The Secret Chamber of Osiris: Lost Knowledge of the Sixteen Pyramids
Scott Creighton and Rand Flem-Ath
Book
After nearly 200 years of the pyramid-as-tomb theory, a growing body of evidence suggests the first...
Modernity Britain: Book Two: A Shake of the Dice, 1959-62: Book 2
Book
David Kynaston's history of post-war Britain has so far taken us from the radically reforming Labour...
The Republic of Rock: Music and Citizenship in the Sixties Counterculture
Book
In his 1967 megahit "San Francisco," Scott McKenzie sang of "people in motion" coming from all...
Lawyers at Play: Literature, Law, and Politics at the Early Modern Inns of Court, 1558-1581
Book
Many early modern poets and playwrights were also members of the legal societies the Inns of Court,...
The Cote d'Or: The Wines and Winemakers of the Heart of Burgundy: 2017
Book
Cote-d'Or may be small in size but its influence is huge and its reputation alone can strike terror...
Apostles of Reason: The Crisis of Authority in American Evangelicalism
Book
Evangelical Christianity is a paradox. Evangelicals are radically individualist, but devoted to...
A Rift in the Earth: Art, Memory, and the Fight for a Vietnam War Memorial
Book
A Distinguished and Bestselling Historian and Vietnam Vet Revisits the Culture War that Raged around...
History Art Architecture
Gareth von Kallenbach (977 KP) rated Brave (2012) in Movies
Aug 7, 2019
For Princess Merida (Kelly Madonald), life is filled with joy and frustration. As the daughter to King Fergus (Billy Connolly), and Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson), she has to walk a fine line between the duties and expectation of her mother and her freewheeling lifestyle of daring and adventure. The young Princess is content to ride through the countryside astride her horse Angus, and perfect her already admirable archery skills.
When Merida learns that her parents have summoned the other major clans so that a worthy suitor can be chosen, Merida rebels openly at their plan and causes great embarrassment to her family during a competition. In a fit of rebellious anger, Merida rides into the woods, and comes upon a witch who promises to create for the young princess a spell that will forever change her destiny. Although not done out of malice, the spell has some on expected consequences that threatens the future of the kingdom as well as the safety of Merida’s family.
The film has some outstanding performances, not the least of which is Connolly, who was an absolute delight whenever his character was on screen. Supporting work by Craig Ferguson and Robbie Coltrane complement the leads well. Since my mother is a Scot, I am all-too-familiar with not only the history but culture of Scotland. I had been concerned when I first heard the project that it would play up on certain stereotypes and miss the true complexity and splendor of Scotland and its people, as well as it’s extremely rich history which is filled with numerous technical and literary achievements over the centuries.
Thankfully my concerns were allayed very early in the film not simply because of the amazing visual detail of the movie but also because of the lovable but quirky characters. The writers and animators managed to capture the very nature of the people and the culture, which is no easy thing in an animated film. Kudos for the casting of the mostly Scottish cast who played their roles with relish. I can honestly say hearing King Fergus address the clans brought to mind my aunts, uncles and cousins thanks to the distinct Scottish brogue. I especially liked the fact that when conflict erupted (of course) amongst even the best of friends, there are some very clever ways that laughs were gained without turning the characters into buffoons or being overly cute.
While the film plays it fairly safe with the story, Pixar’s first female heroine gives us a very fun and enjoyable tale that offers something for the entire family without talking down to the audience or having to resort to crude humor. A few scenes may be a bit intense for youngsters and while it will not be cited for any technological breakthroughs Brave, nonetheless, is highly entertaining.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated I'm Your Venus in Books
Oct 19, 2018
Yes, this book has a science fiction setting, but it is still mostly a mystery. In fact, the setting is developed just enough for us to feel at home, but the story doesn't stop to explain every little detail to us. Still, there are some fun nod to pop culture science fiction and some of the tech they do have in this book would be very cool. There are a trio of characters we spent a lot of time with, and they are the best developed. The rest of the cast is still strong enough for the parts they play in what happens. The plot is quite a ride, with plenty of keep us engaged and the pages flying. I read the book in just two days, in fact. I do feel like some of the character's actions over the course of the book weren't completely explained at the end, but that is my only complaint. I'm looking forward to getting to book three as soon as my schedule allows to see how some of the threads introduced here play out.
So You Think You're a Skateboarder: 45 Tales from the Street and the Skatepark
Book
From humble beginnings through to the modern day multi-million dollar industry it has become,...