"Tangled"

By Matt Duncan
Coastal View News

The very best Disney animated movies from the 1980s and 1990s breathed new life into old stories; they took the themes and morals from classic tales and made them relevant to contemporary audiences. “Tangled”—a take on the story of Rapunzel—is worthy of the classic Disney films that came before it. Its animation pops with the latest graphics, but “Tangled” also hearkens back to the strong stories, enrapturing songs, and sentimentality of Disney classics.

“Tangled” is the story of the long-lost, long-locked Rapunzel. Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) is born the treasured daughter of the righteous king and queen of a harmonious kingdom. Despite their power and riches, Rapunzel’s parents value their daughter above all else.

But Rapunzel’s value goes beyond her bloodline. While in labor, the queen, in order to survive childbirth, takes a draught containing a magical golden flower. As a result, Rapunzel’s hair is imbued with special magical properties. So long as it is not cut, Rapunzel’s hair has special healing and regenerative powers.

Unfortunately, Rapunzel’s gift elicits envy. As a consequence, a wicked and self-absorbed woman, who knows about the magical flower that gave Rapunzel her powers, finds Rapunzel and kidnaps her in the dead of night. This woman—Mother Gothel (Donna Murphy)—discovers that so long as she remains in contact with Rapunzel’s hair, she remains young. Thus, she imprisons Rapunzel in a hidden tower, never letting her newfound treasure out of her grasp.

After eighteen years of confinement, Rapunzel is naturally eager to stretch her legs a bit. Her wanderlust is stoked by the fact that, once a year on her birthday, Rapunzel can see thousands of glowing lanterns are set off into the distant sky. Little does she know that these lanterns are released in her honor; they are a token of the king and queen’s heartbreak. But Rapunzel’s instincts are sound—the lost princess wants nothing more than to see the place where these lanterns are lit and released. And yet, Mother Gothel refuses to let Rapunzel go.

Just when Rapunzel thinks that all hope of escape is lost, a dashing (but arrogant) marauder named Flynn Ryder (Zachary Levi) finds his way into Rapunzel’s tower while attempting to escape from the authorities. Rapunzel is initially frightened by Flynn, but quickly sees that he is her way out of the tower. The clever and quick-thinking Rapunzel makes Flynn promise to take her to the lanterns in exchange for a piece of treasure. Rapunzel thus escapes from her tower.

But the twisted and tangled saga of Rapunzel only begins there. With the devious Mother Gothel after Rapunzel, and a whole army after Flynn, Rapunzel’s journey home is winding and treacherous. Add Rapunzel’s budding romantic feelings for her guide, and it is easy to see that Rapunzel has her hands full. The young princess must find the courage to abandon the familiar, follow her heart, and chase her dreams.

“Tangled” is delightful and refreshing in nearly all of its facets. This film is reminiscent of “Aladdin” and “Beauty and the Beast” in that fanciful and carefree energy and wondrous romance are added to an already compelling story. The characters are engaging and believable—partly because their flaws are not muted or shunted aside. What’s more, several of the songs (many of which are sung by Mandy Moore) are instant classics.

In general, it is nice to see a return to the style of classic Disney animated movies, which I think serve as a balance to the now-dominant Pixar movies. Given the nature of their complexity and humor, Pixar films (which are great of course) seem to be aimed at older kids and adults while still being appealing to younger children. In contrast, classic Disney movies like “The Jungle Book” and “Aladdin” strike me as just the opposite; they are aimed at younger children, and yet, older kids and adults can also appreciate them. “Tangled” fits into the latter category. The themes and morals of this movie are simple, and the plot taps into basic emotions like envy, fear, and love. I think that this sort of movie is important (especially for children) because it serves as a bridge from more basic concepts and morals to the complex themes and ideas found in other movies.

In all, “Tangled” is entertaining, endearing, and insightful. It is a success on many levels.