Brave

Pixar has continued to raise the bar in computer animation on the big screen for almost two decades, and it’s earned the right to continue taking risks with its feature films.

The company’s latest effort is Brave, a film more modest in its risk-taking, both in terms of ambition and execution. But while the concept is slight by Pixar standards, at least it isn’t afraid to try something different.

Instead of loading the screen with colorful sights and obnoxious sounds to the point of sensory overload, Brave is darker and quieter, both bittersweet and contemplative without alienating the kids who will likely comprise the majority of its audience.

While the film has its share of zany slapstick sequences and wacky supporting characters, at its core the film is a more mature and poignant comic examination of the bond between mothers and daughters.

The story takes place in the hills of Scotland, where Merida (voiced by Kelly Macdonald) is a headstrong young princess and archer who rebels against the wishes of the queen (Emma Thompson) and king (Billy Connolly) to arrange her marriage, as is customary in their kingdom.

Merida runs into the forest where she encounters a witch who tricks Merida into giving her mother a tart, which casts a curse that turns the queen into a bear. An adventure ensues during which Merida tries to break the spell and find common ground with her parents.

Brave is Pixar’s first historical period piece and its first film with a female protagonist, something that seems overdue. At any rate, young girls should find some level of identification in Merida’s mischievous nature but also in her feisty independent spirit.

The periphery characters are more of a mixed bag, with the bear never feeling as cuddly as it should. The film also underuses Merida’s rambunctious red-headed triplet brothers, who provide some welcome comic relief in their sporadic appearances.

The story feels more disjointed than most of the studio’s previous efforts, with a hit-and-miss quality to the one-liners and sight gags. However, it’s partially rescued by a first-rate voice cast that includes Craig Ferguson, Robbie Coltrane and Julie Walters.

The film is visually dazzling, with its meticulous attention to 3D background detail and period re-creation, and has a sense of breezy charm that should win over moviegoers of just about any age or gender.

Rated PG, 93 minutes.