So what do I think of stubborn young ladies?

It’s a busy week ahead for me, as usual, while I attempt to accomplish as much as I can before our temperatures reach more than 100.  Yes, we’re scheduled for a week of sizzling heat, sidewalks hot enough to cook an egg on, and teases of rain.  Fireworks are banned (for another year) due to the drought, and I find myself dreaming of sandy beaches and the spray of the ocean.

So, that said, I’m up to listing a week worth of reviews, ranging from some truly great novels that have crossed my computer.  Oh, and did I forget to mention the latest Disney film that grabbed my attention?

On Friday, my daughter and youngest son came along with me to watch Walt Disney’s latest film, Brave.  I’ve been waiting around since the first commercials came out promoting the newest princess.  I’m a MAJOR Disney fan, and I love everything that has to do with the parks and Disney memorabilia, so I couldn’t wait for the saucy Merida (Kelly MacDonald of Boardwalk Empire fame) to grace the big screen.

I have to say that Disney artistry has always made me gasp with wonder.  The opening scenes are breathtaking (as usual) and the colors are so vibrant, so intense, that if the theater owner’s sprayed a gentle mist over the crowd, I would have sworn I was in Scotland.

The skill of animation is amazing—I kept finding myself absorbed in the textures that seemed more intense that those cartoons of the past, from the blades of grass to a single lock of hair…

Brave is an intense tale of a young princess who hates the strict guidelines and sense of duty that her mother enforces on her.  To keep peace within the clans, Mom (Emma Thompson) has lined up suitors for the fiery young lady, and she must choose who is going to be her husband.

Merida, saucy, (did I mention fiery?) and more of a tomboy teen than a delicate princess, defies her mother at every turn.  When she defies her parents before the gathering clans, Merida runs off and stumbles upon the cottage of an old witch, who promises her a spell to…change…things…

What did I think of the film?  Brash, bold, this film reflects the honest-to-goodness debates often held between teen daughters and their mothers—from clothes, to behavior, to boyfriends.  Both complain the other won’t listen, and dad (darling Billy Connolly) certainly isn’t any help—The film is funny, filled with subtle hints at adult humor, and rambunctious little brothers that have a wicked sweet tooth.  As a parent, I had to think back on when my daughters were young teens, and I went through the same stubborn actions.  The writer’s had the ability to hit the mark so perfectly and I could relate, my memories filled with a hint of humor.  My daughter and I laughed from beginning to end, nudging each other in certain scenes that hit a little too close to home.  My son–he giggled nonstop and never moved, which means he enjoyed Brave 100%!  The moral of the story is well delivered and   Brave has that warm, feel good film that only Disney can produce.  As a switch, this is one Disney Princess who doesn’t want, nor seeks, a PRINCE!

4 ½ stars!

Related articles

Pixar’s new ‘Brave’ is fueled by girl power (bostonglobe.com)
Film Review: Brave (filmophilia.com)
A Tale of the Ultimate ‘Momma Grizzly’ (stilettosstoliandscribbles.wordpress.com)
Brave: The Review (dbryantsimmons.com)
FILM REVIEW: Brave (cbc.ca)