Review:

Tangled

Chris Vetter

Disney Studios has superbly mixed its hand-drawn animation with the computer-generated Pixar technology for its latest film - Tangled. The story of Rapunzel comes to life in vibrant, gorgeous colour, and the 3D is top-notch. Kids of all ages will enjoy this latest Disney entry.

The film follows Rapunzel, who was stolen as a baby by an old woman who has discovered the infant's hair has magical healing powers, including the ability to give the woman back her youthful figure and face. Thus, Rapunzel has grown up in a tree house, far above the ground. She's bored and desperately wants freedom, but her 'mother' has convinced her that the outside world is far too dangerous for a young girl like Rapunzel.

So, Rapunzel stays put until a fleeing thief named Flynn Rider stumbles into her home. Yes, Flynn Rider is no Prince Charming, but he does seem to have his heart in the right place. Rapunzel essentially forces Flynn to take her into the city to see a light display. Much of the movie is about their journey into the city and Rapunzel being captivated by this world.

Viewers will quickly take to this Rapunzel. She's no weakling - she swings a frying pan at villains with fervour. She is engaging and smart.

Pop singer and actress Mandy Moore provides the angelic voice of Rapunzel, and her musical style is clear and present on the songs that Rapunzel sings. Moore has a full, warm, wonderful voice and she carries the film. Zachary Levi (from TV's Chuck) is the voice of Flynn Rider. Considering I've never heard him sing before, Levi held his own in a duet with Moore.

If there is a complaint here, it would be that the film feels heavily borrowed from other Disney animated films in the past 20 years. A magical flower is reminiscent of a scene from Beauty & the Beast. Rapunzel's desire to escape the tree house and experience the big city is too similar to Ariel's wishes to leave her watery paradise under the sea in The Little Mermaid. But, these are small complaints about a movie so good.

A note for parents - this film is rated PG, and it deserves this rating, as there is a scene of a red-covered chest of Flynn Rider, indicating he is bleeding heavily. This film has just enough violence that it did not warrant a 'G' rating. Shot on an estimated $260 million budget, Tangled quickly earned $84 million in its first five days of release worldwide; even with its high production costs, it looks like a winner.

It was announced last month that only three films will be nominated for the Oscar for 'best animated feature.' I now fully expect Tangled to join Toy Story 3 and How To Train Your Dragon as the three nominees. I've seen all three, and they are all clearly at a higher level than other animated films this year.