Kernel Rating (out of 5): 
MPAA Rating: PG Length: 95 minutes
Age Appropriate for: 7+. This is ancient Scotland, so there are bows and arrows, warring clans, a huge, evil bear (who tears off a man’s leg off-screen), and arranged marriages. Also included are goofy fighting scenes, mooning and men’s butts (both in a non-sexual way), characters drinking in celebration, and a married couple kissing. The evil bear will be scary for very young children, but not older ones.
Each summer, we hold our breaths hoping that the latest Pixar film will be as good as ‘Toy Story,’ ‘Up,’ or ‘WALL-E.’ Sadly for us, ‘Brave’ is not as pretty, not as creative, and not as satisfying as that previously perfect Pixar fare. This princess tale is disappointingly average.
By Roxana Hadadi
A movie like “Brave,” with such a declarative, strong name, promises us certain things. Because it’s Pixar, we expect beautiful animation and visuals; because it’s Disney, we expect themes about love, loyalty, and family. All those elements are packed into “Brave,” but for all the film’s talk about destiny and fate, it feels oppressively manufactured—and far too safe.
