Early last September, the GeekGirlCon copy team huddled together to discuss and assign some of the most important jobs at the con (well, to us). With a nearly finalized schedule in hand, we gathered around to pick with panels we would each be covering to write up, as I am now, to help invoke all of those con feels we all felt in October.
When I first learned about The Women of Pixar panel, I knew that I needed to cover it. Before realizing my personal calling to become a writer, I started my college career at Ringling College of Art & Design in their Computer Animation program. Although I ultimately decided to switch fields and focus solely on storytelling through writing, my love of animation (especially Pixar) is strong and true. Although I was never introduced myself, some of the contributors on the panel worked closely with a handful of my friends and former mentors, so I was already familiar with some of their work and stellar reputations. It may have been because I looked mildly crazed as I requested it, but I was unchallenged when I asked to cover the panel.
I set up camp right in front of the main stage, as I was assigned to the first three panels that were being hosted there: Inclusion & Evolution of Female Role in Modern Animation, the Q&A with Ashly Burch and Sarah Elmaleh, and finally, The Women of Pixar. By the time the first of those panels had come and gone, the convention floor was just starting to buzz with activity. More people filed in for the Q&A, but then it happened. Like there was a mass consensus, what seemed like hundreds of attendees swarmed the hall the minute the Pixar logo was flashed across the two large screens that flanked the stage. So many people, in fact, that it immediately turned to standing room only. Guests young and old, readied with notepads and cameras, collectively gushed about their favorite animated films in anticipation of the panel. Current and prospective animation students, curious passersby, and fans alike gathered together in what I thought to be one of the liveliest crowds at the ‘16 con thus far.
The following review comes from Nova Barlow, GeekGirlCon special events assistant. First, a note: All media has been asked to refrain from posting a full review of Brave until opening day. Therefore, you are getting a high-level, spoiler-free summary from Nova!
A week and a half before its official release, Brave made its dazzling debut as part of the Seattle International Film Festival, complete with bagpipes, traditional dancing, and a line that wrapped almost completely around itself before the show. The hype for Brave has been high, billed as Pixar’s first period piece, first female lead, and first female director. But does it shine?
First, let’s take a quick dive into the Pixar mini-film, La Luna, which immediately preceded Brave. Dreamy, sparkly, and sweet, La Luna is also the studio’s longest theatrical short, clocking in at nearly seven minutes. A coming-of-age story, La Luna complements Brave with wordless perfection (the only dialogue is indecipherable babble), by looking at a family with a multi-generational spin. It is neither too long, nor too short; like most Pixar shorts, it is “just right.” No more should be said — this Pixar short must be experienced. Check out the teaser below!
After that came the main film! From the opening scenes, it’s clear that Brave is going places — over the sweeping highlands and subtle, effective score. The movie starts out with great promise and potential to shine — the prologue introduces many important elements, and hints at a great adventure to come. We initially meet Merida, our newest princess, as a young girl being presented with her first bow. She’s definitely fits into the modern “Disney Princess” theme, in that she is sassy, outspoken, and full of potential. While championed as a highly feminist tale (you really couldn’t read an article about Brave without seeing the phrase “feminist fairy tale” plastered within), it starts out like one, but then ends up quickly becoming more “fairy tale” than feminist.
For example, the minute the action flashes forward to the “present,” the fairy tale hits full force. And it doesn’t hold back. Brave comes complete with a witch, mysterious wisp creatures, comedic hijinks (courtesy of Merida’s brothers), crazy pants magic, and, of course, the bear in the film’s poster. Merida is a fiery redhead and a rebellious teenager with extremely honed weapon skills.
Brave is fantastic. Pixar can clearly tell a delightful fairy tale. But with Brave, they have shown only hints of being able to do much more storywise than they’ve previously accomplished. If it were not for the trademark lush (and bar-raising) animation for which Pixar is known, it’d be easy to just swing by a “Disney Princess” club meeting, pick one of the modern princesses up at random, and drop her right in the tale with little reworking.
Still, younger ones will be delighted, teenagers (and well, everyone who has had an argument with their mother) will identify, and those old enough to get Pixar’s subtle “parent humor” will not be disappointed. It’s technically innovative, bold, and brave, but the storytelling is by-the-numbers old fashioned, charming, and obviously heartwarming. Let me be clear: that’s not a bad thing, and it shows Pixar is rightfully confident this will be enough to suffice for a pleasant summer outing to the movies (and for most people, myself included, it will be).
A lot of reviews will no doubt say it is “delightful” and a “must see,” and it certainly is all that. However, if you’re looking for an innovative direction in storytelling and a new classic from Pixar, this might not be that movie for you. You’ll still be glad you went, if for no other reason than Brave is just flat out fun. It also contains a little bit of dazzle to brighten your movie-going experience. It’s a very, very solid entry in Pixar’s catalog.
Don’t just take my word for it, though. Brave the crowds and decide for yourself.
Also, stay after the credits. It’s a trend these days in the movie industry, and Pixar smartly uses those few moments to humorously wrap up a tiny detail that could have easily been overlooked. Well done, Pixar.
