Brave is the latest entry into the “Disney Princess” parade. The young princess in this case, Merida, is a red-haired tomboy who finds the royal life confining, especially when she is told she is to be married off to an allied clan’s prince to retain the thinly held peace of the four clans of the kindgom.

The animation, by Pixar, is, as usual, simply stunning. Pixar has mastered the art of creating stylistically unique worlds that still breathe believably on the silver screen. That is no small feat, especially as the stakes are raised with each successful effort.

To get right to the point, this was an absolutely wonderful family movie. If this is an indication of where the Pixar/Disney merger is going, that’s a good thing. You will laugh, you will cry, you will want to hug your spouse and kids.

But it’s also got some surprises. One in particular that the Cosmic Clan found very entertaining.

The vocal work is also superb, especially considering the hyperbolic execution of typically opaque Scottish brogues. There were some times I wished for subtitles, but for the most part, the accents were distinct, memorable and comprehensible.

The story itself parted ways with the Disney Princess pattern in ways that the Cosmic Daughter really liked. I don’t want to give anything away, but I’ll just say that Merida is 100% her own woman and there is no need for a rescue from a handsome prince.

Definitely worth the price of admission. Cosmic says check it out.