Never underestimate a frying pan

Rating: 10/10 (25 May 2015)

2010 was an amazing year for animated movies. Toy Story 3, Despicable Me, How to Train Your Dragon, and, of course, Tangled. Given this was Disney's first CGI fairytale (no Frozen then, imagine that!), no one really knew what to expect. Disney didn't disappoint.
What immediately struck me upon watching this film was the gorgeous animation. Rapunzel's hair is a technical marvel, and the scenery is simply stunning. The colors are vibrant and diverse and every character, even the minor ones, are exceptionally detailed.
Though it is based off a fairytale, Tangled manages to re-imagine the story of Rapunzel in a way that is fresh for all audiences. Rapunzel ranks next to Mulan and Belle as one of my favorite Disney princesses. She's compassionate and ladylike, but, like the aforementioned princesses, is also resourceful and brave. Flynn Rider has to be one of the most refreshing Disney male leads. He actually *has* a personality, something I unfortunately can't say for Prince Charming or Snow White's prince. The romance that develops between Flynn and Rapunzel is one of Disney's best, probably the best since Belle and the Beast; it's allowed time to develop and doesn't come off as sappy.
Villainess Mother Gothel is truly in a class of her own; manipulative, vain, and coolly calculating.
Which brings me to another standout--the voice acting. Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi shine as the leads, and Donna Murphy is deliciously over-the-top as Gothel.
Unusually for Disney films, the sidekicks don't talk. Maximus (a horse) and Pascal (a chameleon) communicate their thoughts by facial expressions alone.
The soundtrack, although not as memorable as Frozen's, does have a few hits. When Will My Life Begin is peppy and appropriate as Rapunzel's intro, and I See the Light is the best Disney love ballad since A Whole New World in my opinion.
Finally, Tangled's writing is terrific. The comedy is well-balanced between slapstick and satire, and the dramatic moments are powerful.
Overall, Tangled is a must-see if you're a Disney fan, fairytale lover, or simply someone who enjoys a fine movie. My only complaint was that Mother Gothel's dress was a little too low, but it wasn't terrible. If you have kids, make sure to screen Tangled before showing them as the movie does have its intense scenes. Well worth a watch!