Rated PG for some scary action and rude humor.
Starring The voices of Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Julie Walters, Kevin McKidd, Robbie Coltrane and Craig Ferguson
Directed by Brenda Chapman (Prince of Egypt) and Mark Andrews
Has Disney/Pixar ever made a bad movie?
A rugged and mythic Scotland is the setting for Pixar’s action-adventure Brave. The impetuous, tangle-haired Merida, though a daughter of royalty, would prefer to make her mark as a great archer. A clash of wills with her mother compels Merida to make a reckless choice, which unleashes unintended peril on her father’s kingdom and her mother’s life. Merida struggles with the unpredictable forces of nature, magic and a dark, ancient curse to set things right.
Not since Braveheart have I been this excited about being Scottish. Whether it’s the scenery (yes, I know its fake) or the accents or the haggis, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie.
Besides being Scottish, this movie also has a great cast, a great story and that amazing animation that has made Pixar a household name. The cast boasts some of the best Scottish voices like Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Kevin McKidd and Craig Ferguson. I loved it.
I also loved the story. I thought it clearly communicated both sides of the parent/teenager conflict and the extremes both will go to. It also teaches us that those extremes cause pain for everyone involved.
Finally the animation is completely flawless. From the swooping landscapes to the action sequences…it’s simply perfect.
Now being a Disney animate feature, Brave has a few musical numbers that made me wish I was watching it at home with the remote in my hand…can you say SKIP??
But I’ll tolerate a few songs for a great movie with a great message that I can watch with my family any day of the week. It’s still “Theater Worthy.”
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
The bear scenes may be too scary for younger viewers, but other than that, this one is fine.
Conversation Starter
- What is the major conflict between Merida and her mother?
- Why do you think her mother wanted her to change?
- Why do you think Merida resisted?
- What did this conflict lead to?
- What are some things that could have been done to prevent that from happening?
- Read this article by David R Smith called What Kids (Really) Want http://www.thesource4parents.com/ParentingHelp/parentinghelpdetail.aspx?ID=23
And discuss ways you can spend more face time with each other.
Jonathan McKee
Jonathan McKee is the author of over twenty books including the brand new The Guy's Guide to FOUR BATTLES Every Young Man Must Face; The Teen’s Guide to Social Media & Mobile Devices; If I Had a Parenting Do Over; and the Amazon Best Seller - The Guy's Guide to God, Girls and the Phone in Your Pocket. He speaks to parents and leaders worldwide, all while providing free resources for youth workers on TheSource4YM.com. Jonathan, his wife Lori, and their three kids live in California.