Brave

Brave is Pixar's first non-sequel in quite some time. Whether it's a Toy Story-style masterpiece in storytelling, I neither know or care. What I do know is that it's an outstanding film nevertheless.

Merida (Kelly Macdonald) is the Princess of the Scottish Clan DunBroch. Her mother, Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson) wants her to be a prim and proper lady, rather than a master archer. One day, her father King Fergus's (Billy Connolly) fellow Lords present their sons to compete for Merida's hand. Merida puts their archery skills to shame, and then runs off after Elinor scolds her.

She finds a witch (Julie Walters) in the woods and gets her to give her a spell. All Merida wants is to change Elinor, thereby changing her fate. Fortunately for her, the spell works and Elinor is changed. Unfortunately, the spell changes Elinor into a bear. Now, Merida has two nights to break the spell, or else all is lost.

Rendered with Pixar's new system, Presto, the 3D visuals do set a new standard for its company. With Presto, the Scottish Highlands look great either in fog or clear weather. Even the characters' hair, a seemingly minor detail, is impressively rendered in full CGI. On that point, Pixar's consistency for looking great remains intact.

The screenplay is credited to four writers: Mark Andrews, Steve Purcell, Brenda Chapman and Irene Mecchi. Chapman also directed the film, before Andrews abruptly replaced her (though both are credited). Does that equal a conflicting mess of storytelling? As I said, I neither know or care because I barely noticed.

It's all because of the well-chosen voice cast. Thanks to them, the film's characters are funny and sympathetic when they need to be. Whatever plot holes there are, they just leap over because they are that likable. Still, the best characters are Merida's mute triplet brothers, who have slapstick all mastered.

What Pixar has created is currently the best animated film of the year. It's worth watching either in matinee or evening prices, and I'll leave the 3D or flatscreen choice to you. Either way you choose, you'll still get to see Pixar's incredible Oscar-nominated short, La Luna.