Great Movie That is Sure to Keep You Laughing

Rating: 10/10 (30 September 2014)

Tangled takes the classic Brothers Grimm tale of Rapunzel and adds a classic Disney flavor with just enough comedy, entertainment, romance, and fun to keep every member of the family watching with a smile. The tale holds onto some of its classic roots. Rapunzel is locked in a tower with impossibly long hair, shut off from the rest of the world. Scriptwriter Dan Fogelman takes a different twist on the story when he rewrites the reasons for her captivity and the story that follows afterward. In this story, Rapunzel has magical hair that has the power to keep Mother Gothel young. Gothel takes it upon herself to kidnap Rapunzel and lock her in the tower. When Flynn Rider stumbles into the tower, he and Rapunzel embark on a mission that is bound to change both of them. Tangled takes viewers on a comedic journey with both Rapunzel and Rider that is sure to have any viewer on the edge of their seat, laughing and singing along.
This film incorporates the classic characters of the tale and adds several new and entertaining characters. Maximus, a horse who seems to have the personality of a dog, has a personality that is sure to have everyone cackling. His strong and staunch personality makes up for his lack of dialogue. Rapunzel's chameleon, Pascal, adds a similar taste to the film. His silly and sarcastic personality will be sure to have any kid begging for a pet reptile by the end of the film. Other new, yet notable, characters include a group of men in a small diner who, at first glance, seem to be a bunch of thugs. They appear large and tough but Rapunzel soon has them breaking out in song, adding a comedic scene that everyone is sure to love. Characters in this film are developed well and each adds their own zest to the film. The casting of the main characters, Mandy Moore as Rapunzel, Zachary Levi as Flynn Rider, and Donna Murphy as Mother Gothel, is superb. Each completely takes on the role of their character, making you feel their emotions and empathize with them on a level that is rarely reached in animated films.
The musical numbers in this film worked marvelously with the plot. They fell right into their place and contributed well to the story line. The musical numbers in this film range from the slow and breathtaking I See the Light performed by Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi to the fun and foot-tapping I've Got a Dream performed by Mandy Moore, Brad Garrett, Jeffrey Tambor, Zachary Levi, and ensemble. Alan Menken, the composer for Tangled, has won eight Oscars for his work in films such as Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid. Though many cry that the numbers in this film are not as impressive as his previous work, it would be difficult to argue that the music in Tangled do not contribute greatly to the plot. They are performed well by the voices of the characters in the film. One very notable performance by Donna Murphy as Mother Gothel comes toward the beginning of the film when Murphy sings Mother Knows Best in response to Rapunzel's request to leave the tower. Murphy certainly delivered this number with power and emotion and it is sure to be a heart-stopping and memorable part of the movie. The plot and character development provide a story that is certainly worth following. However, the design and cinematography deserve much credit as well. The story circles around the idea of these floating lights that Rapunzel is so desperately yearning to see. Lighting in the film is spectacular. This, of course, is especially evident in the boat scene where Rapunzel and Rider are surrounded by the floating lights and singing a heartwarming musical number. These elements combine to make an incredibly beautiful scene that will have you drying your eyes to watch the rest of the film. Other scenes with notable design and lighting include the saloon where Rider takes Rapunzel toward the beginning of their journey and the scene in the prison where Flynn is held. Rapunzel's tower, hidden away in the forest, also holds a simplistic, yet breathtaking, design.
Tangled certainly offers the traditional tale with a certain twist that viewers are sure to appreciate. Every member of the family is bound to empathize and fall in love with the characters. Casting for this film was on point and provided great emotion to the film. The musical numbers added the perfect amount of gusto to this film. No doubt you will be tapping your feet and singing along by the end of this film.