Bad expectations, exceptional movie.

Rating: 10/10 (10 June 2013)

Like many of you, I was not expecting much from this movie. Being years ago since I first saw it, I'm not sure what exactly was the cause of my hesitation. This movie proved me wrong.
However, it could very well have been my hesitation and low expectations that led me to enjoy it so much that first time. That does not explain the absolute love I have for this movie in my multiple rewatchings of it.
On the surface, it could be your basic movie. However, it's when you think about it, that's when it snares you. The villain in this movie is so much more frightening because I can relate to the dynamic between her and Rapunzel. The subtle abuse (and it is abuse, even if it is emotional) just chills me to the bone.
This is also the first Disney Princess Movie I can recall (Mulan notwithstanding) where it was not all about the love story. The love story wasn't secondary, but it worked well in tandem with the story that ran parallel with it. (Plus, I'm a huge sucker for stories where the love evolves, almost as I adore Unrequited Love.)
There are so many points I can make about this movie. If I sat here and listed them all, I could probably have it published.
One note, though. While Maximus was awesome, Pascal got on my nerves to no end at first. Over time, he's grown on me.