FILM: Tangled

Viewed at: Events Cinema, Parramatta

We all know the classic story, but we also know that when it comes to Disney© we can always expect a happy ending – not to mention a tune to go with it! I’m not saying that to spite my childhood companion, I’m just saying it because, well, it’s a fact. 2011 heralds Disney© Animation’s 50^th anniversary by adding another princess into the scene – Rapunzel. The beloved fairytale of the girl with the long golden hair, who was casted out of society by an evil witch receives Mickey’s magic wand and is retold in a Disney© fashion. And yes, it comes with original songs written by Alan Menken, who was recently award with his own star on the Walk of Fame, and lyrics by Glenn Slater. Alan Menken is responsible for many classic Disney© songs featured in: The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas, Enchanted and now, TANGLED.

Tangled starring: Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi and Donna Murphy

In a castle far, far away lived a sickly queen who was pregnant. The Kingdom needed a miracle, and the only hope they had was an ancient flower that was coveted by a selfish old hag. But when she makes a mistake, Gothel is left to watch as her beloved flower is uprooted and given to the queen. But that doesn’t stop her…

I could probably re-tell the entire story for you, but that would just bore you and I don’t want that! Why? Because it’s one of the best animated films I’ve ever seen! I have to say, Rapunzel has always been my favourite princess and I am so glad that Disney© has given it a modern re-telling.

Instead of a Prince, Rapunzel gets a thug – love it. Instead of witch, Rapunzel gets a lying-overprotective mother. Instead of being absolutely lonely, (in true Disney© fashion) she has a chameleon names Pascal as a friend – but he doesn’t speak! – not very many Disney© characters like that huh? Story wise it’s about stepping out and finding the truth, although mind you, I don’t condone lying and sneaking around your parents’ backs – but it’s really about finding out the truth about the world around you. Tangled features thugs with ordinary dreams and the duality in all people, sometimes all we need to do is see the light.

The animation in this film is absolutely fantastic, but you don’t have to see it in 3D. There’s definitely not enough scenes for the 3D effect to intrigue your sights anyway – and I’m not just saying that because I’ve almost lost hope in 3D films. I think the Disney© animators have definitely stepped up and delivered a master piece.

As for the “acting” – I should say voices – in this film, Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi beautifully bring to life these beloved characters. Moore brings a feistiness and grace to her character that almost echoes her role as Anna in her film Chasing Liberty. Moore allows her character to be believable and leaves room for young viewers to still believe in the world of princess. Levi spices up his character with a touch of comedy and charm regardless of the fact that he’s the common thug. Levi identifies with his inner child by portraying a lovable and dependable replacement to the typical Disney© prince – much like Aladdin hey?

But how can you talk about a Disney© animation without the music? What I really love about this film was the fact that it had a great balance between dialogue and signing. The backing tracks for the chasing scenes and emotive scenes were also very believable and encouraging to your impulses. I loved it so much, I bought the soundtrack on iTunes. Mandy Moore lends her voice just like many before her and produced great songs that will be beloved by many of a new generation. Zachary Levi surprises many with his singing abilities and has now also lent his voice to his beloved Disney© animators. But here’s extra help if you don’t believe me:

I’m kidding! Here:

Because it’s a new year I’m adding a new feature: “Best Call in Cinema” (BCC) – this is inspired by a 10-year-old and you’ll only get the call if you’ve seen the film. But since you guys weren’t with me I’ll have to set the scene…

So Rapunzel and Flynn Rider are on their way on a boat to get a better view of the lights, and so they leave Maximums (guard horse) on the dock. Flynn tosses a bag of apples to him and says, “Don’t worry I paid for them,” Maximums starts to eat when Flynn finishes with, “most of them.” Then later on Rapunzel and Flynn are singing and he pulls out some lanterns for them to release… (hence:)
Best Call in Cinema: He stole them!
Token Line: “…here comes the ‘smolder’.”

sLrates: 5 Stars
Next on sL: Mini-Marathon: The Dilemma and Burlesque.