There are no two greater opposing forces in nature than those of an overbearing mother and her headstrong teenage daughter. Sure, when warm and cold airs collide, the result can be a devastating tornado, but when a mother and a daughter face off against each other in a battle of wills, the men in the family had better head for the hills.
Case in point: “Brave,” the newest animated film from the Pixar, creators of “Toy Story,” “Wall-E” and “The Incredibles.” In the movie, a young Scottish princess wishes to break from tradition and choose her own path through life, while her mother insists she agree to an arranged marriage in order to maintain peace in the kingdom.
Since “Brave” is a Pixar film, a few things are given. One, the movie is an artistic and technical triumph. From the dense, verdant forest in which every leaf and blade of grass sways in unison to an unseen breeze, to the masterful slow-motion shot of Princess Merida unleashing a bow, to the animal animation, “Brave” is awesome to behold.
Two, “Brave” is laugh-out loud funny. I saw one visual gag coming and started cracking up before it happened. During another scene, everyone in the audience burst out in laughter at once. “Brave” draws nearly as much laughter as the standard bearer of animated movie wit: “Toy Story.”
The character work is also strong. Princess Merida and her mother are not cartoon caricatures, but individuals who appear to live and breathe and have feelings. While there are moments when they vocalize their thoughts, the animators at Pixar are masters at telling a story through expressions, body language and subtle touches like the tangle of dazzling red hair on top of Merida’s head. One look at that mop, and you know she’s not one to confirm to convention - unlike her mother, who doesn’t have a hair out of place. Books could be written about how good Pixar is at character development.
(You might have noticed I didn’t praise the male characters in “Brave.” While I liked Merida’s father, Pixar made the young men who want to marry Merida fodder for base comedy; essentially, they’re all bumbling idiots. No wonder Merida demands her independence!)
The relationships are also well-developed. Midway through “Brave,” something swings the story in an unexpected direction. This event forces Merida and her mother to spend time together fending in the wilderness, which provides them with an opportunity to lay down their pride and learn to understand and respect the other’s point of view. This is meat of the story on which adults can chew. The kids will love the color and the humor and the chases, as will the grown-ups, but there’s more substance here than in most animated movies. In comparison, most non-Pixar cartoons feed audiences saccharine sweet sitcom platitudes.
There is one issue: Unlike other Pixar movies, problems in “Brave” are resolved too easily. Take the three clans that come to compete for Merida’s hand. Would even an impassioned speech about choosing one’s own fate really convince them to give up a time-honored tradition? I think not.
But “Brave” is otherwise brilliant. I especially like how it acts as anathema to the classic Disney model, in which a princess dreams of a handsome prince sweeping her off her feet. Merida needs no prince, as she is strong, plucky and independent, and full of wonder and love for life. Also interesting is how “Brave” doesn’t spoon-feed audiences a set piece every 10 to 15 minutes. Brave has action, but it’s not forced; rather, it grows naturally out of the situation.
The term “family movie” has come to mean a movie that will entertain kids while not offending adults. Bah! “Brave” is a true family movie. It will entertain kids and possibly teach them a lesson about the importance of their parents, and it has substance that will appeal to adults, all while being loads of fun. Grab your wee ones and have a good time. Or see it with the grown-ups in your life. Both will work.
Rated PG for scary action and rude humor. Three and a half stars out of four. Email David Laprad at dlaprad@hamiltoncountyherald.com.