"Brave" reviews are in: What do critics think?

A still image from Pixar animated film "Brave"

/ Pixar/AP Images

(CBS News) The latest Pixar film, which comes out Friday, has a "Brave" princess as the leading lady.

The reviews are in for the animated film, which stars Merida, a fearless princess, voiced by Kelly McDonald. This is the first time a Pixar production has featured a female lead character.

Pictures: "Brave" premiere

The movie, which is set in Scotland, centers around Merida, who defies her mother's wish to get married, and through her actions, accidentally causes chaos in the kingdom.

The film, directed by Mark Andrews, has scored a high 70 percent "Fresh" rating from critics on Rottentomatoes.com.

Here's what some of them had to say:

"Youngsters with a taste for adventure will no doubt overlook the movie's workmanlike outlines and applaud its spirited, self-reliant heroine, who proves to be as appealingly unruly as her tumble of Titian curls," explains Ann Hornaday, Washington Post.

"The Pixar name used to mean something. And it never quite meant pleasantly safe, safely forgettable movies like this," writes Stephen Whitty of the Newark Star-Ledger.

"It's a lively, psychologically astute tale filled with humanity, wit and charming performances," writes Claudia Puig of USA Today.

"This Celtic-themed story hews so closely to classic fairy-tale tropes, it's the studio's most Disney-fied production yet," notes Sara Stewart, New York Post.

"'Brave' isn't a bull's-eye, but it's close enough," writes Tom Long of the Detroit News.

"Leave the kindergarteners at home, and take your tween daughter to this one, if she is willing to be seen in public with you," explains Willie Waffle of wafflemovies.com.

"Brave" is easy to like but hard to love, a feel-good fable with the latest bells and whistles," Joe Williams of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes.

Let us know: Will you go and see "Brave" this weekend?

21 Photos

Stars come out to "Brave" premiere

[lizzielouwho]

I was REALLY disappointed. The "princess" was sassy, uber-disobedient, sulky, selfish, inconsiderate, and prideful. NOT a child I'd want my kids emulating at all. The dad was indulgent and ridiculous, and had no self-control of his own. Scottish people everywhere are probably weary of the stereotype that they're all naked under their kilts, and glory in mooning others. Sorry i wasted my money; glad i went to a matinee, i wasted LESS money.

[tracybezesky]

I've loved Pixar since Luxo Lamp and I love 3d animation, but this one doesn't have the depth of story seen in Pixar films like Toy Story or Monsters Inc. Plus, I couldn't help but compare it to "The Secret of Kells," an animated film of a similar theme. Kells has more depth, and is more authentically Celtic, better voice acting, and musical score.
Check it out, and see what you think if you haven't seen it.

[nosedoc]

I saw this film with two other adult friends and my 21 yo son. We all were laughing at the delightful humorous scenes and in awe of the beautiful animation. I am going to see it again this weekend.

[Mckmom]

Overall "brave" fell flat. Great potential, great characters, some cute content, blah storyline. Very disappointing.

[hanan2012]

the worst movie i ever watched, i do not recommend it for children at all. not even for adults. I wasted my money:( very disappointed....

[JozeQuinones]

I remember being so excited and blow away after seeing the first teaser trailer. It was awesome, inspirational, and suggested a strong female lead in an amazing, exotic story. Then the second and third trailers came out, and I am so disappointed. This is not Pixar! This is not them! Pixar is about making thoughtful, unusual films that give a new twist to unexpected characters, whether it's a mute space robot that cleans up garbage or a fish trying to find his father. Their stories are bigger than life, memorable. But a girl shaking her curls and declaring she's not going to submit to society's idea of femininity, she wants to be her own little princess? A stupid, chucklehead dad and a strong but sensitive mother who is the real power behind the throne? Annoying brat little brothers? Please. That's a storyline that has been done. To death. It's cliche, twice baked, done over. Pixar, I'm not even sure I am going to trust you with my money on this one. I can't believe you are becoming like everyone else.