Cars 2 is really bad, and I can’t bear to go to the theater and watch it.

I know it’s pretty unfair for me to dismiss a movie right off without seeing it first, but I’ve seen enough clips and heard enough feedback to know no good can come from me watching it. Until now, Pixar hasn’t made a film that has really disappointed me; the closest its come to disappointing me is A Bug’s Life, with Cars coming a close second. But those films were still decent, whereas Cars 2… it includes a character falling in a giant septic tank. What’s exactly in the septic tank? Lest we forget, cars don’t poop! Just… GOD.

So yeah, I can’t watch this movie. But I did see the trailer before it and, holy crap, what a change in tone!

See, this is the Pixar I know and love. Gorgeous setting, real tension and such a fantastic character design. I’m sure I’m not the first person to say this, but look at her hair! I’m transfixed by the texture they’d put into it.

Pixar

I could have used a little more determination in her face – I couldn’t really figure out if she was scared or self-assured or angry or what.  At the very end of trailer, we do see a hint of a sly smile before it cuts to the title, but I’m curious about how expressive her face is going to be. But you know what is awesome? Brave is the first Pixar movie with a female lead, and she’s actually pro-active. Considering the last time there was a Pixar movie with a focus on strong (human) female characters was in 2004 with The Incredibles, this is a long time coming. I especially appreciate that she actually looks like a girl and not a woman. I’m not sure exactly how old she’s supposed to be, but I would say early teens. It’s just nice that there’s a female heroine that isn’t super-womanly (think Pocahontas). And the director is Brenda Chapman, director of the visually stunning and character driven Prince of Egypt. She also helped write Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King. I think we’re in good hands.

I’ve also noticed there are a good amount of Harry Potter actors in this, including Emma Thompson, Robbie Coltrane and Julie Walters. And knowing the relationship between Pixar and Studio Ghibli, I don’t think it’s a coincidence the trailer had just a hint of Princess Mononoke to it. Now I’m just hoping the voice actors are as impressive as this sample of the animation. Brave is coming out June 2012.