Tangled Review

Tangled - When hair works in your favour! 

Walt Disney Animation Studios

Directed by	Nathan Greno Byron Howard
Produced by	Roy Conli
Written by	Dan Fogelman
Based on	"Rapunzel" by Brothers Grimm
Starring	Mandy Moore Zachary Levi Donna Murphy
Music by	Alan Menken Glenn Slater (Lyrics) Alan Menken (Score)

Yes, after years of waiting, onlooking at the b-grade claptrap that Disney has formally produced over the last five years (‘The Princess Frog, ‘High School Musical’), the classic Disney flick has been rescued by its White Knight + Noble Steed! Me’ lady, come thee down from thou tower… unwrap your hair, you are safe - Flynn Rider and Maximus have arrived in Disney’s latest hit, ‘Tangled’.

‘Tangled’ is Disney at its best. Once more we are presented with a plotline based around firstly, a lost princess (Rapunzle – Mandy Moore), and secondly, we have our rather vague knight (who of course must step to the platform of good for the princess – thus correcting the world, and righting the wrongs – this shall be Flynn Rider) - simple, and very effective! This can also by argued by the two hundred kids (of ages 4-10yrs) that literally did not stop laughing, gasping, and cheering throughout the entire screening – one would most commonly be annoyed with this, though this once (and only this once), it reminded me of exactly how fun, enthralling, and sweet an animation can be when done correctly. And like every fairytale should do, upon the closing credits you are left questioning the ideals of true love/fate, and just exactly where in the world your princess/prince is and when he/she will be stopping by, noble steed included.

Firstly, Disney’s use of song within the film, lyrics by Glen Slater, certainly requires a mention. Reverting back to its classic musical foundations as seen in Mulan, Lion King, Beauty & The Beast etc, the music is fabulously composed, but at times goes just a little too far. I.e. The lyrics to the opening song just seemed a little too much – but only for a moment. Entitled 'When will my life begin' - performed by Mandy Moore.... she just has so many things to do... it became a little absurd! 

7 AM, the usual morning lineup
Start on the chores and sweep 'til the floor's all clean
Polish and wax, do laundry, and mop and shine up
Sweep again, and by then it's like 7:15

And so I'll read a book
Or maybe two or three
I'll add a few new paintings to my gallery
I'll play guitar and knit
And cook and basically
Just wonder when will my life begin?

Then after lunch it's puzzles and darts and baking
Paper mache, a bit of ballet and chess
Pottery and ventriloquy, candle making
Then I'll stretch, maybe sketch, take a climb
Sew a dress!

Screening nationally from January 4^th, this is surely a film to catch this summer. Get your prince/princess outfit on, warm up your vocal chords, and check it out! Your inner-child will love you forever! 

Benjamin.