***SPOILER ALERT*** BRAVE expectations

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So, I finally caught BRAVE on home video. I'd say that it's good, but well below the "high water mark" set by Pixar Studios over a decade ago. Sure, there's heart in this story, as well as humor. But absent is the innovation that has come to be expected of Pixar fare. Wonder. An impossible splendor that comes cleverly entwined with well-rounded characters and a sensitive core that causes the story to strike just the right resonant chord. The TOY STORY trilogy, THE INCREDIBLES, FINDING NEMO... These remain the brightest gems in Pixar's crown, but perhaps the studio's reign is at last beginning to fade? In Princess Merida we have a young girl coming of age, dissatisfied with her lot in life, in the midst of rebelling against tradition, her responsibilities, and her parents. Okay, so we've seen this before. What new twist can you offer? Not much. A spunky girl who can do everything better than the boys? Yawn. An old witch in a creepy forest? Seen it. A spell that goes all wrong? Seen that, too. Adventure ensues until the spell is broken, lessons are learned, and new bonding takes place. Shrek much? Pardon my cynicism, but you have to do better than that. The competition is gaining fast on you, Pixar. You only lead until you don't anymore. Just sayin'. Color me unimpressed. Mild thumbs up.
As always, your mileage may vary.
Cheers!
~JKM