When I go through my check list of basic things I like to see in a play doll, Merida has them all. In a perfect world, she'd have a gripping hand and be able to pose really well with a loaded bow. Also, another arrow or two for her quiver would be ideal. Maybe this would be too much of a manufacturing hassle for such an inexpensive doll, but I'm thinking that just a few more of those tighter curls sticking out all over the place would look great. Mostly, I'd have loved a doll with crazier hair. She comes in a very simple rectangular window box with a cardboard backdrop:īottom line? If I try hard, I can think of a few things I'd change. Merida costs $16.50, which is a bit pricier than the other princesses. She's a charmer:Ĭlassic 12' Brave Merida from the Disney Store. In any case, I liked the movie well enough to be delighted that I have the doll. I wish Disney movies weren't so frenetic-it's as though they assume kids have no attention span and the visual frame rate of a hawk. Also, I found myself wishing the movie would slow its frantic pace and let me look at the beautifully rendered characters and scenery a bit more. My kids and I agree that the plot could have been developed for another 15 minutes or so. Merida's horse Angus is amazing and realistic, though he doesn't have a personality like the Tangled steed, Maximus. The animation of Merida's hair is incredible, as is the fur animation on all of the creatures. The Scottish accents and music are wonderful, there are numerous laugh-out-loud moments, and I almost cried a few times. It's not Tangled caliber in my eyes, but it's very, very good. I'm no movie expert, but I really enjoyed this movie. These new dolls are worth a look because they have different articulation and, it looks like at least Rapunzel has a new face mold. Not only are the Disney Store shelves packed with Brave dolls right now (including the limited edition 18' Merida ), but brand new versions of all of the other princess are available for $14.50 (or 2 for $22 with the current sale). The Brave dolls have actually been out for way longer than the movie, which just opened last week. I had high hopes for Brave, and for the the Disney Store doll line that would inevitably accompany it. I haven't enjoyed a Disney movie that much since I was a kid.

My excitement stemmed mostly from my enthusiasm for Disney's last masterpiece, Tangled. You might remember how excited I've been to see the Pixar movie, Brave.

Brave merida doll