What I found completely blew me away. 'Tangled' is reminiscent of the old Disney classics, 'Cinderella' and 'Snow White'. It is a musical, and the songs are really, really good: sweet, catchy, with great choreography (i.e., no Pocahontas singing longingly into the wind from a pine bough). Here are some of the reasons I love this movie SO MUCH, and will actually fork over the money to buy it for my family:
1. It is upbeat and lighthearted. I think I smiled throughout the whole movie. The antics and dynamics between some of the characters are laugh out loud funny (like the horse who acts like a dog, Max's, ongoing rivalry with Flynn Rider, the movie's reluctant hero). Even Rapunzel's evil captor, Mother Gothel, has the least scary Disney death scene I've ever witnessed.
2. The main character is not a brat. I. Love. This. I grew up on a steady diet of Ariel, but now she turns my stomach, as do many of the other more recent Disney heroines. I mean, when did it become cool to be selfish, self-seeking and hurtful to those you love? Rapunzel, on the other hand, is driven by her loving and pure heart. Her purity of character becomes her greatest weapon against the would-be perils of the world outside her tower, and she ends up charming everyone she meets.
3. The main character is modest. No voluptuous bosoms, or swinging backsides in this movie. Rapunzel has a cute little face, freckles, and the body of a twelve year old (Don't let the cover fool you. That is the most chest you'll see in the whole movie). And, she traipses around barefoot. Bonus for this island girl!
4. Amazing character development. This is something 'Cinderella' and 'Snow White' don't have. Both Flynn (the leading male), and Rapunzel have deeply rounded, endearing characters, and unveil slowly throughout the film. This movie is as much about the two main characters' journeys to discover their true selves as it is the overlying quest they embark upon.
5. TCK themes. Here's another movie about someone who spent her entire life in one world, and is suddenly thrust into a completely new one. It is fun to watch Rapunzel meeting new people, going to new places, and expanding her idea of who she is as a person in a new environment.
We LOVED tangled!!! My daughter is 4 and she adores it. My sons are 7 and 9 and even they like it (though you'd be hard pressed to get them to admit it). So awesome. I love Despicable Me too - you'll have to watch that one if you haven't yet. LOVED it!
ReplyDeleteDespicable Me was so cute!! I loved the premise of the lovable villain :)
ReplyDeleteI liked Tangled. The dog-horse was funny. We tell Providence when we read little mermaid books that Ariel didn't listen to her daddy and that Providence should because her mom and dad want what's best for her. It's a teachable moment.
ReplyDeleteI have been wanting to get this from Netflix or Redbox for a family movie night. Your review is pushing me happily over the edge, especially since I share your feelings about most modern Disney movies.
ReplyDeleteYour girls will want to watch it over and over again! :) Like I said, I'm going to have to buy this one.
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