Why did you write this blog? I often post #minimoviereviews on my twitter feed about the various movies I view. They’re brief, quick, and to-the-point. But after seeing Pixar’s Brave in theaters, I felt I must write down and share my thoughts on this movie.
Look, I really don’t want to read your blog, what’s the bottom line? I was extremely disappointed with Brave and felt as if I would have rather waited until it hit video to see it instead of paying exorbitant money to see it (in 3D).
Was it bad visually? No in fact, Brave carries on Pixar’s tradition of making visually stunning videos. The best parts of the film are when the camera pans around 10th century Scotland. As I watched the film in 3D, I found myself “ooh-ing” and “ahh-ing” every time the camera swept across the highlands or panned up to reveal a castle atop a cliff overlooking the rumbling ocean below. It’s every bit as beautiful as a Pixar movie should be.
Woah woah, before you go any further, are you gonna have spoilers in this short review? Absolutely not. Come on now, what good would a movie review be if it contained spoilers? The answer is no good at all.
Ok good, I’m glad there won’t be any spoilers. So what’s all this talk about Pixar’s “tradition?” What is Pixar’s tradition? Through a magical combination of stunning visuals, industry-changing animation techniques, and powerfully unique story lines, Pixar has crafted 13 full length feature films. Each film has opened at number 1 but although Brave is no exception, I think this popularity is due to the impressive craftsmanship of the previous Pixar films. So when I talk about Pixar’s “tradition,” I’m referring to their legacy of making great films that appeal to both kids and adults alike, films that are visually groundbreaking and contain well thought out plot lines.
So you’re saying Brave doesn’t live up to this tradition? Exactly. It opened at number 1 because people know and love Pixar movies, but it doesn’t fit with most of the other Pixar films in terms of originality or craftsmanship. Sure the visuals are good, but the plot is weak and that’s the movie’s downfall.
I’m rather curious, would you hold other animated films to this type of standard? No, definitely not. I would never go see a movie like Flushed Away and expect it to be incredible, visually stunning, and deep. I carried these expectations into the movie because of Pixar’s track record and I judged Brave off of these previous movies.
So what you’re saying is that your disappointment is your own fault? No, I don’t think so. I would argue Pixar has erected a legacy for themselves, a standard with which to live up to, one that moviegoers can hold their films to, and I don’t think Brave lived up to that standard.
Alright, you said this would be a “short” movie review so any closing comments? Brave clocks in at 100 minutes running time, just over an hour and a half (which is the kind of default for feature-length films) and it still drags on. I found myself bored by the thin story (the plot is pretty much set in the first 15 minutes of the film) and barely amused by the overly stereotypical characters (the overly strict mom, the ridiculously comedic dad, the stubborn daughter, etc.). In summation I would say go see Brave if you want to be wowed by the visuals but don’t go expecting that classic Pixar blend of fabulous visuals alongside a unique story.
I totally agree! We watched it with our staff yesterday when we got to Grove City. I left very glad that it had been a matinee, and I only paid 5 buckeroos to see it. I think you are spot on with the “tradition” and standard these films are held to. Not impressed with this one.
carrying on conversations with yourself i see….your mind still mimics a pixar movie.
