Hollywood Product: ‘Brave’
Pixar’s first female heroine stoops to conquer the box office.
- Courtesy of Disney
- KATNISS WHO? Princess Merida pulls back the bow in ‘Brave’
GENRE: Fairytale princess with a feminist streak
THE PITCH: “Boardwalk Empire’s” Kelly Macdonald voices Merida, a tomboy princess in 11th century Scotland who resists her mother’s (Emma Thompson) desire to marry her to the heir of a powerful clan. Without spoiling anything, let’s say Merida’s attempt to avoid her fate via a magic spell does not go to plan.
MONEY SHOTS: Merida competes for her own self-determination in an archery tournament (already available on-line). A huge, battle-scarred bear called Mor’du makes several terrifying attacks. Later in the film Merida encounters a bear with hilariously dainty manners who provides some of the best jokes. Merida’s three brothers provide slapstick highlights, but aren’t quite as adorable as the movie seems to believe.
BEST LINE: “You’re covered with fur! You’re not naked!” Merida exclaims to a bashful bear. Nevertheless, a close-up of a buxom servant’s cleavage, a glimpse of unclad lads and brief buffalo shots of kiltless highlanders give Brave more (human) nudity than any previous Pixar film.
INEVITABLE SCOTTISH CLICHÉ: Merida’s mother scolds her sons, “Boys, don’t just play with your haggis!” Also, characters say “Och!” a lot.