No more stupid, than, say, Aladdin. I saw her as an impulsive teen trying to break free... and watching impulsive teens breaking free in my family, it rang true to me. I liked that she was complex and flawed, and I understood her. But I didn't love her, either.

As a woman (and a writer) I'm always on the watch for complex female characters in films and television. And they very rarely occur. And when they do, they very, very, rarely are the story-driver. And when they are, they very, very rarely are in a big-budget film. And when - ever - have we seen a big-budget animated picture feature a complex, story-driving woman who is the master of her own fate? The closest we come is Mulan, but she's still leaning on the man for help.

To be clear, I lean on my man for help. As he leans on me. But - also - when do we ever see a man lean on a woman for help, in animated films, or other media? It's pretty rare. If they're leaning, it's generally on another dude.

Also - I read that under Brenda Chapman, the film was almost entirely set in the snow, and after she was let go they went for lush scenery. I don't know how much that had to do with it, but it's a pretty extreme design change.

I have to admit, getting a sitter to go see Brave isn't anywhere near the top of my priority list, even though we've seen every Pixar film in the theater since Monster's Inc (except Cars 2). The first movie we saw in the theater after T was born was TS3.

Something about the advertising and word of mouth isn't making me feel the urgency to see it before it shows up on Netflix.



My MMMusings currently involve NOT seeing films. :rolleyes:

Cp totally understand on the movies. We saw TS1 right before Madz was born and I think we didn't go again together for about 5 years.

Madz told me we had to see Brave together since it was a mother/daughter movie. She saw it first with her friends. I really enjoyed it. I agree with the points Heidi made. It's nice to have a girl who doesn't go all squishy when a male shows up. Although to be honest her suitors were kinda scraping the bottom of the barrel.

I don't think its the best pixar movie ever but I already pre ordered it on amazon and I know I will watch it a few more times. Maybe it will replace Maddies current obsession "princess and the frog". Which has a prince but she does pretty much have to rescue him.

Fantastic dissection of Brave's plotlines

See my link in the above post, as the reviewer addresses your complaint.

Thanks for the article Morri - very interesting.

This could be epic! (in a subtle understated even keel sort of way)

Take that, Burton!

You know how some people just can't do Mamet dialog?

I have a hard time imagining Depp doing the kind of acting that Anderson seems to require.

But hopefully I'm wrong.