Brave 3D ***

Cast (voices): Kelly MacDonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Julie Walters, Robbie Coltrane, Kevin McKidd, Craig Ferguson Director: Brenda Chapman, Mark Andrews
Running Length: 1:35
MPAA Classification: PG


Princess Merida (MacDonald) is strong-willed and a bit of a tomboy.  When suitors are lined up by her monther, Queen Elinor (Thompson), Merida takes control of the situation by one-upping all of the contenders.  Elinor is quite displeased, and tries to lay down the law, but Merida seeks outside help and soon finds the situation out of control as her mother is turned into a bear.  To make matters worse, King Fergus (Connolly), who has some bad history with bears and is unaware of the transfermation, is on the hunt.

Brave is Pixar's first foray into the fantasy realm, and it is a bit of a misfire (for them).  It plays like a Disney princess movie, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but Pixar has always been better than this.  While the story has something to say about mothers and daughters, it is ultimately middle of the road for them.  I don't know what I wanted from Brave, but it definately was something more.  Visually, Brave is beautiful.  They have set the computer-generated animation bar a bit higher here, but that is to be expected.  The voice talent all do excellent jobs as well.

I think that ultimately this film will play well, but it is a bit of a step down from their recent efforts.  Like I said, a good movie in general, but slightly below par by Pixar standards.  Maybe I am just too picky when it comes to their movies, but I have come to expect a little more from them.  The short before the film, "La Luna" was cute, and about on par for the shorts they have placed before their features.

Lastly, I saw this in 3D, mostly to get in to an earlier show time.  Is 3D necessary for Brave?  Not really, but it doesn't take away from the film either, as it is done well.  Either a 2D or a 3D viewing should give about the same experience.

Mamma Mia! **1/2

Cast: Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, Dominic Cooper, Julie Walters, Christine Baranski
Director: Phyllida Lloyd
Running Length: 1:48
MPAA Classification: PG-13

Sophie (Seyfried) is about to get married to Sky (Cooper). She lives on a small Greek island with her single mother Donna (Streep). She does not know her father, but has a plan to find him. After looking through her mother’s diary, she has sent wedding invitations to three possible candidates: Sam (Brosnan), Harry (Firth), and Bill (Skarsgård). Her hope is that upon their arrival, she will be able to tell instantly who her dad is. Things never go as easy as planned though…

“Mamma Mia!” is the latest musical to make it’s way from Broadway to the big screen. The result is somewhat successful, I suppose. The story itself if a bit on the silly side, created to bring the songs of ABBA together (unlike most musicals whose songs serve the story). If you like ABBA’s songs at any level, you will find some enjoyment in this film. Streep and Seyfried sing very well, although the guys are on the opposite end of the singing talent spectrum. Fortunately, the ladies sing the vast majority of the songs. This isn’t a great movie, but there is some enjoyment to be had. I would recommend it for fans of musicals and fans of the music of ABBA.

Becoming Jane ***Cast: Anne Hathaway, James McAvoy, Julie Walters, James Cromwell, Maggie Smith, Joe Anderson, Anna Maxwell Martin
Director: Julian Jarrold
Running Length: 2:00
MPAA Classification: PG

In 1796, a young Jane Austen (Hathaway) meets Tom Lefroy (McAvoy). He has no money and depends on his uncle to support him. After initial dislike, they fall in love. Jane’s mom (Walters) is not pleased, as she wants Jane to marry someone rich, like Lady Gresham’s (Smith) nephew). Jane’s father (Cromwell) wants her to follow her heart. While this relationship develops, Jane also follows her other passion: writing. And her writing will mirror her life.

“Becoming Jane” is a fictionalized account of an unknown time in h the life of Jane Austen. Much like “Shakespeare in Love” took liberties with the facts, so does “Becoming Jane”. Of course “Becoming Jane” is less successful, The acting is ok…no Oscar contenders here. Hathaway and McAvoy are engaging, but not spectacular. Jane Austen fans will enjoy the film and its references to her works. Those who enjoy love stories will also be somewhat satisfied. “Becoming Jane” isn’t for everyone, but it is worth checking