Opened: June 22, 2012

Directed by: Mark Andrews & Brenda Chapman

Starring: Kelly Macdonald, Emma Thompson, Billy Connolly, Julie Walters, Robbie Coltrane, Kevin McKidd, Craig Ferguson, Steve Purcell, Patrick Doyle, Sally Kinghorn, Eilidh Fraser, Steven Cree, Callum O’Neill & John Ratzenberger

As the first princess film for Pixar, Brave does away with the princes to focus on a familial bond.

Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson) holds high expectations of her daughter Merida (Kelly Macdonald) and the time has come for a suitor to win Merida’s hand in marriage. Not one to follow the princess traditions, Merida seeks help from a witch (Julie Walters) to help make her mom understand her.

The animation in this film is gorgeous from the Scottish land to the unruliness of Merida’s curly red hair. There’s also great distinction in Queen Elinor’s bear form as she tilts between human and bear.

When it comes to the plot, it may not be as deep as other Pixar films but as a departure from their normal storytelling, the mother-daughter relationship is a standout.

Final say: A heart-warming adventure. ★★★★★