Simon Dillon reviews the film

Tangled

I must confess to being somewhat baffled at the surprising number of mean spirited reviews for Tangled. Disney's 50th animated feature is not, as some have claimed, merely a cynical marketing exercise. Obviously Tangled has been marketed, with no more or less cynicism than usual, but the film itself is a finely animated, funny and touching take on the Rapunzel fairytale, and a satisfying piece of entertainment for young and old alike.

In this version, the story is told from the perspective of Flynn Rider - a thief who, having stolen the crown of the Kingdom's missing Princess, then happens upon said Princess in the tower where she has been stashed ever since being kidnapped by the wicked Mother Gothel. Cue a very funny interrogation scene involving Flynn being tied up with Rapunzel's hair.

What follows is admittedly predictable, but Tangled represents a major return to form after the inexplicably disappointing Princess and the Frog. All the right ingredients are present, including comedy animals (a wily chameleon and the best comedy horse for some time) and fine vocal performances - notably Zachery Levi, Mandy Moore, Ron Perlman and even good old Richard Kiel aka Jaws from The Spy Who Loved Me/Moonraker. Directors Nathan Greno and Byron Howard ensure the animation is bold and colourful, and really demands to be seen on a big screen. The music and songs (by Alan Menken) are good if not necessarily up to his impossibly high standards of the Little Mermaid/Beauty and the Beast era. And did I mention it was really funny and touching?

On a moral and spiritual level there is loads to praise - cardinal virtues such as courage, loyalty and sacrifice are all extolled, and both lead characters learn important (though not preachy) lessons. In Flynn's case, the value of people over riches, and in Rapunzel's case, the discovery of inner strength to overcome years of mollycoddling, etc, etc. There are some nits I could pick with the finale, but since I was so wrapped up in the heartfelt sentimentality of it all, I have decided to overlook them.

In short, don't believe the likes of Peter Bradshaw. Tangled is a fine family film which both adults and children are sure to enjoy. CR

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.