Brave (2012)

Not surprisingly Pixar does it again.  The artistry on display in this film is so impressive at times I wanted to pause the screen to take in the breathtaking detail and beauty of these images.  The main character Merida's red hair alone is so complex and dazzling it would be distracting if the story wasn't as entertainting as it is.  Princess Merida's journey isn't your typical fairy tale; she's a free-spirited archer who doesn't want to get married.  Yet in trying to change her fate, with the help of a witch, I mean wood carver, she'll learn a great lesson about pride and her responsiblties as a soon-to-be queen.  There's no stereotypical villain on display here.  No predictable love story to follow with a marriage scene at the end, sorry.  This is a story about the relationship between a daughter and a mother.  And it's as funny as it is emotionally rewarding.  This is certainly a new classic not to be missed.  In a summer of superheroes this is a welcome and much needed change of pace.  Grade: A.