Tangled

Released November 24, 2010
Directed by Nathan Greno and Byron Howard
Starring: Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy, and Ron Perlman

First viewing November 25, 2010
Jolly: 3.5/5 stars

Disney has done it again! An enchanting re-telling of Rapunzel filled with humour, heart, and unbelievable animation.

In this version, the young Princess Rapunzel is taken from her parents by the villainous Mother Gothel, who hides Rapunzel to harness the healing powers of her hair. Forbidden from ever leaving the lonely, hidden tower by Mother Gothel, Rapunzel fills her days by painting, baking, reading, and cleaning to her heart’s content. Although she makes the best of her situation, she longs to discover the mystery of the floating lights which appear every year on her birthday. Rapunzel finally leaves the tower with the help of Flynn Rider, a thief who discovers the tower trying to evade the palace guards – and the fun begins!

The characters are well-developed, charming, and timeless. The themes are very similar to The Little Mermaid; having dreams and achieving them through bravery and determination with a heroine that feels like a “fish out of water”.

Indeed, Tangled is a combination of classic Disney story-telling and modern animation…with just a touch of pixie dust.