It’s noteworthy that Disney/Pixar’s “Brave,” opening Friday (6/22/12), is the first Pixar feature – and the first Disney animated feature in a while – to focus on a heroine, rather than a hero. And not a heroine whose fate is somehow bound up with romance – that’s a crucial distinction.

Even more noteworthy: “Brave” shows Pixar has its groove back, after the deadly misfire of “Cars 2.” (More…)