.

Merida sneaks her mother out of the castle and returns with her to the woods, trying to find the witch’s home again so they can undo the spell. She eventually finds out that the spell will become permanent in two days if she does not repair the bond between them, both literally and figuratively, and her mother’s personality will disappear.

As expected with Pixar’s films, ‘Brave’ is absolutely gorgeous. The environments are rich and engrossing, from the vibrant green of the forest to the cold dwelling of Mor’Du. With or without 3D, the visuals are beautiful and add an extra layer to the story, as it is easy to feel every moment of excitement, danger, and emotion as the characters advance through their trials.

The story is strong and deeply rooted in traditional storytelling from European folklore, as well as modern tales about princesses choosing their own destinies. Merida is by far one of the most headstrong princesses in the Pixar and Disney line up. She is a sweet, fun loving girl, but she is also still a young girl who does not realize that her selfish actions can destroy both her mother and her beloved home. The writing does an excellent job of revealing the high and low points of Merida’s relationship with her mother, and by the end of it, both women realize their shortcomings and become stronger together.

Merida and Elinor’s relationship is the film’s strongest aspect, but the action sequences are right behind it. Merida’s problems are not only emotionally devastating—they are also life threatening. Twice, Merida’s mother starts to turn into a real bear and she is in danger of being killed. Furthermore, Mor’Du is without a doubt one of the scariest villains in Pixar’s history as he is a ruthless, almost indestructible force of nature.

While ‘Brave’ is an excellent film, there are some flaws here and there. The solution to Merida and Elinor’s conflict should have been brought up a little earlier because there is a lull in the action that can feel frustrating to some viewers. Most of the other Pixar films made the problem and the subsequent solution clear early on while ‘Brave’ hits the halfway point before providing the information.

It also might have been nice to see the sons of the three clans receive some sort of stake in the main plot and develop, because all three of them were in the same boat as Merida. The boys never got to show if they had any potential to become great leaders or independent thinkers like Merida. It is not a major flaw, but rather something that could have been explored more since the movie is relatively short.

Last, the fact that the witch gets away with cursing two separate people with awful afflictions is a bit of a disappointment. While she is not the main villain, she still indirectly caused misery and pain for several characters for the course of decades. In most Pixar films, the bad guys get what they deserve, but she does not and it does take away some of the enjoyment at the end.

Overall, ‘Brave’ is a fantastic entry into the Disney-Pixar collection and should not be missed. Children and adults alike can enjoy the wonderful effects and the heartwarming storyline. Don’t miss out.

Grade: 5/5

Image Courtesy of  Brave

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Burbank, U.S.A - Step out of the theater and become immersed in the world of “Brave” with Adventures by Disney’s first-ever Pixar-inspired itinerary, “Scotland: A Brave Adventure.” Disney Pixar’s ‘Brave’ tells the tale of the courageous Merida, the film’s headstrong teenage protagonist, who defies ancient tradition and challenges destiny to change her fate.

This 9-day, 8-night quest through Edinburgh, the Isle of Skye, the Isle of Lewis and Inverness takes families through the rugged Highlands, allowing them to experience first-hand the history, culture, nature, legends and lore of Scotland that inspired Merida’s story of bravery.

Adventures by Disney is a leader in the group guided-tour industry – sharing the stories of the world through 20+ international itineraries. For ‘Scotland: A Brave Adventure’, Adventures by Disney trip-planning specialists worked directly with the expert storytellers on Pixar’s ‘Brave’ production team to incorporate the castles, landscapes and legends that inspired the lush settings and memorable characters in the film – creating a Scotland experience that could only come from Disney.

Guests will discover locations that inspired Pixar’s creative spark during visits to the historic Black House of Arnol and the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, both of which served as reference for the Witch’s cottage, and Dunnottar Castle, one of the inspirations for the DunBroch family’s home.

Beyond the drawing board, the culture of the Scottish Highlands will come to life through authentic, hands-on activities – a hallmark of Adventures by Disney itineraries.

On the Isle of Skye, adventurers will partake in traditional highland games, make Scottish pastries – a favorite treat of Merida’s triplet brothers – and take lessons in Celtic music and dance. While traveling through Inverness, guests will participate in two of Merida’s favorite activities – horseback riding through the Caledonian Forest and archery at Glamis Castle. In Edinburgh, families will learn the art of tapestry-making at Dovecot Studios.

Another signature of an Adventures by Disney vacation, families will visit the country’s most treasured historical sites – including Eilean Donan and Edinburgh Castles, the ancient Callanish Standing Stones and Dun Carloway Broch on the Isle of Lewis – but in unique ways that only Disney could dream up. Rather than just walking the shores of Loch Ness, guests will go on a canoe expedition where they will search for “Nessie” and discover the picture-perfect Urquhart Castle.

In the capital city, travelers will tour the Royal Mile, including privately-guided visits to the Palace of Holyroodhouse – the Scottish home of the Royal Family – and the National Museum of Scotland, where they will learn fascinating details of the ancient period in which ‘Brave’ is set. Each departure features two knowledgeable Adventure Guides who will serve as leaders, storytellers, companions and personal concierge – taking care of all the details for a truly hassle-free travel experience.

“‘Scotland: A Brave Adventure’ combines the creative genius of Pixar Animation Studios with Disney’s ability to bring iconic stories to life with in a whole new way,” said Josh D’Amaro, Vice President, Adventures by Disney. “For the first time ever, our guests will be fully immersed in the legends and locations that inspired the film. ‘Brave’ is the perfect tale for Adventures by Disney to share; Merida’s experience speaks to the importance of the family bond – a cornerstone of any Disney vacation.”

Also new for 2013, Adventures by Disney has announced a Southeast Asia itinerary. Featuring Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, the 12-day, 11-night itinerary will give travelers the opportunity to experience some of Asia’s most exotic and culturally rich cities – including Saigon, Hanoi, Hoi An, Luang Prabang, Siem Reap and Angkor Wat.

Image Courtesy of   Brave

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