Brave - Emma Thompson, Kelly MacDonald, Billy Connolly

Merida is the daughter of a clan chief.  She is the oldest of four children. She has triplet brothers. Her mother is perpetually trying to instill in her the rules of being a lady. Her mother is in fact grooming her to take over as wife of the next clan chief. Her father is loud, a hunter, and slightly uncouth. Merida is rebellious teenager. She hunts, rides her horse, and has unruly hair.

This film focuses primarily on the relationship between Merida and her mother.  Merida attempts to avert what she sees as a terrible fate: marriage. Her wish is distorted and she ends up not only bonding with her mother but seeing her mother in a new light.

I really enjoy Pixar films. I like the Scottish tones, the red hair and the female protagonist. I also really enjoy family relationships and this one focuses on a mother and daughter. They fight the way parents and children do. For once, a film where the mother is still alive. Not only that she's trying to force her daughter to grow up and learn responsibility!

Watch this film, it's fun, predictable and a delight. The voices are great and while not exactly treading new ground it is still an enjoyable film. See it!

"I'm in transition"

Last Chance Harvey - Emma Thompson and Dustin Hoffman star.

Harvey is in London to celebrate his only daughter's wedding. His career seems on the verge of collapse. He exudes a subtle irritation by his mere presence. His ex-wife has moved on, remarried, and her new husband is all that Harvey is not.

Kate is a woman in her 40s who works as a statistician in the airport. She has a close relationship with her mother, semi-smothering but full of love connection. She is interested in finding love but is somewhat content with her lot in life.

The two eventually meet and Harvey realizes that Kate may be his last chance. She has not decided so swiftly that her life is in need of change.

This movie had many problems. But for once I can say I actually really liked the ending. The movie ended superbly. That rarely happens so I can't completely write the film off. I also can't quite place what I found so wrong with the film. The basic elements seem plausible/interesting. Perhaps there was enough back story or too much? I don't know. Catch this on tv.