Brave Review - 3.5 Stars

Pixar gets their mojo back (after a misfire with Cars 2 last summer) in “Brave”—the story of a strong Scottish princess who wants to control her destiny.  The excellent Kelly Macdonald (remember her in “Boardwalk Empire’?) voices Princess Merida—a no nonsense archery champion not interested in the old ways—especially the old ways of arranged marriage. As the clans gather for the annual Scottish games and possible marriage arrangements, the old men spin stories of monster bears and forest legends.  “Brave” takes some dark turns beginning with a mother/daughter fight that may make many in the audience cringe.  Things get darker when the princess runs weeping into the forest and into the cottage of a witch who possesses a spell to make the queen “different.”   And then things get really spooky.  I think “Brave” pushes the usual Disney envelope before restoring family harmony with a few teachable moments.  “Brave” looks great and spins its story out at a fast clip.  Pixar has produced some great films in the past and I think “Brave” will count among them.   Does it deliver what it promises?  Animated action adventure.  Is it entertaining?  Charming, scary, and compelling.  Is it worth the price of admission?  One of the summer must sees.