Last Sunday, we ventured out ona our very first trip to the cinema as a family.
The fact that the movie was going to be in 3D had us a little apprehensive. I had vivid scenes of screaming toddlers, ripping the glasses off in the middle of the movie.
Anyway, arriving at the cinema, there was a huge effort made for the special advanced screening of “Brave”.
Highland dancing, Scottish bagpipes, face painting.
There was plenty to keep the twinlets occupied and interested.
Perfect.
“Brave” is the story about a feisty red-haired princess named Merida. She is strong, tough, loves archery and doesn’t ever want to ever compromise her freedom.
She totally kicks Scottish butt.
As all good head-strong girls are typically depicted in these stories, Merida is fervently protesting the prospect of marriage. Yet, this doesn’t stop her father, King Fergus and mother, Queen Elinor from calling on all four clans of the kingdom to find their daughter a suitor.
Queen Elinor is particularly forthcoming about the marital arrangements and the mother/daughter tension rises to extreme heights.
Could totally relate.
The tears and arguments cause Merida to run away into the depths of a forest and stumble into an eccentric witch.
Starting to get a little far fetched.
Asking for a spell to change her fate, Merida soon finds herself in a far more dangerous situation than what she bargained for. With her courage and bravery put to the ultimate test, she must save her family and break the witch’s curse.
Hmmmm…okay…
Unfortunately, “Brave” won’t make it to my top 10 list of favourite Disney/Pixar flicks, which is disappointing because I am a huge fan.
For starters, it was slightly age inappropriate for the twinlets (who are almost 2 and a half). There was one particular fight scene that made them squirm.
“Brave” was a lot darker and even ghoulish which made it less appealing. It fell short of that usual Disney/Pixar colourful magic and clever quick wit that we see in classics like “Finding Nemo”, “Shrek”, “Monsters Inc.” and “Toy Story”
As nice as it is to see a tale emphasizing the importance of protecting family and virtues, I couldn’t help but wonder, why couldn’t they have chosen a different historical setting? How about adapting a story from an unfamiliar culture that is in need of the rest of the world’s attention.
In an age and society where we have indigenous groups fading fast and their languages sadly slowly turning extinct, how about trying to revive and retain some of their folklore on the big screen?
Too idealistic?
Overall, it was a memorable family outing and I was truly impressed the twinlets kept their glasses on for the entire movie. (Yay for little victories!)
Now we’re all revved up and ready for the next Disney/Pixar spectacular.
I received an invitation for my family and I to attend a special advanced screening of “Brave”. All opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.