Coming June 22, 2012

Brave

This is not your typical princess story.

Modern day Disney Princesses have always possessed an independent spirit. Princesses like Jasmine, Mulan, and Ariel were pretty feisty and not afraid to buck age old customs and carve out their own paths in life. However, they still were clearly princesses.

Merida, from Brave, is a whole new type of Disney Princess. An impetuous, fiery redhead who also is a skilled archer. She is a refreshing character who hardly resembles a princess. Smart of Disney to make her an archer, great to play off the phenomenal success of The Hunger Games. Katniss the main character in Hunger Games is also a skilled archer. In case any of you have been living under a rock and don’t know about the Hunger Games. I envision a whole new generation of girls begging their parents for archery lessons. I am sure the archery summer camps are not far behind.

I do enjoy this new direction the Disney Princess Movies are going. Although Cinderella and Snow White will always have a special place in my heart, girls need strong, independent role models. I like a princess who can kick a little butt!

My older two daughters are long past princess stage but I know they  too will embrace this movie because of the memorable characters as well as the signature Pixar humor. It’s a given my youngest will adore this film. She is huge fan of -I hate to admit it- Power Rangers, and will be attracted to the action and adventure in the film. I am forever telling her that she should like Princesses and not Power Rangers. Well now there is a Princess she can get behind.

Set in Scotland, this tale is reminiscent of other Disney Movies. Merida defies an age-old custom to the shock and disgrace of her family. Looking for a new destiny she is granted an ill-fated wish by an eccentric old witch which must be reversed before its too late. Similar story lines but renewed in a fresh way filled with heart and action as the movie’s heroine must confront tradition, destiny and the fiercest of beasts.

I am never disappointed by Pixar films and they do truly appeal to all ages. I am looking forward to heading out to the theaters for this one. I am sure it will become a fast favorite.