Review 292: Tangled
Tangled is a wonderful Disney animated film and (and it's rare that I say this) one of my favourite all time animated films.
Based on the fairy tale Rapunzel by the Brothers Grimm, Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) is a princess who is stolen from her parents' castle as a baby and is locked in a hidden tower longing for adventure. Now an imaginative and determined teenager, she takes off on a hilarious, hair-raising escapade with the help of a dashing bandit named Flynn Rider (Zachary Levi). With the secret of her royal heritage hanging inDonna Murphy)
The plot is brilliant, it may not be as deep as the best Disney animated films such as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King etc, but it touch on very simple but touching and strong themes such as following and achieving your dreams and lost children being reunited with with their parents. All topped MacKenzie Mauzy some hysterical comedy, stunning animation and wonderfully crafted characters
How do the themes in Tangled seem so small and yet make so big an impact on the viewer well lets find out.
Following and achieving your dreams: All Rapunzel ever wanted to do wanted in her 18 years of being held hostage by Mother Gothel was to see the Yellow Lanterns that are released each night on her Birthday and her journey and determination are so inspirational to children of all ages.
Lost children being reunited with with their parents: Under the amazing animation, the hilarious comic relief the exciting action and the medieval music and 1960s folk rock inspired songs, Rapunzel's journey in the end becomes one of returning to her true home and being reunited with her parents which makes Tangled oddly moving.
Also the characters in Tangled are so well crafted, everyone can relate to someone in the film e.g. even though Rapunzel's arc isn't that original and has been done loads of times, it's handled in such a cliche free and humble way which is how it makes such a big impact. Also Flynn Rider can appeal to both girls and boys because he's got the good looks, the posture, the sense of adventure, the bravery, the action, the fearlessness and the honesty you need to be a hero. Pascal the Chameleon and Maximus the horse provide great comic relief and you can understand Mother Gothel as a villain because she doesn't steal Rapunzel for no reason, she steals her because she wants to be young due to her hair having magical healing powers.
Directors Bryan Howard and Nathan Greno's animation direction is unobtrusive, the animation is gorgeous, the scenery is breathtaking, the locations are stunning, the action is exciting, the production design is magnificent, the character design is marvellous, the comedy is hysterical, the score by Alan Menken is beautiful, the songs (I See the Light, When Will My Life Begin?, Mother Knows Best, I've Got a Dream) by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater are terrific, it's fast paced, the musical numbers are catchy and the ending was superb.
The voice cast is excellent particularly from Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi.
Moore brings Rapunzel to life wonderfully, like all the best Disney princesses she's independant, she's free spirited, she's fiesty and has a great down-to-earth, girl next door vibe to her.
Zachary Levi is tremendous as Flynn Rider, he's witty but very honest for a thief and it's easy to see why he's enamored with Rapunzel. Also I think he's good looks, simple brand of charm, humor and action persona will appeal to girls as well as boys.
Donna Murphy is an excellent villain, her want is a very natural, to be young again which is something a lot of people want or consider having and she's determined to stay young even if it means keeping Rapunzel locked in the tower forever.
Other actors who are great in the film are Ron Perlman as the Stabbington brothers, Jeffrey Tambor as Big Nose Thug, Paul F. Tompkins as Short Thug and Frank Welker as Pascal and Maximus.
Tangled is a wonderful Disney animated film and a film that I think will be loved for generations to come, 5/5.
The Anonymous Critic.
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