Review: Brave - A classic Disney film?

Brave is the latest Disney animated feature which brings the promise of a new Disney princess in main character Princess Merida (voiced by Kelly Macdonald).

Merida is a passionate archer and daughter of King Fergus (Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson). Feeling trapped, Merida is determined to live her life the way she wants to, and when she runs into a mysterious old lady (voiced by Julie Walters) her wishes and actions have drastic consequences for everybody she loves.

The film is a beautifully animated feature which focuses on classic themes embedded in Disney film history: tradition, heritage, rebellion, family and destiny, all linked by a sense of morality. Although I appreciate the aesthetic of this film and enjoyed it immensely I felt like it was simply easy watching and highly predictable.

Now this isn't a bad thing, but haven't we seen this narrative before? The Disney princess narrative is long in its history and vast in its numbers and it's a winning formula but I'm not sure if Brave fits that mould. The Pixar influence has meant that this film isn't a classic Disney narrative that can be placed alongside the likes of Beauty and the Beast or Cinderella, but once again this isn't a bad thing.

Brave adapts and plays on this winning formula to create a strong lead character that will win over its audience just like Rapunzel did in Disney's Tangled. The establishment of a classic Disney hero, a princess, a donor and a villain alongside a journey of self discovery is a guaranteed hit with its audience. The narrative is filled with heart warming and funny moments that give it that classic Disney feel that emphasises its plot and themes. However at the same time the narrative pushes the family theme to the front and pushes the traditional romantic narrative at the fore front of so many Disney classics into the background.

Brave is definitely a film of 3 parts. Each act predictably develops the narrative and the characters and really drives the narrative forward. In parts its narrative is witty and charming and I adore the relationship between Merida and Queen Elinor. The aesthetic and the narrative present an exciting future for the Disney/Pixar collaboration which breaks away from the Disney princess classics and their narrative. Brave is a unique combination of classic and modern Disney which means in places the narrative is flawed but overall is refreshing and heart warming.

Emma

Film Review: Drive

Hi guys! Long time no see! Sorry about my absence it's safe to say work and university have been keeping me very busy but I'm aiming to get back into a routine! I'm also working on a new exciting film project which I can't wait to share with you so keep your eyes peeled. 

Anywho onto today's review one of my favourite films of last year Drive!

Drive is a powerful, artistic film that presents an exciting future for the film industry. It highlights an intelligent mix of brilliant acting and camera work which blends perfectly with the films amazing soundtrack to deliver a modern cinematic masterpiece.

Drive follows the story of an unnamed mechanic, stunt driver and part time getaway driver who meets beautiful neighbour Irene (Mulligan), his life takes an unexpected turn however when Irene’s husband arrives on the scene. The question is how far is our driver willing to go to protect his world and how far will he have to drive to do so?

Director Nicolas Winding Refn has bought his signature style with him to this film with his clever choice of male lead Ryan Gosling. The entire film is a showcase of fresh talent mixed with a strong artistic vision that just works. Refn manages to achieve a perfect balance between heart thumping action and pure stripped down emotion that allows the characters to shine. To me this film establishes almost fairy-tale like characters and then flips it all on its head with extremely realistic displays of violence.

Refn has once again used a strong male lead just like he did in Bronson and Valhalla Rising to create a heart-pounding narrative you just can’t stop watching. Gosling steps up to the mark and perfectly portrays the mysterious male lead and delivers his best film performance to date, even in the first 5 minutes of the film. While Gosling shines as the lead each actor in this film from Albert Brooks to Carey Mulligan portray Refn’s artistic vision perfectly.

Every element of this film blend perfectly together and tick all the boxes of making a great film and has established himself as of the greatest directors of this film generation. He has drawn upon his previous films and made a film that has not only bought a fresh approach to the industry but and has also made his mark on the industry with his signature style.

To me, Refn’s signature style is an intense storyline that is only heightened by a brilliant choice of cinematography, soundtrack and actors. The way Refn builds all these elements into a powerful crescendo that ends with an adrenaline filled smack in the face that leaves you on the edge of your seat. Refn’s style is a modern interpretation of classic cinema that is very much welcome in popular cinema which I personally can’t get enough of.

I think it’s safe to say that Refn and Gosling have produced a winning combination which is sure to set the trail to another successful duo. Scorsese has DeNiro and now Refn has Gosling and I personally can’t wait to see what these two produce next! 

I can't rave about this film enough, what did you guys think about it? And before we start thinking about the best films this year, what was your favourite film of 2011?

Emma