Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!
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Princess Merida lives in 10th century Scotland with her parents and her three little brothers. Her mother, Queen Elinor, has attempted to raise Merida to be a lady like herself. After learning that her future husband will be decided on a contest, Merida challenges the traditions of her kingdom. Afterwards, she finds a witch in the woods who gives her a spell to change her fate.
This film was directed by Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman, and Steve Purcell. This 100 minute film has a different a new feel form other Pixar films, because it has more of feminine perspective (having its first female protagonist and female bonding). It is also different because it is Pixar's first fairytale adventure film that harkens to Disney classic animated features. There is an opening short to this film called La Luna which was directed by Enrico Casarosa. The opening created a cute and magical opening for the film. This film has a great heartwarming story that focuses around mother daughter relationships. The addition of magic was subtle, but could've been explored a little more. The villain, Mordu, and the witch also felt unnecessary. Mordu was great for the story, but he could've been better applied. The story is also confusing in that it should have been more of a chick flick, and less about drunken men chasing a bear. However, all the elements come together for a great ending. The story didn't have that build up in tension and adventure that it needed to have. The film was adorable in several moments. The film's pacing was awkward focusing on the wrong parts of the story. It was however, darker and more realistic, than other Pixar/Disney films. For instance, there is some nudity and very subtle adult humour. There is some action in the film that compliments the story. The folklore music was a great compliment for the film, and the backdrop was also a treat to watch. The digital effects were great to watch in this film. It is truly impressive to see how far digital animation has come along-especially if you watch the realistic movements of the arrow.
The cast was good together, and created decent heartfelt characters. Kelly MacDonald voiced the character Merida. She was great in this role. She created a tomboy princess which is different for Pixar films. She gave her character power and emotional depth. Emma Thompson voiced the character Elinor. She was good as the mother. It was unfortunate that she was over powered by Connolly. Billy Connolly voiced the character Fergus. He was a great comedic character that brought pure male personality to the film. He did tend to over power the other cast, but he was fun to watch.
I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! It is a good Pixar film, but it broke too much new ground that Pixar wasn't ready to break. It is a good heartfelt story, but it lacked appropriate pacing and focus.
Answer to last blog: Actor Arnold Schwarznegger made a cameo appearance in the beginning of the film The Rundown.
Que: What other Disney Pixar film did Enrico Casarosa work as art director?
Tangled
The Princess and the Frog
Cars
Ratatouille
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