Tangled: Movie Review

A retelling of the Grimm brothers’ Rapunzel story, Tangled is Disney’s new 3D animated movie releasing in theaters today. It is the studio’s version of the classic fairytale, complete with their famous princess movie staples: entertaining songs, comical sidekicks, and a fun and endearing script.

With a strong female lead and a handsome non-royal man, the love story isn’t like traditional princess movies from Disney’s past. But that, along with the fun storyline and characters, is what makes this film one of the best the animation giant has created in years.

THE MOVIE IN A MINUTE

Rapunzel (voiced by Mandy Moore) knows nothing of life outside her tower, besides what Mother Gothel tells her. That is until charming bandit Flynn Rider (Zachary Levi) climbs inside to hide from his pursuers. Desperate to experience the world outside her lofty tower, the curious teen with magical hair convinces Rider to be her guide. The two go in search of the source of mysterious lights Rapunzel sees floating in the sky each year on her birthday. With Rider’s hunters hot on their trail, the criminal and the golden-haired beauty encounter a gang of brutes, Rider’s old criminal friends, and Mother Gothel who has been tracking Rapunzel to pull her back into her locked-up tower.

THE GOOD AND BAD IN TANGLED

Tangled is a high quality Disney animated film. It's what you'd expect and more. This fable-based movie is wrapped in a contemporary look, with vibrant 3D CG animation. Supervised and produced by the Disney animation veterans who brought us The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas, The Incredibles, and A Bug’s Life, Tangled fits well in a great line of animated classics. The creative team perfectly aided the script and cast in creating a 3D movie experience that’s definitely easy on the eyes.

Screenwriter Dan Fogelman (who wrote Cars and Bolt) brilliantly scripted a kid-friendly version of Rapunzel’s story in Tangled. His script laid the needed framework for the fast-moving storyline, giving viewers a look at how love, curiosity, and faith can bring true destinies to light. It’ll make you laugh one moment, and tear up the next.

Fogelman’s cast of characters is brought to life through animation, but given voice by a number of talented cast members. Pop singer and actress Mandy Moore (License to Wed, A Walk to Remember) is Rapunzel; her counterpart, Flynn Rider, is voiced by TV star Zachary Levi (Chuck). Tony Award winner Donna Murphy voices Mother Gothel. Also featured in the vocal cast are Ron Perlman as Stabbington Brother, one of Rider’s double-crossed crime partners, and Brad Garrett and Jeffrey Tambor as two thugs Rider and Rapunzel meet on their journey.

The acting talent required of the cast is incredible on an animated film. But, this cast not only had to act the part, they had to sing it as well. With music by the famed Alan Menken, who wrote the music for The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and lyrics by Glenn Slater, Tangled’s score is fantastic. The lyrics fit the mood and melody; they’re fun and tender throughout the film (the soundtrack will be a keeper). Professional singers Mandy Moore and Donna Murphy are wonderful in each song they perform. The pleasant surprise comes with the strong vocals Zachary Levi produces as Flynn Rider. The music of Tangled earns a 5-star rating (should get Oscar nominations), and just adds another plus to the movie’s likeability.

Offensive content: Rated PG for brief mild violence, Tangled is safe for children to see. Be aware, villians in the film threaten Rider and Rapunzel with weapons, but no violent acts are committed. Rapunzel's hair is magical and heals whomever touches it while she sings a song that awakens its power. But the magic ends there. Unlike other Disney princess films of the past, overt sorcery is not explored in Tangled.

IN THE END

Tangled is Disney at its best. Families will not be disappointed with this captivating story of Rapunzel, in animated form. It’s a tale of self-discovery and adventure that will capture hearts at the theater this holiday.