Originally Posted by
Bluesparks
I didn't watch the behind-the-scenes so I'll take your word for it. It definitely seems incohesive as a whole, like all the themes and whatnot aren't on the same page, and there was plenty of opportunity to make things better. It did miss out on a ton of potential (i.e. having at least one scene where Merida's archery skills got their chance to shine for more than just target shooting). I don't agree with Merida being obnoxious--as someone whose parents would very much like me to go in a different direction than the one I chose, I can totally understand why she is as stubborn, headstrong, and free-spirited as she is. But that's just me.
It still treads on a metric fuckton of my pet peeves--abusing "magic" as plot spackle, using wisps to fix the "I don't know how she'll know where to go" thing, repeatedly mentioning fate and destiny, etc. I hate those parts but I don't really care, the rest of the movie is still awesome IMO.
My favorite part is right after they squish Mor'du and the prince's spirit comes out, gives a tiny nod, and vanishes. It's such a small touch but it adds so much poignancy, and it turns who was previously just an evil thing to be exterminated into someone else entirely, someone who understands what they've done and regrets it. Two seconds of a guy nodding and they turn a raw force of evil into something altogether more powerful. I love that part.
Just my two cents though.